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 Did you know that the word ‘vitamin’ was derived from the Latin word ‘vita,’ meaning life, and the word ‘amine,’ as vitamins were originally thought to contain amino acids? While scientists soon discovered that vitamins don’t contain amino acids, they are indeed vital for a healthy life. But can some vitamins do damage to your body as well? Vitamin C in particular is often subject to a lot of scrutiny, but are those fears warranted? Let’s take a closer look. Put simply, if you consume an appropriate amount of vitamin C each day, it shouldn’t pose any risk to your kidneys. However, too much vitamin C could potentially be a cause for concern. In this article, we’ll explain how vitamin C and your kidneys interact, how much vitamin C is too much, and what other vitamins you should pay attention to if you have chronic kidney disease. How Does Vitamin C Interact With Your Kidneys?Your kidneys help with two crucial tasks: filtering waste from the body, and distributing essential vitamins and minerals throughout your body. Vitamin C is one of those vitamins that depend on the kidneys to be distributed throughout the body. When you consume a healthy amount of vitamin C each day, your kidneys help ensure it is distributed throughout your body, allowing you to:
Kidney stones are the most direct risk of excess vitamin C consumption, but keep in mind that this risk isn’t unique to vitamin C. Oxalate, which is found in fruits and other foods rich with vitamin C, can combine with calcium to crystalize and ultimately form kidney stones. However, oxalate is also found in many common foods that aren’t high in vitamin C, like spinach and potatoes. The best way to avoid calcium oxalate kidney stones from vitamin C or any other food is to ensure that you’re consuming enough fluids on a daily basis. This will ensure that waste and excess vitamin C is flushed from your body. How Much Vitamin C is Too Much?Vitamin C is water-soluble, meaning it’s easily dissolved, absorbed, and excreted. Therefore, your body needs a relatively-constant supply of vitamin C. Most people should consume between 60-100 milligrams (mg) of vitamin C each day, or roughly 90 mg for men and 75mg for women. Vitamin C has a tolerable upper intake level of 2,000mg. This means that for most people, consuming as much as 2,000 mg is unlikely to cause any negative side effects. However, that doesn’t mean you should get all the vitamin C you can. After about 1,000mg of vitamin C, your body will probably be unable to absorb any more and the excess will simply be flushed out in urine. More importantly, consuming too much vitamin C can have negative outcomes like diarrhea and an increased likelihood of kidney-stone formation. What Vitamins Should You Avoid if You Have Chronic Kidney Disease?As we’ve established, vitamins are essential for your body. However, too much of certain vitamins can have negative consequences. Vitamin C doesn’t always need to be avoided if you have CKD, but you should monitor your intake to avoid excessive oxalate buildup. Other vitamins that can cause problems if you have chronic kidney disease (CKD) include vitamins A, D, E, and K. While water-soluble vitamins will be excreted in urine, vitamins A, D, E, and K are fat-soluble, meaning the body can store them for a longer period. If you have CKD, your physician or nephrologist may recommend you limit your intake of these vitamins, as they can build up to dangerous levels. Vitamin A in particular should be consumed with caution if you have CKD, as too much can cause blurry vision, impact your body’s ability to benefit from vitamin D, and cause bone pain. Vitamin C is Safe at the Recommended LevelIn short, vitamin C is unlikely to damage your kidneys if you take the recommended 60-90mg a day. A healthy body can usually handle much more vitamin C than that amount, but vitamin C megadoses exceeding the recommended daily allowance can potentially lead to the formation of kidney stones and other health risks. If you have CKD or other kidney-health complications, consulting with your physician or nephrologist is essential for consuming a safe amount of vitamins while reducing your risk for deficiencies. Concerned About Your Kidneys? Talk to Milwaukee NephrologistsMilwaukee Nephrologists are Southeast Wisconsin’s go-to kidney specialists. With four locations in the Milwaukee metro area and 15 hospital affiliations, we’re always nearby. To connect with a kidney doctor about your health, contact us today to schedule an appointment.
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 Milk is a staple in many people's diets, especially here in America’s Dairyland, and it’s often considered a healthy choice. However, the possibility of painful disruptions to your daily life from kidney stones can quickly turn people away from drinking milk—does milk really cause kidney stones? In this article, we'll skim fiction from facts and get to the bottom of what you may have heard about milk and kidney stones. Plus, we’ll provide tips for reducing your risk of developing kidney stones in general. What are the Different Types of Kidney Stones?First, it’s important to understand that there are various types of kidney stones, most of which simply couldn’t be caused by drinking milk.
