Albumin and Chronic Kidney Disease

2024-03-28T21:06:59-04:00January 4th, 2013|Categories: eNews, News & Events, Nutrition, Peritoneal Dialysis, Staying Healthy|

What is albumin? Albumin is a protein, found in animal sources such as meats, milk-products, and eggs. It is also found in plant sources such as beans, nuts, and seeds. Albumin provides the body with the protein needed to both maintain growth and repair tissues. It can also help with fluid removal during the dialysis treatment. If your albumin level is good, fluid will move more easily from swollen tissues into the blood, where it can then be removed by the dialyzer. For dialysis patients, the preferred range for the serum (blood) albumin is 4.0 g/dl or greater. What can cause your Albumin level to drop? [...]

The Power of Iron

2024-03-28T21:07:06-04:00January 4th, 2013|Categories: eNews, Fact Sheet, Nutrition, What Is Kidney Disease|

Why is iron so important in kidney disease? The answer is that iron can help with anemia (a lack of red blood cells), which is a common problem for people with kidney disease. Anemia can be a significant problem for you as a kidney patient because of the nature of kidney disease. The kidneys have four basic functions: Removal of waste products Maintain fluid balance Restore electrolyte and acid/base balance Stimulate the release of certain hormones The dialysis process takes care of the first three functions. The hormone erythropoietin (or “EPO”) stimulates your bone marrow to produce red blood cells. Your [...]

Be Prepared During an Emergency with this Meal Plan for Dialysis Patients

2024-03-28T21:07:09-04:00December 20th, 2012|Categories: eNews, News & Events, Nutrition, Staying Healthy|Tags: |

Emergencies happen every day and the more prepared you are for an emergency the better your outcome will be. Depending on the situation and on the stage of your kidney disease, you may be without your normal clinic or unable to grab all of your home supplies. You should have an emergency survival kit that includes: Food and water for each person for three days Flashlight with fresh batteries First aid kit Three days’ worth of medications Prescriptions and instructions to administer in case you are unable to communicate Emergency numbers for your doctors and or dialysis center If you are a [...]

Following a Diet as a Transplant Patient

2024-03-28T21:07:10-04:00December 20th, 2012|Categories: eNews, Kidney Transplant, News & Events, Nutrition, Staying Healthy|

After you receive a transplant, it is possible that many of the diet restrictions you had during dialysis will disappear. This however, doesn’t mean that proper nutrition is any less important.  Also, if you have other conditions like hypertension and diabetes, you will need to continue following those diet restrictions. Taking immunosuppressants and anti-rejection medications. (1) To keep your new organ healthy, you will need to take an immunosuppressant drug.  Just like the name sounds it suppresses your body’s immune system response to your new organ.  Even with careful matching your body won’t recognize the new kidney as its own and will [...]

Managing Stage 5 Chronic Kidney Disease

2024-03-28T21:07:22-04:00December 14th, 2012|Categories: eNews, Medication, Nutrition, Stages of Kidney Disease|

As you are being treated for your chronic kidney disease (CKD) Stage 5, there are 2 areas of concern that you and your renal (kidney) care team should discuss. Diet Following a renal-friendly diet can help limit the amount of waste in your body, which will aid in your treatment. You and your renal dietitian can work together to monitor the foods you eat and the fluids you drink. Some things you may discuss include Limiting fluids Avoiding salt Being aware of hidden phosphorus Sticking to the diet you and your dietitian create may not only help you feel better, it [...]

Keeping a Food Diary and Tips for Eating Out

2024-03-28T21:07:23-04:00December 14th, 2012|Categories: eNews, Nutrition|

Food Diary A food diary is an easy way to monitor the foods and liquids in your diet. The diary can help you identify trouble spots and make quick fixes. Your renal dietitian can help you get a food diary or you can check for one online. Food labels can help you with your food diary and help you choose healthier, kidney-friendly foods. Talk to your renal dietitian about what to look for before you shop. Since imbalances of minerals such as phosphorus and potassium are a concern for patients on dialysis, ask your renal dietitian how many milligrams (mg) of [...]

Go to Top