The kidneys, two bean-shaped organs located below the rib cage, are critical to your health and well-being. However, you don’t necessarily need both to keep the body functioning correctly. In fact, many people can live healthy lives with just one kidney. Here, we’ll explore the kidneys in more depth, explain how it’s possible to live with one kidney, and discuss how long you can live with just one of these essential organs. Understanding the KidneysThe kidneys are responsible for several critical processes in the body. Here are some of their most important functions: Filtering waste products from the bloodThe kidneys remove waste products from the blood with the help of nephrons, microscopic structures that filter blood and produce urine. There are approximately 1 million nephrons in each kidney. Each nephron consists of a filter, known as the glomerulus, and a tubule. The glomerulus filters the blood, and the tubule returns essential substances to the blood while removing waste. Balancing electrolytesElectrolytes, such as sodium, potassium, and calcium, are minerals that play critical roles in blood pressure regulation, nervous system functions, and much more. The continuous filtering of the kidneys helps to balance the levels of electrolytes in your blood and prevents them from rising too high or dropping too low. Regulating blood pressureThe kidneys produce several hormones. Erythropoietin stimulates the production of red blood cells, and renin plays a role in regulating blood pressure, specifically when blood pressure or sodium levels drop too low. Living with One KidneySomeone might need to live with just one kidney for several reasons. For example, they may have decided to donate one of their kidneys to someone else who needs a transplant, or they may have had a kidney removed due to disease or injury. Regardless of why someone has one kidney, the body can function perfectly well with just one of these organs. When a person loses one kidney, the remaining kidney undergoes several adaptations to compensate for the lost function. Here's a quick breakdown of how this process works:
Life Expectancy with One KidneyMorbidity and mortality rates are very low for those living with one kidney. One study showed a mortality rate of just 0.03%! Put simply, in most cases, having one kidney does not significantly impact your life expectancy as long as the remaining kidney stays healthy. Protecting Your KidneyMany factors contribute to kidney health. If you’re living with one kidney, some specific steps you can take to protect it include:
Myths and Realities of Life with One KidneyThere are plenty of myths out there surrounding life with one kidney. Some of the most pervasive ones are that:
The Bottom Line: The Kidneys are ResilientThe kidneys are incredible and resilient organs, and the body can adapt if a person has to have a kidney removed for any reason. Most people with only one kidney live perfectly healthy lives and do not have to make any significant adjustments. About Milwaukee NephrologistsWith a team of board-certified specialists, including dietitians, Milwaukee Nephrologists is Southeast Wisconsin’s go-to resource for kidney-health concerns.
To learn more about protecting and caring for your kidneys, check out our other educational articles, or get in touch with our staff of nephrologists, transplant specialists, and dietitians to schedule an appointment.
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In the ever-evolving landscape of health and wellness trends, alkaline water is another popular fad. But like many similar health trends, it’s essential to separate fact from fiction. Here, we’ll explore whether alkaline water and alkaline diets are good for kidneys, what research and healthcare professionals have found, and what you can do to protect your kidneys. Let’s jump right in. What is Alkaline Water?Alkaline water has become a buzzword in wellness, but what is it, really? Alkaline water is distinguished by its pH level, which is higher than regular water. A pH level measures a solution’s acidity or alkalinity on a scale from 0 to 14. Here are the basics:
Back to alkaline water. You can probably guess at this point that alkaline water, which has a pH above 7, is considered more alkaline than regular water. Many alkaline water brands advertise pH levels of 9 or higher. This is typically due to the presence of minerals like calcium and potassium. Advocates of alkaline water claim that it has unique health advantages, like neutralizing acids that contribute to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and enhancing hydration. The production methods of alkaline water further contribute to its draw in wellness communities. Some water sources, like springs, naturally contain elevated pH levels (thanks to minerals from the environment). The Kidneys Role In Your Blood’s pH BalanceYour kidneys are your body’s filters. They are essential in maintaining the right balance of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients in your body. One of your kidneys’ main tasks is regulating your blood’s pH level. Your kidneys regulate your blood’s pH by selectively reabsorbing water and electrolytes such as sodium and potassium. The kidneys also balance your blood’s pH by removing hydrogen ions and holding onto bicarbonate ions. This controls the concentration of these substances in your bloodstream, which is essential for protecting your other organs, which in turn support your kidneys. Alkaline Water and Chronic Kidney DiseaseSome suggest that alkali therapy may benefit individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD). But, because clinical research into the topic is extremely limited, a definitive statement on alkaline water’s benefits to patients with CKD is still needed. In one study, patients treated with an alkali-therapy for more than two months saw improvements in their kidney function.