Calcium stones: Calcium stones are the most common type of kidney stone. They are caused when calcium combines with substances in your urine—typically oxalate, but also phosphate in some cases. Does Calcium Cause Kidney Stones?Despite what the name ‘calcium stone’ suggests, calcium isn’t the culprit you might expect it to be. Calcium itself is unlikely to lead to the formation of kidney stones. This is because when calcium forms a kidney stone, it occurs after combining with substances like oxalates, which are found in foods like spinach, peanuts, most types of potatoes, and many more. A common misconception is that by avoiding calcium-rich dairy milk, you can avoid kidney stones. However, while milk is rich in calcium, it doesn’t have oxalates. Thus, drinking dairy milk won’t cause kidney stones. On the other hand, non-dairy milks aren’t as rich in calcium as dairy milk, but, being derived from nuts and other plants, they typically have oxalates. This means your risk for kidney stones could potentially increase if you substitute dairy milk for a plant-based milk. The notion that calcium can lead to kidney stones is dangerous, as calcium is an essential mineral for the body. Consuming an appropriate amount of calcium each day through food and drink not only reduces your risk for kidney stones, but also has health benefits such as:
Other Causes of Kidney StonesDrinking milk won’t cause kidney stones, but other dietary factors like consuming too much salt, sugar, and meat can contribute to kidney stones. That said, kidney stones can be caused by a variety of other factors, such as:
How to Reduce Your Risk of Kidney StonesTo avoid developing kidney stones, consider the following strategies for mitigating your risk:
Questions About Kidney Health? Turn to Milwaukee NephrologistsIn the end, milk doesn’t cause kidney stones, and cutting milk from your diet won’t stop you from developing them. The best way to reduce your risk of kidney stones is to stay hydrated, eat a healthy diet, and work with healthcare professionals to manage your medical conditions.
Your quality of life depends on organs like your kidneys, and being concerned about them is normal. If you have more questions about your kidney health, don’t delay. To schedule an appointment, contact Milwaukee Nephrologists’ kidney specialists today.  From Milwaukee’s historical breweries to an old fashioned at a supper club, or any variety of cherry-themed drinks from Door County, there’s no question that alcohol is a big part of Wisconsin’s social and cultural tapestry. However, that part of the culture doesn’t come without consequences. Some health risks associated with drinking hardly need an introduction, while others are less well-known. The impact alcohol has on your kidneys is one of the lesser-known risks. Here, let’s take a closer look at the relationship between your kidneys and alcohol. Can Alcohol Cause a Kidney Infection?While there’s little evidence to suggest that alcohol directly causes kidney infections, it does put your kidneys under stress. This is because alcohol is a diuretic. Consuming too much alcohol and too few hydrating fluids like water can leave you dehydrated, and therefore more susceptible to urinary tract infections (UTIs). A UTI can spread to your bladder and potentially your kidney, which could cause some kidney pain. How Are Your Kidneys Impacted By Alcohol?As we mentioned, alcohol puts the kidneys under stress. Alcohol is a toxin, and consuming it gives your kidneys even more work to do. If you drink too much, your kidneys will struggle to maintain the proper amount of fluid within your body. This can potentially lead to acute kidney injury. If you experience any of the following, it could be a symptom of acute kidney injury:
Alcohol Can Impact Your Kidneys IndirectlyTo dramatically simplify things, your body is just a series of chain reactions. The consequence of that is when one part of your body stops working at its optimal level, the rest of the body is impacted too. That’s exactly what happens when your kidneys aren’t able to filter out the necessary toxins. When your kidneys are stressed, the impact can be felt throughout your entire body. If you consume too much alcohol at once, or drink too regularly, it could have a negative effect on other organs that ultimately impact how well your kidneys function. High Blood Pressure From Drinking Can Damage Your KidneysOne of the main ways alcohol can damage your body and your kidneys is through hypertension, more commonly known as high blood pressure. Alcohol can lead to a greater presence of a hormone called renin in your blood. Higher levels of renin cause your blood vessels to contract, which ultimately forces your heart to work harder to pump blood throughout your body. As blood vessels throughout your body become weaker and narrower, less blood and vital minerals are being delivered to the kidneys, making it harder for the kidneys to remove toxins from your blood and distribute other vital chemicals, hormones, and minerals to other organs. The effects of high blood pressure on your kidneys can have a compounding effect, weakening both your blood vessels, your kidneys, and other organs until your kidneys ultimately fail. Excessive Alcohol Consumption Can Lead to DiabetesConsuming too much alcohol can eventually limit your body’s