Berger's Disease Prevention

Prevention

To help reduce your chances of getting IgA nephropathy, take the following steps:

• Manage your blood pressure and cholesterol levels:
  • Eat a healthful diet, one that is low in saturated fat and rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
  • Exercise regularly.
  • Maintain a healthy weight.
  • Don't smoke. If you smoke , quit.
  • Drink alcohol in moderation. Moderate alcohol intake is no more than two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women.
  • Lose weight if necessary. Your doctor can recommend a safe weight loss plan and a reasonable target weight.
  • Consider counseling, stress reduction exercises, and meditation to decrease the stress in your life.
  • Take medicine. Your doctor may prescribe medicine to help lower your blood pressure and/or cholesterol levels.
• Tell your doctor if you have a family history of IgA nephropathy or other forms of kidney disease. This way, your doctor can watch for signs of IgA nephropathy.