Kathy Wong, a registered dietitian nutritionist, notes that alkaline water and an alkaline diet might not benefit every patient with CKD. Excessive alkalinity may pose risks, such as hyperkalemia, or having too much potassium in your blood. The Bottom Line for Alkaline WaterWhile some studies on alkali therapies (like drinking alkaline water) suggest that they may be helpful for patients with kidney disease, the bottom line is that there isn’t a conclusive body of evidence supporting those claims. Your body naturally balances your blood's pH level, so deliberately trying to change it could have implications for your health and kidney function. Always speak with your physician, nephrologist, or dietitian about your health before changing your diet. If you want to take action to protect your kidneys now, some things that are safe for most people with kidney disease include:
Concerned About Your Kidneys? Talk to Milwaukee NephrologistsIf you’re concerned about your kidney health and want to know if you should be making changes to your diet, speak to a specialist at Milwaukee Nephrologists.
With a team of board-certified specialists, including dietitians, Milwaukee Nephrologists is Southeast Wisconsin’s go-to resource for kidney-health concerns. To learn more about protecting and caring for your kidneys, check out our other educational articles, or get in touch with our staff of nephrologists, transplant specialists, and dietitians to schedule an appointment. Chocolate can be bad for your kidneys, but that doesn’t mean it always is. Like many other processed foods, there are different kinds of chocolate, and their ingredients and impact on your health can vary widely. Here, we’ll explore the way chocolate and the nutrients it contains impact your kidney health, both negatively and positively. Let’s dive right in! How Does Chocolate Impact Your Kidneys?Chocolate contains certain compounds that may be harmful if you have reduced kidney function or are at risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Those nutrients include the following: PotassiumChocolate is high in potassium. While potassium is essential for proper muscle function, if you have reduced kidney function, your kidneys might struggle to properly filter potassium, which can lead to hyperkalemia. Hyperkalemia can cause muscle fatigue, difficulty breathing, an abnormal heart rhythm, nausea, and even paralysis in extreme cases. PhosphorusPhosphorus is a mineral that people with CKD have difficulty eliminating. If you have too much phosphorus in your blood (hyperphosphatemia), it can pull calcium from your bones, leading to weak bones and joints, putting your safety at risk. SodiumSmall quantities of sodium are essential for maintaining your body’s fluid levels, controlling muscles, and keeping your nerves functioning. However, chocolate is often high in sodium, which can put your kidney health at risk. High blood pressure (hypertension) reduces your body’s blood flow and makes it harder for your kidneys to remove toxins from your blood. This creates a cycle in which your blood pressure increases, making it harder for your kidneys to function, further increasing your blood pressure. Saturated fatYou may be aware that there are good and bad types of cholesterol. Saturated fats raise the level of bad cholesterol in your blood, which puts you at a greater risk for heart disease, which can reduce your heart’s ability to get blood to the kidneys, thus creating a cycle as we mentioned above. SugarAs you might have guessed, many chocolates are high in sugar. Too much sugar is bad for your kidney health, as it can damage the blood vessels in your kidneys and the filters in your kidneys called nephrons. This can have a knock-on effect throughout your body. Remember that different types of chocolate may have different impacts on the kidneys due to the differences in ingredients. For instance, dark chocolate is typically lower in sugar, but it may also be higher in phosphorus. Keep an eye on the nutritional content if you choose to eat chocolates. Keep in mind that while chocolate might not always impact the kidneys directly, it can impact them indirectly by causing or contributing to high blood pressure and diabetes, which are the two leading causes of CKD. Does Chocolate Have Any Benefits for Kidney Health?Like many foods, it’s hard to make a blanket statement about chocolate being entirely good or bad for your kidney health. Although certain chocolates clearly pose health risks to people with poor kidney health when eaten in excess, it may also have some health benefits. Here are some of the more nutritious compounds found in chocolate (primarily dark chocolate):