sensitivity to insulin and disrupt your body’s blood sugar levels. Additionally, alcohol can activate enzymes that cause pancreatic tissues to digest themselves, inflaming and damaging the pancreas further. This is referred to as acute pancreatitis, and repetitive damage can lead to chronic pancreatitis. With chronic pancreatitis, your pancreas may lose its ability to properly produce or efficiently use insulin. This can result in diabetes, which ultimately increases your risk for kidney disease. Eventually, high blood sugar levels can damage your nephrons—the tiny filters in your kidneys—and reduce your kidneys’ ability to function. Damage to your kidneys can be the start of a sequence of events that impairs all of the body’s organs. Concerned About Your Kidney Health? Turn to Milwaukee NephrologistsThe relationship between alcohol and your kidneys is complex, but it’s worth understanding and paying attention to. Kidney infections aren’t likely to be caused by drinking, but alcohol can lead to other serious health complications, including chronic kidney disease.
If you’re experiencing kidney pain or are concerned about your kidneys’ health, don’t wait to take action; turn to Milwaukee Nephrologists. Milwaukee Nephrologists is Southeast Wisconsin’s trusted source for kidney care. With four offices and 15 hospital affiliations in the Milwaukee metro area, we’re always nearby. To learn more or schedule an appointment, contact our team today. Addiction can make you feel alone. The truth is that you aren’t. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, don’t hesitate to contact these organizations for help: SAMHSA National Helpline (available in English and Spanish): Dial 1-800-662-4357 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988  You know how when you eat a salty meal, you tend to feel quite thirsty afterward? That happens because your kidneys want to balance your body’s sodium and fluid levels. However, if your kidneys aren’t functioning properly, that balance can be thrown off and your body will retain more fluids than necessary. As a result, you might feel bloated, rapidly gain weight, or notice a tightness in your chest or shortness of breath. Fluid overload, medically known as hypervolemia, occurs when your kidneys are unable to regulate the amount of fluids in your body. It’s a common symptom of chronic kidney disease (CKD), and understanding why fluid overload happens is vital for protecting and preserving your kidney health. Here, we’ll take a look at the symptoms of fluid overload, who it’s most likely to impact, and what you can do to manage it. What are the Symptoms of Fluid Overload?Swelling in your legs, arms, and face is one of the most recognizable symptoms of fluid overload. Other common symptoms include:
Who is Susceptible to Fluid Overload?Anybody can have mild fluid overload, such as after eating a meal that’s high in sodium. However, underlying health conditions such as chronic kidney disease can make fluid overload more intense and dangerous. Hypervolemia or fluid overload is more common among: People with chronic kidney disease: Your kidneys regulate the balance of minerals and fluids in your body. However, if you have reduced kidney function or live with CKD, your body might not remove excess fluids. People with congestive heart failure: If you have heart failure, your body might struggle to circulate enough blood to the kidneys. As a result, your kidneys may struggle to function and properly balance minerals and fluids in your body. People Experiencing Hormonal Changes: Estrogen and progesterone play an important role in regulating fluid levels. If you’re pregnant or experiencing premenstrual syndrome, you might notice an increase in fluid levels. However, excess fluid retention can indicate a more serious health complication, so if you notice an abnormal increase in fluid retention or bloating during pregnancy or a menstrual cycle, contact your physician or nephrologist immediately. If you don’t know that you have CKD or congestive heart failure, fluid overload could signify a health problem that needs attention from a medical professional. Contact your physician or nephrologist immediately if you notice fluid overload symptoms. Strategies for Managing Fluid OverloadStrategies for managing fluid overload will vary by patient and depending on the cause of the fluid imbalance. If you are living with chronic kidney disease, your nephrologist and physician may give you dietary guidelines for managing fluid overload. Common strategies your nephrologist might recommend include:
If you have chronic kidney disease and it is progressing toward stage four, you may need to begin dialysis, which helps remove excess fluids from the body. Consult with your nephrologist to determine what the best fluid management strategy is for you. Related read: What’s the Difference Between Peritoneal Dialysis and Hemodialysis? Need Answers? Turn to Milwaukee NephrologistsIf you’re experiencing fluid overload, finding answers is the first step toward getting your comfort back. Milwaukee Nephrologists is Southeastern Wisconsin’s go-to resource for all-things kidney. Whether you’re concerned about your fluid levels, have been diagnosed with chronic kidney disease, or just want a second opinion, our team of experienced nephrologists is here to help.
