Doctors can assess the health of your kidneys by using the biochemical test Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) to measure the performance of your kidneys. The normal level of GFR is above 60 ml/min, with a normal patient around 90 ml/min.

Other important biochemical tests are for Creatinine which is normally within the range of 60 to 110 umol/L and your Urea levels should be within 3.0 to 8.0 umol/L.
Health care professionals classify the progression of kidney disease into 5 stages.

Here are the details of each stage, their symptoms and treatment options.

Kidney Disease - Stage 1

In stage 1 of kidney disease your Glomerural Filtration Rate is normal or about 90 ml/min. There are very few, or no symptoms at this stage. Kidney disease at stage one is usually discovered by your doctor when checking for other medical conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
If your physician discovers above normal levels of Creatinine or Urea in your blood, or blood and protein in your urine, you may be in the beginning stages of kidney disease.
Your doctor will send you for an MRT, CT scan, contrast X-ray or ultrasound to assess the degree of your kidney damage.
If you are diagnosed with kidney damage your treatment options are.
- Commence a healthy diet of fresh fruit & vegetables..
- Limit your sugar intake.
- Stop smoking
- Get plenty of exercise and proper sleep.
- Maintain a positive mental attitude.

Kidney Disease - Stage 2

At stage 2 of Chronic Kidney Disease, there may be a few symptoms, however, the disease is usually discovered when you have a blood test, blood pressure test, or diabetes test.
Your GFA at this stage is about 60-89 ml/min.
At this stage, your doctor may discover high levels of Creatinine or urea in the blood, the same as Stage 1.
A healthy diet is required, the same as stage one. Eat less food with salt/sodium ingredients. Consume foods with high quality proteins and minerals within in the daily recommended levels. Keep up a regular exercise routine.

Kidney Disease - Stage 3

When your (GFR) Glomerural Filtration Rate is decreased to only 30-59 ml/min. you have reached Stage 3 of Kidney Disease. Your Creatinine level is above 110 umol/L.
As your kidney function decreases you run the risk of developing a blood condition known as uraemia. You may develop early bone disease, and anaemia. Your blood pressure may be increased.

Stage 3 Symptoms
- Tiredness often caused by anaemia.
- Sleeplessness
- Pain in the kidney regions.
- Swelling in the lower legs, hands and around the face.
- Changes in the urine, blood in the urine, brown tea-coloured urine.
- Foamy or bloody urine due to too much protein.

Stage 3 Treatment
At stage 3 and beyond you will need the care of a Nephrologist (kidney specialist). He will perform the lab test you need and advise you about your treatment options.
You will need to visit a dietician for diet change choices. Try to find a dietician that believes and teaches holistic methods.
If you smoke, you will need to stop. Also, completely avoid alcohol.

Kidney Disease - Stage 4

Your Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) will drop to 15-20 ml/min at this stage. You will need dialysis or a kidney transplant in the near future. You may experience bone disease, heart disease and other cardiovascular diseases.

Symptoms of Stage 4
- Fatigue
- Nausea and vomiting
- Uremic breath
- Difficulty in concentrating
- Nerves problems
- Loss of appetite

Treatment of Stage 4

Patients should seek the following treatment options:
- Visiting a Nephrologist for lab tests and advice on the best treatment for you.
- Having a hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis or a kidney transplant
- Visiting a dietician for diet change recommendation.

Kidney Disease - Stage 5

End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) with a Glomerular Filtration Rate of 15 ml/min or lower happens at stage 5.
Your kidneys may have lost most or all of their ability to function well.

Symptoms of Stage 5
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Little or no urine
- Itching
- Muscle cramps
- Change in skin color
- Increased pigmentation
- Headaches and feeling tired

Treatment of Stage 5
Patients should seek the following treatment options:
- Dialysis
- Kidney transplant
- Special diet

Please realise that the above treatment regime is a typical western treatment regime for chronic kidney disease. There have been many cases of kidney disease reversed using natural medicines if the disease is detected early enough.

Natural treatment that include dietary changes, regular exercise, and a complete herbal medicine treatment, can result is excellent results.

Your health is the most important thing you have.  If you lose your health, nothing else matters. Money becomes worthless if you are dying. 

Remember it is much easier to prevent a disease that to cure it.