Thriving with One Kidney: How to Stay Healthy and Protect Your Renal Function
By Dr. David Samadi
We rarely give our kidneys much thought—until something goes wrong. These two fist-sized, bean-shaped organs quietly work behind the scenes, filtering waste, balancing fluids, and regulating essential electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and phosphate. But what happens if you have only one kidney? Can you still live an everyday, healthy life? The answer is yes—with the proper care and precautions.
Why Do Some People Have Just One Kidney?
There are several reasons why someone may have only one kidney:
- Born with one kidney (renal agenesis) – Some people are naturally born with only one kidney, a condition called renal agenesis. This occurs in about 1 in 750 people, often without symptoms, and is more common in males than females. In many cases, it isn’t even discovered until an imaging test, such as a CT scan or ultrasound is done for another reason.
- Kidney dysplasia – Sometimes, a person is born with two kidneys, but only one functions correctly.
- Surgical removal (nephrectomy) – A kidney may need removal due to disease, injury, or conditions like kidney cancer.
- Kidney donation – Some individuals voluntarily donate a kidney to someone in need of a transplant.
Living Well with One Kidney
Most people with a single kidney lead entirely normal lives. However, because the remaining kidney does all the work, it’s important to take extra precautions to keep it healthy.
Key Steps for Protecting Your Kidney Health
✔ Monitor Blood Pressure – People with one kidney are at a higher risk for high blood pressure. Regular monitoring is essential, and a doctor should carefully review any medications.
✔ Check Kidney Function (GFR Test) – The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) measures how well your kidney filters waste. If you have one kidney, tracking your GFR to ensure your kidney is functioning efficiently is crucial.
✔ Be Mindful of Protein Intake – While protein is essential for overall health, too much can strain the kidneys. Excess protein in the urine (proteinuria) can sometimes signal kidney issues. If necessary, a healthcare provider may recommend dietary adjustments to reduce strain on the kidney.
✔ Stay Hydrated – Drinking sufficient water helps support kidney function and flush out toxins. Aim for at least eight glasses of water a day unless otherwise directed by a doctor.
✔ Protect Your Kidney During Sports – Contact sports that can increase the risk of injury to the kidney such as football, wrestling, and hockey, should carefully weighed whether to participate in these sports. If you play high-impact sports, consult your doctor about protective gear or consider alternative activities.
Signs of Kidney Trouble
If you only have one kidney, it’s essential to recognize early warning signs of kidney problems, including:
- Swelling in the face, hands, or ankles
- Changes in urine color, frequency, or foaminess
- Persistent nausea or vomiting
- Unusual fatigue or exhaustion
- Numbness in the fingers or toes
- A metallic taste in the mouth or loss of appetite
If you experience any of these symptoms, consult a doctor right away. If kidney function declines significantly, treatment options may include dialysis or a kidney transplant.
The Bottom Line
Having one kidney doesn’t mean you can’t live a long, healthy life—it just means you need to be mindful of your health and take extra care of your remaining kidney. By following a balanced diet, staying active, and keeping up with regular checkups, you can continue to thrive with just one kidney. And even if kidney function declines, treatment options are available to help manage your health.
Dr. David Samadi is the Director of Men’s Health and Urologic Oncology at St. Francis Hospital in Long Island. He’s a renowned and highly successful board-certified Urologic Oncologist Expert and Robotic Surgeon in New York City, regarded as one of the leading prostate surgeons in the U.S., with a vast expertise in prostate cancer treatment and Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy. Dr. Samadi is a medical contributor to NewsMax TV and is also the author of two books, The Ultimate MANual, Dr. Samadi’s Guide to Men’s Health and Wellness, and Prostate Cancer, Now What? A Practical Guide to Treatment, Diagnosis, and Recovery, both available online both on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Visit Dr. Samadi’s websites at robotic oncology and prostate cancer 911.