To learn more or schedule an appointment, contact Milwaukee Nephrologists today. This post is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. You should not base any action or inaction on the information conveyed in this post. Consult with your physician for more information.  Pain medications like ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen, also known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), are commonly used by people across America every day. People can use them to quell a headache, reduce swelling from minor injuries, or reduce fevers. Doctors may even prescribe stronger versions of these medicines to control pain after serious injuries. However, these commonplace medications can have side effects that impact your kidneys’ health and ability to function, especially for individuals who already have reduced kidney function. So, what anti-inflammatory or pain-reducing medications are the safest for kidneys? Let’s take a look. What Anti-Inflammatories Can You Take If You Have Chronic Kidney Disease?Most physicians and nephrologists will recommend that patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) avoid using NSAIDs and use acetaminophen instead. This is because NSAIDs such as ibuprofen can prevent the proper amount of blood from reaching the kidneys, limiting the amount of oxygen that reaches the kidneys and ultimately damaging the kidneys and their ability to function. Although it is not an anti-inflammatory, acetaminophen is widely regarded as one of the safest pain-relief medicines for individuals with chronic kidney disease or other kidney-related health concerns. A common over-the-counter acetaminophen brand is Tylenol. Generic brands are also available at most stores and pharmacies, but it’s always important to read your drug labels carefully to ensure you’re taking the right medication. Other brands and types of acetaminophen medications exist, and your doctor may prescribe extra-strength versions. Remember that each individual’s health is different, so a medication that’s right for someone else may not be suitable for you. If you have chronic kidney disease or another health condition, such as heart disease, you should always consult with your physician and nephrologist before taking medications. Regardless of the pain reliever you end up using, be sure to follow the directions listed on the packaging and any additional instructions you have received from your physician or nephrologist. Most pain-relief medications recommend using them for no longer than 10 days for treating pain or three days for treating a fever. Is Tylenol or Ibuprofen Worse for Your Kidneys?Generally, ibuprofen tends to be worse for kidneys than Tylenol or other acetaminophen-based medications. For individuals in good health, NSAIDs like ibuprofen aren’t likely to damage their kidneys unless they take them for a prolonged period or in a large dose. If you have healthy kidneys and you take an NSAID for a prolonged period, you could experience interstitial nephritis, a disorder resulting in reduced kidney function, although this typically reverses if it is caused mainly by medication. However, if you are already struggling with CKD, NSAIDs can severely damage your kidneys by preventing them from receiving the oxygen they need. If you have CKD, you may still be able to take a low-dosage of an NSAID, particularly to help control your risk for heart attack, with minimal impact on your kidneys. However, each individual’s health is different. If you have reduced kidney function, you should always consult with your physician and nephrologist before pursuing an aspirin regimen or using an NSAID. What Alternatives Are There to NSAIDs?Individuals with CKD or other kidney-related health concerns may seek alternatives to NSAIDs for pain relief and reducing inflammation. Aside from acetaminophen, you may wish to consult with your physician about the following options:
Southeast Wisconsin’s Kidney Health SpecialistsProtecting your kidney health isn’t always glamorous or straightforward, but it’s always important. If you have questions about managing pain with chronic kidney disease or reduced kidney function, turn to Milwaukee Nephrologists for answers. To learn more about what pain-relief and anti-inflammatory medications are right for your health needs, contact Milwaukee Nephrologists today.
