Chronic Kidney Disease : Complete Guide to Stage 2 & Stage 3

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a slow, progressive condition in which the kidneys gradually lose their ability to filter waste and maintain the body’s internal balance. It affects millions of people worldwide and often goes unnoticed in the early stages. Understanding Stage 2 and Stage 3 CKD is extremely important because this is the phase where timely lifestyle changes, proper medical support, and early interventions can significantly slow down the progression of the disease.

What is Chronic Kidney Disease?

CKD occurs when the kidneys get damaged over time due to conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, long-term infections, or hereditary disorders. The kidneys filter waste from the blood through a measurement called eGFR (estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate).

• A normal eGFR is 90+ ml/min.

• As the eGFR value drops, kidney function decreases and CKD stages progress.

  
  

Understanding Stage 2 CKD

Stage 2 CKD is considered a mild stage, with an eGFR between 60–89 ml/min. At this stage, the kidneys are working slightly below normal but still perform essential functions. Many patients do not feel symptoms, making regular checkups important.

Common Signs of Stage 2 CKD

Although Stage 2 may not have obvious symptoms, some patients may experience:

• Mild swelling in hands or feet

• Increased urination, especially at night

• Subtle tiredness

• Early rise in blood pressure

These signs are often ignored, which allows the disease to progress silently.

How to Manage Stage 2 CKD

The primary goal in Stage 2 is to prevent further kidney damage.
Effective steps include:

• Blood pressure control: Keeping BP under 130/80 mm Hg

• Sugar management: Essential for diabetic patients

• Healthy kidney-friendly diet: Low salt, balanced proteins, reduced processed foods

• Adequate hydration: Avoiding both dehydration and overhydration

• Avoiding harmful medicines: NSAIDs and unnecessary painkillers

Lifestyle improvement at this stage greatly reduces the risk of reaching advanced CKD.

Understanding Stage 3 CKD

Stage 3 CKD is a moderate stage, where the eGFR drops to 30–59 ml/min. This is the phase when symptoms become more noticeable and medical care becomes crucial. Stage 3 is further divided into:

• Stage 3a: eGFR 45–59

• Stage 3b: eGFR 30–44

Common Symptoms of Stage 3 CKD

Patients often begin experiencing:

• Persistent fatigue and weakness

• Fluid retention, swelling, or puffiness

• Muscle cramps

• Loss of appetite

• Dry, itchy skin

• Foamy urine due to protein loss

• High blood pressure

Ignoring these symptoms can lead to rapid progression toward Stage 4 and Stage 5 (kidney failure).

Risks Associated with Stage 3

Stage 3 CKD increases the risk of:

• Heart disease

• Anemia

• Bone disorders

• Electrolyte imbalance

• High creatinine and urea levels

Regular monitoring and strict treatment plans are essential during this stage.

Diet and Lifestyle Tips for Stage 2 & Stage 3 CKD

A kidney-friendly routine can slow CKD progression significantly.
Important steps include:

1. Reduce Sodium Intake

Limit salt to 1,500–2,000 mg/day to control swelling and blood pressure.

2. Maintain Balanced Protein

Excess protein can strain kidneys. Prefer:

• Dal in limited quantity

• Paneer, tofu, eggs in moderation

• Avoid red meat

3. Control Potassium & Phosphorus

Depending on blood reports, limit high-potassium foods (banana, coconut water) and high-phosphorus foods (packaged items, soda).

4. Stay Active

Regular walking or yoga improves heart health and blood pressure.

5. Avoid Smoking & Alcohol

Both directly damage kidneys and worsen CKD.

Treatment Approach for Stage 2 and Stage 3 CKD

Medical Treatment

Doctors may recommend:

• Blood pressure medicines (ACE inhibitors/ARBs)

• Sugar-controlling medicines

• Supplements for anemia

• Treatment for bone health

Regular tests like creatinine, eGFR, urine protein, and ultrasound help track the condition.

Ayurvedic & Natural Support

Many patients also prefer Ayurvedic support to strengthen kidneys naturally. Ayurveda focuses on:

• Improving kidney tissue function

• Managing inflammation

• Enhancing urine filtration

• Supporting overall metabolism

Herbal formulations (like Punarnava, Varun, Gokshura) are commonly used under expert guidance.

Conclusion

Chronic Kidney Disease: Complete Guide to Stage 2 & Stage 3 highlights that early and moderate stages of CKD provide the best opportunity to stop the disease from progressing. Stage 2 requires lifestyle awareness, while Stage 3 demands disciplined treatment and regular monitoring. With timely medical care, a healthy diet, and supportive Ayurvedic or natural therapies, many patients successfully maintain stable kidney function for years.