Search
Search Results
-
When Potassium Level is Low
Potassium is an important mineral that every human body needs for almost everything it does, including proper kidney and heart function, muscle contraction and nerve transmission. This is why having a low potassium level can be as dangerous as having a high one. The acceptable potassium range in our blood is: 3.5 mg/dl-5.5 mg/dl. When […]
-
Probiotics for People on Dialysis
Gut health plays a huge role in how well the body’s immune system works. Poor gut health can cause gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and constipation. It can also cause malnutrition and inflammation. People on dialysis are at an increased risk for poor gut health due to many different factors. Dialysis patients […]
-
Food Facts Friday: Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt is a protein-packed food that has become quite popular in recent years. The question is, can you eat it if you have kidney disease? Let’s break down exactly what Greek yogurt is and how it can fit into a kidney-friendly diet. Greek Yogurt vs. Regular Yogurt What makes Greek yogurt different from regular yogurt? […]
-
Back to Basics: Increasing Protein Intake on Dialysis
Protein is an important nutrient that can help our bodies fight off infection, heal wounds, build muscles and increase energy. It is especially important for dialysis patients to eat plenty of protein, as some protein is lost during each dialysis treatment. To assess protein intake, albumin levels are tracked in dialysis patients. Albumin is a […]
-
Go With Your Gut: CKD and Gut Health
Gut health has become a hot topic. Fermented foods such as kombucha, kimchi and kefir have become popular for their probiotic benefits and their role in gut health. But, why is gut health important? Well, we want our gut and digestive system to be healthy so that our body can absorb nutrients from the foods […]
-
Kidney-Friendly Foods to Correct Hypoglycemia
What is hypoglycemia? The American Diabetes Association defines hypoglycemia as a low blood sugar (also called blood glucose) that requires action to bring it up to your goal range.1 Symptoms of hypoglycemia often happen suddenly and can include shakiness, sweating, weakness or fatigue, dizziness and blurred vision. You may also experience a fast heartbeat, headache, […]
-
Kidney Disease and Cancer Prevention
Over the years, research has been performed on people with kidney disease, including early stage chronic kidney disease (CKD), end stage kidney disease (ESKD) and post-transplant, to study their risk for cancer. Evidence shows, compared to the general population, cancer risk for ESKD patients has increased 20% in the US. Transplant recipients are three to […]
-
5 Tips to Prevent Malnutrition While on Dialysis
For people with end stage kidney disease (ESKD) on dialysis, you have probably heard your dietitian ask you over and over again, “How are you eating?” or, “How is your appetite?” Your dietitian might ask to look at your temples or under your eyes, touch your triceps, or ask to exam other parts of the […]
-
7 Tips to Manage Potassium
Potassium is an essential nutrient that plays an important role in regulating the function of our muscles and nerves. It is a mineral that is found in many different foods, and is especially high in certain fruits and vegetables, dairy products and meat. People with kidney disease may need to manage potassium in their diet. […]
-
Adding Flavor to Foods
Flavor: More than Salt There are so many great ways to add flavor to food: sauces, seasonings, marinades and herbs. Another common way to flavor food is by adding salt. Restaurants and food companies often add salt as a main source of flavor for their foods. Regular table salt contains sodium and for those with […]
