Filtering the Facts: Chronic Kidney Disease Explained

-


Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a serious condition that affects 37 million people in the United States, about 15% of adults. The kidneys are vital organs that filter blood continuously to remove the toxins within our bodies. This is the process that creates urine. The kidneys are extremely importance because they also produce erythropoietin for red blood cells development, manage our vitamin D levels, and manage blood pressure.

The two greatest causes of CKD are unmanaged diabetes and unmanaged hypertension. The kidneys have a process called glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which is the filtration ability of the kidneys. Normal filtration rate is > 90 mL/min, while end stage renal disease has a filtration rate of <15 mL/min. Dialysis is a process that mimics the functionality of the kidneys to filter blood for patients. Most patients are connected to the dialysis machine three times per week for 3.5-4 hour increments. Patients can receive treatment in a center or through a home modality.

CKD patients require a regimented diet that includes limited phosphorus, calcium, daily liquids, and potassium. These nutrients build up within the blood and can cause havoc within the body such as fluid overload, calcification, and cardiac symptoms.

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) are integral team members to supporting the care of patients. Lab values are provided monthly and a RDN will analyze and assess the patient needs. Nutrition counseling is provided to help make the best of the chronic conditions.

Lab values are different for patients with CKD and are listed below:

                Phosphorus: 3.5-5.5 mEq/L

                Calcium: 8.4-9.5 mg/dL

                Potassium: 3.5-5.5 mEg/dL

                            Liquid (including anything liquid are room temp): 32 oz

The RDN works along side other team members such as facility administrators, techs, nurses, nurse practitioners, social workers, nephrologists, and patient family members. Together, this team is integral to expanding the life expectancy and quality of life of so many patients. 

- KS

Sources: 

https://www.cdc.gov/kidneydisease/basics.html#:~:text=About%20Chronic%20Kidney%20Disease,-CKD%20is%20a&text=15%25%20of%20US%20adults%20are,is%20about%2037%20million%20people.

https://www.davita.com/education/kidney-disease#:~:text=The%20five%20stages%20of%20chronic%20kidney%20disease&text=Stage%201%20is%20the%20closest,not%20based%20on%20symptoms%20alone.

https://www.davita.com/education/kidney-disease/symptoms/understanding-your-lab-work

Comments

  1. Leah LisleMarch 23, 2024 at 4:44 PM

    Great insight into the specifics of CKD. Love the reiteration of the importance of the RDN in renal care settings as well as the details on labs!

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Do you struggle with pre and post exercise nutrition?

-
Image
What should i eat before and after a workout? First things first…carbohydrates, proteins and fats are important for the body before  and after exercise. Exercising muscle preferentially uses carbohydrates from stored glycogen, but fats are also an important fuel source for energy production during exercise. Fats and carbohydrates are the two major fuel sources during exercise. Fats must be translocated and broken down from their storage form before they are used. Typically there is enough carbohydrate stored as muscle glycogen for exercise but as muscle glycogen stores decline, the skeletal muscle will then use some amino acids (basic components of all protein). More specifically, the amino acid leucine is used for energy.              It is important to consume an adequate amount of carbohydrates exercise to delay fatigue and minimize gastrointestinal distress. It is also important to consume enough fluids to prev...
Read more

Child Malnutrition

-
New approach to childhood malnutrition may reduce relapses, deaths http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/02/150211124024.htm               Moderate acute malnutrition is experienced by 35 million children worldwide. A new study led by researchers from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis has suggested that feeding children until they have met target measures of arm circumference and weight may be more important than a set 12 week feeding time. However, researchers have found that the current targets, set by the World Health Organization (WHO) may not be sufficient and raising these targets slightly could significantly reduce the risk of relapse in malnourished children; a condition that has a 37% relapse rate. The study took place in rural Malawi and was comprised of 2,349 moderately malnourished children aged 6 months to 5 years old. Children were evaluated 12 months after treatment; 1,967 rec...
Read more

Harvest of the Month

-
Image
Harvest of the Month  August – Corn Good source of  fiber Carbohydrate source for energy Antioxidants Contains vitamins and minerals ½ cup or 1 ear = 80 calories   http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=90 September – Watermelon High in vitamin A and vitamin C Antioxidants and anti-inflammatory support 1 cup cubed = 46 calories http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=31 October – Apples High in fiber Vitamin C Abundant amount of antioxidants 1 medium = 95 calories  http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=15 November – Squash and Pumpkin High in vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin B2, B3 & B6 Many minerals  High in fiber Multiple antioxidant properties  1 cup = 76 calories  http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=63 Decembe...
Read more