Can kidneys repair themselves?

Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors

Dr Ranjith Darla

General Practitioner

MBBS
3+ Yrs

Consult Now

New research shows that the kidneys are regenerating and repairing themselves throughout life. Contrary to long-held beliefs, a new study shows that kidneys have the capacity to regenerate themselves.

Dr. Ranjith Suggests...

Consult a Nephrologist

Find a Nephrologist

Answered 04/07/2025

Ask Apollo

AI powered Health Chatbot

Continue Chat

Kidney Self-Repair Ability
Kidneys can repair themselves to some extent after minor injuries. This includes recovering from mild dehydration or minor infections.
Limits of Repair
Severe damage, such as from chronic diseases or significant injury, may not be reversible. Scarring and loss of function can occur.
Factors Affecting Healing
a. Overall health
b. Underlying conditions (e.g., diabetes, hypertension)
c. Timeliness of medical intervention
When Medical Intervention is Necessary
Seek medical care if experiencing symptoms like persistent pain, swelling, or changes in urination. Early intervention can prevent further damage.
Importance of Medical Care
Regular check-ups and managing chronic conditions are crucial for maintaining kidney health and preventing irreversible damage.

More Nephrology Health Queries

View all

Question

I've noticed that my creatinine level increased to 1.2 recently, while it had been stable at 0.78 for the past two years. Everything else in my blood and urine tests, including urea, came back normal. The one big change in my life is that I started a rigorous workout and muscle-building routine last year, but Im a vegetarian and dont use any supplements. Im not experiencing any other symptoms. Could the rise in creatinine be due to my exercise routine? Should I be worried about this?

Question

I'm feeling some pain around my kidney area and sometimes I'm having trouble breathing and feel some pain in my heart. Should I be worried about this? What could be causing these symptoms?

Question

I've been having some kidney issues and though I'm not sure exactly what's going on, my doctor mentioned theres a problem. I'm thinking about adding flax seeds to my diet. Are they safe for anyone dealing with kidney problems? I'm really curious to know more.