Keep in mind that everyone’s health needs are unique. If you’re concerned about your kidney health and aren’t sure whether chocolate should be a part of your diet, talk to your physician. They can offer recommendations tailored to you specifically. Kidney-friendly Alternatives to ChocolateYou don’t have to give up on all treats just because you’re concerned about your kidney health. Here are some examples of kidney-friendly chocolate alternatives:
It can be difficult to know if your diet supports your kidney health, especially when you consider the indirect ways your kidneys are impacted by your diet. If you want to make sure you’re making the best decision for your kidney health, get in touch with one of Milwaukee Nephrologists’ dietitians today for a plan based on your needs. About Milwaukee NephrologistsWith a team of board-certified specialists and a wide variety of sub-specializations, Milwaukee Nephrologists is Southeast Wisconsin’s go-to resource for kidney health concerns.
To learn more about protecting and caring for your kidneys, check out our other educational articles, or get in touch with our staff of nephrologists, transplant specialists, and dietitians to schedule an appointment.
As your kidneys are responsible for filtering medications, it’s important to understand how those medications impact your kidney health. Otherwise, one solution becomes the cause of another health problem. In this article, we’ll dig into heartburn medications, how they work, and which ones are safe for your kidneys. Understanding the Different Treatments for Heartburn, Acid Reflux, and GERD‘Antacid’ is frequently used as a placeholder for any heartburn relief medication. But among the wide variety of heartburn medications, there are several different active ingredients. Likewise, heartburn, acid reflux, and gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD) are often used interchangeably, but they aren’t the same thing. GERD is a diagnosable condition; acid reflux causes GERD, and heartburn is a symptom of GERD and acid reflux. You don’t need to have GERD to experience heartburn. Each heartburn medication has a different impact on your kidney health, so it’s important to understand their distinct properties. Let’s take a closer look at the three most common types of heartburn relief medications. 1. AntacidsAntacids are one of the most common treatments for unexpected heartburn. You would take it after eating. They come in two forms: a water-soluble pellet like Alka-Seltzer, or a chewable tablet like Tums. Calcium Carbonate AntacidsThese antacids use calcium carbonate to reduce the amount of acid in your stomach. The calcium carbonate chemically reacts with the hydrochloric acid that your stomach secretes. That chemical reaction neutralizes the acid, creating water, carbon dioxide, and calcium chloride. Calcium chloride isn’t healthy, but the miniscule amount produced by an antacid will rarely have an observable impact on your health unless taken regularly. Aluminum Hydroxide and Magnesium Hydroxide AntacidsLike calcium carbonate antacids, aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide react with hydrochloric acid in the stomach, forming aluminum chloride and magnesium chloride, respectively. Aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide antacids are used with caution in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). 2. H2 BlockersImagine if your stomach were a house, and to start producing acid it needed to receive a letter telling it to do so. You could prevent the production of acid by boarding up the mail slot. That’s essentially what H2 blockers do. Certain cells in your stomach’s lining control stomach acid production. When you eat fatty foods, the H2 histamine receptor in those cells receives the signal to increase acid production, leading to acid reflux and heartburn. H2 blockers prevent your stomach cells from receiving that signal in the first place. Some H2 blockers also include calcium carbonate to reduce the amount of acid in your stomach, in addition to temporarily limiting the production of acid. 3. Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)PPIs are effective for a longer time period than other heartburn relievers. Most heartburn medications provide relief for 2-12 hours, while PPIs last roughly 24 hours. They’re usually taken by people with chronic heartburn and may be prescribed to patients who’ve had bleeding stomach ulcers. PPIs work by targeting an enzyme that pumps hydrogen ions into the stomach, which ultimately leads to the production of gastric acid. PPIs bind to that enzyme, preventing it from properly signaling the need to produce acid. Which Antacids Are Safe For Kidneys?When it comes to your kidney health, most antacids are safe, but you should speak to your physician about using them, especially if you’re at risk for or have CKD. An allergic reaction to a PPI could lead to interstitial nephritis, an inflammation of the filters in your kidneys. This can reduce your kidneys’ ability to function, ultimately leading to numerous other health risks, such as high blood pressure and CKD. An analysis of numerous studies found that PPI use was associated with a risk for CKD, but also notes that until more conclusive studies can confirm the risk, PPIs may still be used cautiously to treat GERD. Additionally, some antacids could cause an imbalance in your body’s electrolyte balance if you have CKD. At the same time, calcium carbonate antacids may be used to control phosphorus levels in patients with CKD, as their kidneys can’t remove phosphorus like a healthy kidney would. Therefore, it’s critical to talk to your doctor before taking heartburn relief medication. In general, antacids and H2 blockers should only be used to manage short-term symptoms, and PPIs should be used at the lowest dose for the shortest period of time, according to guidance from the American Gastroenterological Association. Alternatives to Antacids and Heartburn MedicationsDepending on your circumstances, your physician may recommend alternatives to heartburn medications. Common strategies to naturally ease the discomfort caused by heartburn and acid reflux include:
Milwaukee Nephrologists: Southeastern Wisconsin’s Kidney ExpertsWith a team of board-certified specialists and a wide variety of sub specializations, Milwaukee Nephrologists is your go-to resource for kidney-health concerns. To learn more about protecting and caring for your kidneys, check out our other educational articles, or get in touch with our staff of nephrologists, transplant specialists, and dietitians to schedule an appointment.
Kidneys can usually recover from short-term alcohol damage. However, alcohol can have other impacts on your health. Just because your kidneys have recovered from immediate effects of alcohol damage doesn’t mean that the impact on your kidneys is over. Remember, your body is an ecosystem. Damage to one organ has reverberating effects that impact many other organs. Here, we’ll share insights into some of the ways alcohol impacts the kidneys and how much alcohol is safe to drink. How Does Alcohol Affect The Kidneys?One of the kidneys’s jobs is to remove toxins from your blood. When you drink alcohol, you put toxins into your blood, making your kidneys’ job extra hard. If you drink too much, your kidneys might not be able to keep up. As a result, your kidneys will struggle to maintain the proper amount of fluid within your body. Because your kidneys impact the health of your other organs, stressed kidneys can create a ripple effect that has ongoing consequences for your overall health. Alcohol Can Affect the Kidneys Through High Blood PressureAlcohol can also damage your kidneys by causing high blood pressure (hypertension). This happens because alcohol leads to a higher volume of the hormone renin in your blog. Too much renin causes blood vessels to contract. That makes your heart need to work harder to pump blood through your body. As a result, your kidneys receive less nutrients from the bloodstream, making it harder for them to perform their role of removing toxins. High blood pressure can have a compounding effect on your kidneys, weakening your blood vessels, your kidneys, and other organs until your kidneys ultimately fail. Alcohol Can Affect the Kidneys Through DiabetesDrinking too much can damage your body’s sensitivity to insulin, disrupting your body’s blood-sugar levels. Alcohol can also lead to acute pancreatitis, and repetitive damage can lead to chronic pancreatitis. With chronic pancreatitis, you could lose the ability to produce or use insulin. This can result in diabetes, which increases your risk for kidney disease. Over time, high blood sugar levels can reduce your kidneys’ ability to function. Related read: What’s the link between diabetes and kidney disease? How Does Alcohol Affect The Kidneys?Yes, excessive alcohol consumption can eventually lead to acute kidney failure (also called acute kidney injury). Without proper treatment, acute kidney failure can be fatal. But, if you’re an otherwise healthy person, your body can typically recover from acute kidney failure with the appropriate medical attention. Acute kidney failure has a rapid onset and is most frequently caused by illnesses. In contrast, kidney failure or end-stage renal disease is the final stage of chronic kidney disease. How Does Alcohol Affect The Kidneys?There aren’t symptoms of kidney damage that are unique to alcohol. General symptoms of kidney damage include the following:
