Let's Talk Kidneys
The more you know about your kidneys, what they do and how they work, the better you can help take control of your Chronic Kidney Disease through proper nutrition.
Your Kidneys And CKD
The kidneys are two bean shaped organs located in your back at the lowest level of the rib cage. Each is about the size of a fist, and contains a million filtering units called nephrons.
The purpose of the kidneys is to:
- Filter wastes and toxins, including some drugs
- Regulate the balance of salt, water, acids, and other electrolytes in your body
- Release renin, which regulates blood pressure
- Produce an active form of Vitamin D, which helps keep bones strong
- Maintain the red blood cell count by making a hormone called erythropoietin
Kidney function is measured by the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) which is calculated from a blood test called the creatinine level. A normal GFR is 120 ml/min, and people typically need dialysis or transplantation when their GFR is below 15 ml/min. Protein in the urine is a common sign of kidney damage, and over time can lead to worsening kidney function.
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a condition characterized by either kidney damage with or without a decrease in GFR (kidney function) for three or more months, or by a GFR less than or equal to 60ml/min, with or without kidney damage. The most common causes of CKD are diabetes and high blood pressure (hypertension), followed by glomerulonephritis.
Stage and Scope of CKD
Chronic kidney disease is divided into five stages, based on the presence of kidney damage and the GFR. These range from Stage 1 (kidney damage with normal or increased GFR) to Stage 5, or End Stage Renal Disease (GFR under 15 ml/min). People with Stage 5 kidney disease require either dialysis or transplantation to stay alive.
Complications of CKD
People with chronic kidney disease may develop certain health complications. These include:
- Anemia, or low red blood cell count
- Increased risk of cardiovascular disease (such as heart attacks)
- Bone disease, related to the build up of a hormone called PTH and deficiency of active Vitamin D
- Elevated levels of minerals, such as phosphorus
- Elevated levels of electrolytes, such as potassium
- Acidosis (build up of acid in the blood)
- Worsening high blood pressure (hypertension)
- Neuropathy
- Malnutrition
Your kidney doctor and kidney nutritionist can help you manage these complications and may offer other medications to help keep you healthy.