The information in this blog is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult with medical professionals before taking medications.  Kidney disease is a complex and chronic illness. It’s typically described in stages ranging from one to five, with five being kidney failure. The severity of an individual’s kidney disease is determined by assessing their glomerular filtration rate (GFR). GFR refers to the rate at which your kidneys filter toxins, and the five stages of kidney failure are described using GFR ranges. A healthy, young adult’s GFR is typically around 90-120 milliliters per minute (ml/min), but this rate gets increasingly slower as they age. Kidney disease, or an injury to the kidney, will cause their GFR to drop more rapidly than what’s typical of the natural aging process. Why Do Kidneys Fail?Diabetes and high blood pressure (also known as hypertension) account for 65% of chronic kidney disease cases, according to the CDC. This is because high blood pressure weakens the blood vessels and arteries that bring blood to the kidneys, making it hard for your kidneys to function properly. As a result of these weakened blood vessels, your kidneys may be unable to filter toxins out of your blood and body. Additionally, if you’re a smoker, you should quit. Smoking not only causes inflammation to your blood vessels, which puts you at an increased risk for heart attack or stroke, but it also puts you at a greater risk for chronic kidney disease. Stage 1 Chronic Kidney DiseaseStage one of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a critical phase for your kidneys. Stage 1 chronic kidney disease symptoms don’t typically show up, but it’s crucial to discover kidney disease early for treatment to be as effective as possible. Stage 1 Chronic Kidney Disease SymptomsDuring stage one of CKD, you probably won’t notice many symptoms because your kidneys can remove most toxins from your body, even if they’re not 100% functional. In fact, many people with stage 1 kidney disease have what appears to be a healthy GFR of around 90 ml/min. However, you may still discover some symptoms through medical tests:
Can You Reverse Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 1?Sadly, there’s currently no complete cure for chronic kidney disease. However, by catching it early in stage 1, you may be able to significantly slow the progression of the disease with changes to your diet and lifestyle. Consult with a kidney doctor for more information about preventing the progression of stage 1 CKD. Stage 2 Chronic Kidney DiseaseDuring stage two of chronic kidney disease, your kidneys are still functioning fairly well. Therefore, like stage one CKD, it’s still uncommon for symptoms to present themselves. However, if you undergo blood tests, a lower GFR ranging between 60-89 ml/min may be more noticeable. High blood pressure and diabetes are known as ‘silent killers,’ as about a third of individuals with these diseases don’t even know they have them. If you’re at risk for either of these diseases, be sure to consult with your doctor or a nephrologist about your risk for CKD. Symptoms of Stage 2 Chronic Kidney DiseaseThe symptoms for stage two chronic kidney disease are effectively the same as stage one kidney disease:
Stage 3 Chronic Kidney DiseaseChronic kidney disease stage three is typically described with two phases: A and B. The GFR for stage 3A ranges from 45-59 ml/min, and the GFR for stage 3B ranges from 30-44 ml/min. At this point, the disease has progressed to a point where kidney function is significantly reduced, leading to increased levels of toxins in your blood. Stage 3 Chronic Kidney Disease SymptomsBy stage three of chronic kidney disease, symptoms will start to show. Common symptoms include:
Stage 4 Chronic Kidney DiseaseStage four of chronic kidney disease is marked by a GFR of 15-29 ml/min. At this point, your kidney function is severely limited, leading to increasingly complex health consequences if the appropriate actions aren’t taken. Symptoms of Stage 4 Chronic Kidney DiseaseStage four of chronic kidney disease brings an increased risk for other diseases like bone disease, heart disease, anemia, and other kidney-related life-altering symptoms. If you don’t have high blood pressure, you may be at risk for developing it by stage four of kidney disease. Symptoms may include any previously mentioned in stage three, as well as:
Stage 5 Chronic Kidney DiseaseFinally, chronic kidney disease will progress to stage five. At this point, the GFR—the kidneys’ ability to filter toxins out of your blood—has been reduced to 15 ml/min or less. Kidney function has declined so much at this point that medical interventions such as dialysis or kidney transplant are essential for surviving. Symptoms of Stage 5 Chronic Kidney DiseaseStage five kidney chronic kidney disease symptoms are as severe as you might expect. In addition to any of the symptoms from previous stages of kidney disease, individuals in stage five of kidney disease might experience:
End-Stage Renal DiseaseBeyond stage five chronic kidney disease is end-stage renal disease (ERSD), or kidney failure. At this point, the kidneys have failed and can no longer filter toxins out of your body or send nutrients to your other organs. When a patient suffers from ESRD, they must be put on dialysis or receive a kidney transplant to survive. Milwaukee Nephrologists is Here to Support Your Kidney Health |