What affects kidney health (for the better and for the worst)? How do you know if you have kidney disease? What other illnesses and conditions can increase your risk of kidney damage?
Dr. Griffin Rodgers, Director of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, was recently on hand to answer all of your top kidney health questions. Dozens of fans took the time to ask extremely important questions about what they needed to do to stay healthy, and we want to thank everyone involved for this fantastic and insightful opportunity.
Here is a recap of this exciting and thoughtful discussion:
If you have diabetes, you should get checked every year. If you have other risk factors, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, or a family history of kidney failure, talk to your provider about how often you should be tested.
Hi Angela, great question. Alcohol does not directly affect kidney function, but excessive alcohol is a health risk.
Some water pills increase potassium loss in the urine. There are some people with low potassium and high blood pressure due to a hormone imbalance. If you have low potassium and high blood pressure and are not on a water pill, you should discuss with your health provider whether you need special testing.
Most people with kidney disease have no symptoms until their kidney damage is quite advanced. It is important to get screened with blood and urine tests. Kidney disease can get worse over time and may lead to kidney failure. Ask your provider for two important tests – a blood test and a urine test.
Diabetes and high blood pressure tend to run in families and they are the key risk factors for kidney disease. Talk to your health provider to see if you’re at risk. Early identification of kidney disease is key!
Albumin (a form of protein) in urine may be a sign of kidney damage. A healthy kidney does not let albumin pass into the urine. A damaged kidney lets albumin pass into the urine.
It’s great that you’re getting checked today! Here are a few general tips to keep your kidneys healthy: Cut back on salt. Aim for less than 1,500 milligrams of sodium each day. Also, be sure to choose foods that are healthy for your heart: fresh fruits, fresh or frozen vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy foods.
Two tests can diagnose kidney disease: a blood test that checks your GFR, which tells how well your kidneys are filtering, and a urine test that checks for albumin, a protein that can pass into the urine when the kidneys are damaged.
The effect that vitamins and supplements can have really varies depending on what you’re taking.
Most blood pressure medications do not affect your liver. If your liver enzymes are abnormal, talk with your health provider.
I recommend that you speak with a dietitian to create an eating plan that’s right for your needs. Also, you may want to try a physical activity that works for you, such as swimming.
High blood pressure can be treated and controlled with medicine and lifestyle changes. There are a few things that you can do to change your diet. You can improve your eating habits by adjusting portion sizes and still enjoy delicious foods and an occasional treat. Also, sneak in fruits and vegetables. You can add berries to your cereal or crunchy vegetables to your sandwich. Meet with a dietitian to develop a plan.
A person’s blood pressure varies during the daily cycle. It’s best that you speak with your health provider about this to get more clarity.
Hi Kayte, you should try to incorporate at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day (swimming, walking, or dancing) and also be careful with your food choices by selecting dishes that are healthy for your heart, such as fresh fruits, fresh or frozen vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy foods.
Blood pressure should be controllable with diet, fluid restriction, and adjustment of dialysis. You should discuss with a nephrologist and a renal dietitian.
Frequent small urination may not be related to arterial disease. You should discuss with your health provider.
If the kidney function level refers to eGFR, then you may have kidney disease. An EGFR below 60 may mean kidney disease. You can’t raise your GFR, but you can focus on preventing or slowing further damage. Talk to your provider about steps that you should take to manage your kidney health.
Alonda, it’s great that you’re tracking your kidney function! A GFR (glomerular filtration rate) of 60 or higher is not considered CKD. Talk to your health provider about how often you should have your GFR checked, because you could still be at risk.
You can use the glycemic index to find foods that will help keep your blood sugar low. The glycemic index is a ranking of foods based on how quickly they raise blood glucose levels. Sticking to foods with a low glycemic index can help keep your blood sugar low. Fat and fiber tend to lower the glycemic index of a food. Low glycemic index foods include 100% whole wheat or pumpernickel bread, sweet potato, lima beans, peas, most fruits, and non-starchy vegetables. Foods that are high in carbohydrates, such as white bread, pasta, rice, and baked goods, tend to have a high glycemic index.
Being overweight is associated with kidney damage. For many reasons, try to reach a healthy weight through exercise and diet.
Kidney damage is usually permanent (not reversible). The goal is usually to prevent further damage through medical management and avoiding exposure to substances that can harm the kidneys.
Not necessarily, but you should check with your health provider to be sure your kidneys and bladder are healthy.
If you have significant kidney damage, it may be difficult for your kidneys to excrete excess salt and water without taking a diuretic (water pill).
It’s best to talk to a dietitian who can make sure you’re eating enough protein to stay healthy but not more than that.
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