Kidney Disease

Kidney disease is a condition that affects your kidneys' ability to filter waste and excess fluids from your blood, which can lead to serious health complications if left untreated. Felicia Hendricks, RD, and founder of Heartistry Nutrition with two locations in Sun City and Sun City West, Arizona, is a registered dietitian with the expertise to help you improve your overall health. Book an appointment today by phone or online to learn more.

What is kidney disease?

Kidney disease, or chronic kidney disease (CKD), occurs when your kidneys gradually lose their ability to filter waste and excess fluids from your blood. The kidneys regulate your body’s balance of fluids, electrolytes, and waste products. When they become damaged or dysfunctional, waste builds up in the body, leading to various health complications. CKD can progress over time, potentially leading to kidney failure if not properly managed.

What causes kidney disease?

Kidney disease has several causes, with the most common being:

Diabetes

High blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys, impairing their function over time.

Hypertension

Uncontrolled high blood pressure can damage the small blood vessels in the kidneys, reducing their ability to filter blood effectively.

Glomerulonephritis

Inflammation of the kidneys' filtering units (glomeruli) can lead to kidney damage.

Polycystic kidney disease

This genetic condition causes cysts in the kidneys, interfering with normal function.

Repeated kidney infections (pyelonephritis)

Chronic infections can cause scarring, leading to long-term kidney damage.

What are the signs of kidney disease?

In the early stages, kidney disease may not cause noticeable symptoms. However, as it progresses, signs may include:

• Fatigue
• Swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet (edema)
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea or vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Changes in urine output or appearance (e.g., foamy urine or blood in the urine)

You may also notice muscle cramps or itching.

How does nutrition play a role in kidney disease management?

If you have kidney disease, making dietary changes can slow its progression, manage symptoms, and improve overall quality of life while supporting kidney function. Felicia has the expertise to offer an individualized kidney-friendly diet based on your stage of kidney disease, medical history, and dietary preferences.

A kidney-friendly diet is commonly associated with a low protein diet and restriction of certain minerals such as potassium, phosphorus, and sodium. If you have lab work available, Felicia will examine the results to gain vital information about your overall health and kidney function. She will then provide nutrition recommendations based on your lab values, eating habits, stage of kidney disease, your physicians recommendations as well as your past medical history.

Felicia offers suggestions and recipes for kidney-friendly snacks and meals, ensuring you're getting the right amount of protein in your diet, as well as, other essential nutrients such as vitamins and minerals.

If you have signs of kidney disease or want to learn more about kidney disease management, call Heartistry Nutrition today or book online at any time, day or night.