What Should People with One Kidney Be Aware Of?

The question of what people with a single kidney should be mindful of is quite important for those who have undergone kidney surgery or were born with only one kidney. It is possible to lead a healthy life with a single kidney; however, lifestyle, diet, and regular follow-up are crucial for protecting that kidney.

The first thought that usually comes to mind when you find out you’re living with one kidney is:
“What do I need to change in my life now?”

That’s a very natural question. Because now you have only one organ left to protect.

In this article,as Prof. Dr. Volkan İzol, I will clearly explain what individuals living with a single kidney need to be aware of, what mistakes they should avoid, and how I approach these patients in the clinic.

🟦 What Does It Mean to Have Only One Kidney?

Being a single-kidney patient means living with only one kidney.

This situation:

  • It may be congenital
  • May occur after surgery
  • This may occur after a kidney donation

📌 Important information:
👉 A single kidney compensates for the body’s needs by increasing its capacity over time

🟦 Causes of Having Only One Kidney

🔹 Congenital

  • Nephrogenesis

🔹 Surgery

  • Removal of a kidney due to a tumor

🔹Donation

📌 Most common in my clinical practice:
👉 Single kidney following tumor removal

🟦 What Are the Risks for People with One Kidney?

Generally, there isn't much risk, but:

  • High blood pressure
  • Protein leakage
  • Loss of kidney function

👉 Especially in patients with uncontrolled diabetes

🟦 What Are the Symptoms?

It often causes no symptoms.

But in more advanced cases:

  • Fatigue
  • Edema
  • Changes in Urination

🟦 How Is It Diagnosed and Monitored?

🔹 Blood tests

  • Creatinine

🔹 Urine test

🔹 Ultrasound

📌 In my clinical practice, I recommend at least one checkup per year.

🟦 What Should People with One Kidney Be Aware Of?

This is the most critical part.

🔹 1. Water consumption

👉 An average of 2–2.5 liters per day

🔹 2. Nutrition

  • Avoid excessive protein intake
  • Limit salt intake

🔹 3. Medication use

👉 Avoid taking pain relievers indiscriminately

🔹 4. Sports

  • Feasible
  • But be careful with contact sports

🔹 5. Weight management

👉Obesity increases the burden on the kidneys

🟦 Which Patients Should Be More Careful?

  • People with diabetes
  • Patients with hypertension
  • Older adults

🟦 Treatment and Prevention Approaches

🔹 Medical follow-up

🔹 Lifestyle

🔹 Risk control

📌 Today:
👉Kidney preservation takes center stage with robotic and minimally invasive surgery

🟪 My Approach in Clinical Practice

In my clinical practice as Prof. Dr. Volkan İzol, my primary goal for patients with a single kidney is to keep the remaining kidney healthy for many years.

In my clinical practice, specifically:
👉 I don’t see any issues in patients who come in for regular follow-ups
👉 However, problems can develop in patients who aren’t under regular monitoring

That’s why:
👉 “Follow” is the most critical issue

🟫 IMPORTANT MESSAGES

  • It is possible to live a normal life with just one kidney
  • The most important thing is to protect
  • Water consumption is critical
  • Care should be taken when using medication
  • Regular checkups are essential

🟥 RESULT

With the right approach, living with one kidney does not prevent you from leading a healthy and long life.

As Prof. Dr. Volkan İzol, my recommendation is that individuals with a single kidney adopt a healthy lifestyle and do not neglect their regular checkups.

For a detailed evaluation and a personalized follow-up plan, please contact
Prof. Dr. Volkan İzol.

❓ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

What should you be aware of if you have only one kidney?

Water intake, nutrition, and regular checkups are the most important factors.

Can you play sports with just one kidney?

Yes, but you should avoid high-impact sports.

Is it risky to take medication with only one kidney?

Some medications may pose a risk; you should consult your doctor.

Does having only one kidney count as kidney failure?

There is a risk in uncontrolled situations.

Is life expectancy normal with one kidney?

Yes, that's usually normal.