Scientists Have Found A Way To Reverse Kidney Damage – Expert Decodes What It Means

You must have heard that kidney damage cannot be reversed in most cases. The progression of chronic kidney disease, however, can be slowed with medications and lifestyle changes. But what if we tell you that scientists may have found a way to reverse kidney damage? Yes, this is absolutely true. This gives hope to many people who are suffering from chronic kidney damage. Want to know more about this study? Keep reading.

To get an expert opinion on this study, as well as an in-depth idea of what kidney damage is and how it can be reversed, we got in touch with Dr Kishan A, Consultant – Nephrology, Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore.

What Is The New Study On Kidney Damage All About?

Researchers at University of Utah Health released a study recently, which mentioned that kidney damage may be reversed. They discovered that fatty molecules called ceramides initiate Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) by damaging the mitochondria that supply energy to kidney cells. With the help of a backup drug candidate designed to alter how ceramides are processed, the team protected mitochondrial structure and prevented kidney injury in mice.

Our expert shares his view on this study. Dr Kishan A says, “This new finding from University of Utah Health is very encouraging. Scientists showed that by targeting harmful fat molecules called ceramides, they could protect kidney cell power-plants (mitochondria) and completely reverse acute kidney injury in mice. If such a treatment works safely in humans, it could be a breakthrough, offering a real way to repair kidney damage instead of just managing its symptoms. At the same time, it’s important to stay realistic: many mouse-based successes don’t always translate to people, so further clinical research will be needed.”

Can Kidney Damage Be Reversed?

Is kidney damage irreversible in the majority of cases? Our expert explains this for you. He shares, “Kidney damage can sometimes be reversed, but it depends on the cause, stage, and how quickly treatment begins. In the early stages of kidney injury, especially acute kidney injury caused by dehydration, infection, or certain medicines, the kidneys often heal when the problem is treated quickly.”

Dr Kishan A adds, “Lifestyle changes like drinking enough water, controlling blood pressure, managing diabetes, and avoiding harmful painkillers also help the kidneys recover. However, long-term or chronic kidney disease is usually not fully reversible because the kidney filters become permanently damaged. In such cases, treatment focuses on slowing further harm and improving kidney function as much as possible. Early diagnosis, regular checkups, and healthy habits give the best chance for protecting and improving kidney health.”

Also Read: Are Your Daily Habits Slowly Damaging Your Kidneys? What to Change Now

What Is The Main Cause Of Kidney Damage?

But what causes kidney damage? Let’s find out. “The main cause of kidney damage is long-term health problems that slowly harm the kidneys, especially diabetes and high blood pressure. High blood sugar from diabetes damages the tiny blood vessels in the kidneys, making it hard for them to filter waste. High BP also puts extra force on these blood vessels, causing them to weaken over time,” explains Dr Kishan A.

He continues, “Other common causes include frequent use of painkiller medicines, repeated infections, dehydration, and kidney stones that block urine flow. Heart disease, obesity, and unhealthy lifestyle habits can also increase the risk. In many people, early kidney damage shows no symptoms, so regular checkups are important. Managing sugar levels, blood pressure, and hydration can greatly reduce the chance of kidney problems.”

Early Signs Of Kidney Damage

“Early signs of kidney damage are often quiet, but there are some warning signals to watch out for,” warns Dr Kishan A. On this note, he lists them down for us:

• You may feel more tired than usual because waste builds up in the blood.
• You may notice swelling in your feet, ankles, or around your eyes due to extra fluid.
• Your urine may change in colour, smell, or amount.
• You may wake up often at night to pass urine.
• You might also feel nausea, loss of appetite, or mild back pain near the kidney area. Some people get dry, itchy skin or muscle cramps.

“Because these symptoms are common in other conditions too, regular blood and urine tests are the best way to detect kidney problems early and start treatment on time,” shares the expert.

How To Naturally Reverse Kidney Damage? 

Did you know that natural ways can support and possibly improve early kidney damage as well. Our expert jots down some natural ways for the same:

• Focusing on reducing the stress on your kidneys and improving overall health.
• Drinking enough water helps the kidneys flush out waste more easily.
• Eating a low-salt, low-sugar, and low-processed-food diet protects the kidneys and supports healthy blood pressure.
• Managing diabetes and blood pressure through diet, exercise, and medicines is the most important step.
• Including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and kidney-friendly foods like berries, apples, and olive oil is helpful.
• Avoiding painkillers like ibuprofen and reducing alcohol and smoking also supports healing.
• Getting regular exercise improves blood flow to the kidneys.

“While these steps may improve early damage, advanced kidney disease cannot be fully reversed, so medical guidance is essential,” says Dr Kishan A.

How To Slow Progression Of Chronic Kidney Disease

Speaking about slowing the progression of chronic kidney disease, the expert says that you can do so by protecting your kidneys from further stress and keeping other health problems under control.

“Managing diabetes and high blood pressure with medicines, healthy food, and regular checkups is the most important step. Eating a low-salt, low-protein, and low-processed-food diet helps reduce the workload on the kidneys. Drinking enough water, avoiding smoking, limiting alcohol, and staying active support better kidney function. Avoiding painkillers like ibuprofen and checking medicines with a doctor also prevents further damage. Keeping a healthy weight and reducing cholesterol protect the blood vessels that supply the kidneys. Regular blood and urine tests help track changes early, so treatment can be adjusted quickly to slow the disease,” explains Dr Kishan A.

Can You Restore A Damaged Kidney?

The last but not the least query which will be addressed is – can a damaged kidney be restored? Our expert answers.

“A damaged kidney can sometimes be restored, but it depends on how early the problem is found and what caused the damage. In cases of acute kidney injury, where the kidneys suddenly stop working properly due to dehydration, infection, or certain medicines, the kidneys can often heal completely with quick treatment,” says Dr Kishan A.

“Healthy habits like drinking enough water, controlling blood pressure, and managing diabetes also support recovery. However, long-term or chronic kidney disease is harder to reverse because the kidney tissue becomes permanently damaged over time. In such cases, treatment can slow the disease, protect remaining kidney function, and improve symptoms, but it cannot fully restore the kidney. Early diagnosis and medical care give the best chance for recovery,” concludes the expert.

Also Read: Are Your Kidneys Trying To Tell You Something? 5 Signs Of Kidney Damage That Appear At Night

The Final Word

The new finding from University of Utah Health discovered that they can completely reverse acute kidney injury in mice. If this treatment works safely in humans, then it could be a breakthrough and can offer a real way to repair kidney damage instead of just managing its symptoms.