The kidneys remove waste products and excess fluid from the body through the urine. They also serve to regulate the sodium, potassium, phosphorus and calcium levels. Additionally, the kidneys remove toxins from the blood and release hormones into the blood stream to regulate blood pressure, and to have strong bones and to make more red blood cells.



Chronic kidney disease involves damage to kidneys where they can't regulate these bodily functions anymore. Kidney disease problems manifest themselves when wastes accumulate in the blood and you feel fatigued. Complications include heart disease, high blood pressure, anemia, bone problems, and nerve damage. Often kidney disease occurs gradually over time. Kidney disease can lead to kidney failure, and once the kidneys fail, either a transplant or dialysis is needed to stay alive.

Two main causes of chronic kidney disease are high blood pressure and diabetes (although kidney disease can also cause high blood pressure). For diabetics, they have to monitor their blood sugar level. If it gets too high and can cause damage to other organs, such as to the kidneys, heart, nerves, and eyes. While high blood pressure can lead to strokes, heart attacks, or chronic kidney disease, because of the blood pressure effect on the blood vessels.

Anyone can get chronic kidney disease at any age. Early detection and treatment can often keep chronic kidney disease from getting worse. Some of the symptoms of kidney disease could include fatigue, concentration difficulty, a lack of appetite, insomnia, swelling in the extremities (such as feet and ankles), muscle cramps, dry skin and frequent urination.

If you have any of these conditions, see your doctor for help. You can work together to determine the cause of any of these symptoms. If it is chronic kidney disease, your doctor may recommend a special diet to minimize buildup of the waste products and fluid in your blood. Your doctor may recommend that you see a renal dietitian (they specialize in diets for kidney disease).

The goal is to control the amount of protein, phosphorus and sodium that you eat in order to reduce the workload on your kidneys. This helps to keep your body healthy.

This information is not meant to replace medical advice. If you need medical advice see your physician. Your physician can work with you to come up with a solution for your lasting health.

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