Question 1

How can I tell if my kidneys are not working properly?

Accepted Answer

Early kidney problems often have no symptoms. Later signs may include swelling, fatigue, changes in urination, or high blood pressure.

Question 2

What causes kidney disease?

Accepted Answer

The most common causes are diabetes and high blood pressure. There are many other causes for which tests are conducted if suspected.

Question 3

What is the eGFR found in my blood work?

Accepted Answer

The eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate) is a blood test that shows how well your kidneys are filtering waste from your body. A lower number means that your kidneys aren't working well.

Question 4

Can medications worsen kidney disease?

Accepted Answer

Yes, some medications can worsen kidney disease, especially if taken in high doses or for a long time. Common examples include certain painkillers (like NSAIDs) and some antibiotics. Check with your doctor to ensure your medications are safe for your kidney health.

Question 5

Why is sodium a concern for people with chronic kidney disease (CKD)?

Accepted Answer

Damaged kidneys can't remove sodium well, which can lead to high blood pressure and fluid retention.

Question 6

What is the recommended daily sodium intake for people with CKD?

Accepted Answer

Aim for less than 1,500 milligrams of sodium per day.

Question 7

Which foods are common culprits high in sodium?

Accepted Answer

Processed meats, restaurant foods, canned soups, pickles, frozen meals, and salty snacks are high in sodium. Salt shakers are not the usual culprits.

Question 8

How can you reduce sodium when buying canned foods?

Accepted Answer

Rinse canned vegetables, beans, and meats to remove extra sodium.

Question 9

How should you read the Nutrition Facts label for sodium?

Accepted Answer

Choose foods with 5% or less Daily Value (DV) or 140 mg or less sodium per serving.

Question 10

Can salt substitutes be used safely?

Accepted Answer

Check the label before using salt substitutes — potassium compounds are frequently used to replace sodium, and potassium should also be limited for many kidney patients.

Question 11

Why should people with kidney disease limit potassium?

Accepted Answer

Too much potassium can lead to irregular heartbeats, or even a heart attack.

Question 12

What does a potassium amount under 100 mg per serving mean?

Accepted Answer

It means the food is low in potassium, providing less than 3% of the Daily Value.

Question 13

What makes a food high in potassium?

Accepted Answer

A food is considered high in potassium if it contains 200 mg or more per serving. Even low-potassium foods can become high-potassium if eaten in large amounts.

Question 14

What food-preparation tip helps reduce potassium?

Accepted Answer

Leaching can help. Peel and thinly slice the vegetables, soak them in a large amount of warm unsalted water for at least two hours (changing the water every four hours if soaking longer), then rinse and cook them in five times the amount of unsalted water.

Question 15

Why is fluid balance important for CKD and dialysis patients?

Accepted Answer

Damaged kidneys can't remove excess fluid, so managing intake is crucial to avoid complications like swelling and high blood pressure.

Question 16

What are signs of fluid overload?

Accepted Answer

Breathlessness, swelling, high blood pressure, headaches, and low energy are common signs of too much fluid.

Question 17

What are hidden sources of fluid besides drinks?

Accepted Answer

Soups, gravies, ice cream, and high-water-content foods add to fluid intake.

Question 18

What do water tablets (diuretics) do?

Accepted Answer

They help the kidneys remove excess fluid and are best taken in the morning to avoid nighttime urination.

Question 19

What is dialysis and when do you need it?

Accepted Answer

Dialysis is a treatment that removes waste and fluid from your blood when your kidneys can't. It's usually needed in advanced kidney failure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about kidney health

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