Kidney Health
What is Kidney Disease
Kidney disease is a condition that affects the function of the kidneys. The two main types of kidney disease are chronic kidney disease (CKD) and acute kidney disease (AKD).
Chronic kidney disease is a long-term condition that can lead to renal failure. It is characterized by a gradual loss of kidney function over time. Acute kidney disease is a sudden and potentially reversible decline in renal function.
There are many different causes of CKD, including diabetes, hypertension, glomerulonephritis, and polycystic kidney disease. AKD can be caused by factors such as infection, trauma, or exposure to certain toxins.
Kidney disease can lead to serious complications, including high blood pressure, anemia, and fluid imbalances. Treatment for CKD typically includes lifestyle changes and medication. AKD typically requires hospitalization and aggressive treatment.
Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) For Kidney Health
According to the National Kidney Foundation, kidney disease is a “silent epidemic” that affects more than 30 million Americans. While there are many different causes of kidney disease, one of the most preventable is diabetes. In fact, diabetes is the leading cause of kidney disease, and medical nutrition therapy can be a key part of preventing or slowing its progression.
If you have diabetes or are at risk for developing it, read on to learn more about how medical nutrition therapy can help keep your kidneys healthy.
What is Medical Nutrition Therapy ?
Medical nutrition therapy (MNT) is an evidence-based approach to treating medical conditions and promoting good health through diet and nutrition.
MNT can be used to treat a wide variety of medical conditions, including kidney disease. Kidney disease is a serious condition that can lead to kidney failure. MNT can help slow the progression of kidney disease and improve the overall health of people with kidney disease.
MNT involves working with a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) to create a personalized plan based on your specific needs and goals. The RDN will take into account your medical history, current health status, food preferences, and lifestyle when developing your plan.
Your plan may include making changes to your diet, such as increasing your intake of fruits and vegetables or reducing your sodium intake. You may also need to take supplements or make other lifestyle changes, such as increasing your physical activity level.
Making even small changes to your diet can have a big impact on your health. MNT can help you make lasting changes that will improve your overall health and quality of life.
How Can Medical Nutrition Therapy Help Kidney Health
Nutrition counseling can help people with kidney disease by providing them with the education and tools they need to make healthy dietary choices. A Registered Dietitian (RD) can assess a person’s current diet and recommend changes that will help optimize kidney function. For example, an RD may recommend a diet that is lower in salt, potassium, and phosphorus for people with kidney disease.
In addition to helping people with kidney disease make healthy dietary choices, nutrition counseling can also help them cope with the emotional challenges that come with having a chronic illness. Many people with kidney disease experience feelings of depression, anxiety, and stress. An RD can provide support and guidance to help people manage their emotions in a healthy way.
What Can We Do
As someone who has dealt with kidney disease for an extended period, we know how difficult it can be to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Too often, patients are given a long list of “forbidden” foods and told to avoid them at all costs. This leaves people feeling like there is nothing left to eat and makes it very hard to stick to a kidney-healthy diet.
Our goal is to help people understand that there are many delicious foods that they can still eat even if they have kidney disease or stones. A healthy diet does not need to be complicated or boring. By making small changes and being mindful of what you eat, you can make a big difference in your overall health. If you have any questions about our medical nutrition therapy program, please don’t hesitate to call our dietitian for an appointment.