What’s a Safe Amount to Drink?According to the CDC, men should have no more than two drinks a day, and women should have no more than one drink a day. Pop news programs may latch onto stories about how a glass of wine a day is good for your health. However, you should be skeptical of these claims. They fail to account for the numerous other factors impacting a person’s health, such as diet and exercise. After all, alcohol is a known carcinogen. It can have detrimental health impacts even when consumed at low levels. If you choose to drink, limit yourself to the CDC’s recommended guidelines and be sure to drink plenty of water. And if you don’t drink, don’t start. Concerned About Your Kidney Health? Talk to Milwaukee NephrologistsWhen you’re concerned about your kidney health, Milwaukee Nephrologists is your go-to resource. To learn more, check out our other educational articles, or get in touch with our staff of nephrologists, transplant specialists, and dietitians to schedule an appointment.
If you've been diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) or put on dialysis, then chances are your nephrologist is limiting your fluid intake. This is because failing kidneys tend to make patients excessively thirsty, but at the same time, overhydration can severely worsen your condition by raising blood pressure, damaging your heart, and causing swelling. But while every kidney diet varies on a case-by-case basis, we've put together some overall recommendations on how to quench thirst when water doesn't work. Read on to find out more! Key ConsiderationsLet's start by examining some overall dos and don'ts when it comes to drinking and eating with CKD. Pay Attention to These Elements if You Have CKD
Overall, monitoring these three elements is a critical step in your journey toward mitigating the health effects of decreased kidney function. This is why dietary recommendations vary so wildly. However, it is nevertheless important to understand how each plays a role in overall health so you can understand what to drink and what not to drink when you're thirsty. How to Quench Thirst When Water Doesn't WorkSince CKD causes extreme thirst, you may be tempted to drink a lot of water — after all, water is healthy, and staying hydrated is essential, right? Well, this is not the case for patients with lowered kidney function. Fluid overload can cause cramps, weight gain, shortness of breath, and more. Here are some ways you can quench your thirst when water doesn't do the job: IMPORTANT NOTE: All of the following suggestions must be approved by your dietician and/or nephrologist. Individual circumstances vary, so do not engage with these suggestions unless you've consulted with the proper experts.
Healthy Habits Start With Milwaukee NephrologistsSuffering from CKD has many side effects, including extreme thirst, but the experts at Milwaukee Nephrologists can help you live a healthy, fulfilling life. Being health-conscious and informed is the best way to protect your overall kidney health, so be sure to consult with the experts before acting on any advice.
For patients who have concerns about their renal health or want to know how to follow a kidney-friendly diet, talk to Milwaukee Nephrologists today! What is dry weight?
Dry weight is your weight when your body doesn’t have any excess fluid. Dry weight determines how much fluid your dialysis treatment should remove. If your body has too much fluid, it can lead to health risks such as high blood pressure, swelling, and complicate your dialysis treatment. Does your dry weight change?Yes, your dry weight isn’t a constant. In fact, it may change as you begin dialysis treatment. For example, most patients feel better after starting dialysis treatment. If you feel well enough to resume light exercise, you may lose weight. If you then use the same dry weight, you could have too much fluid removed, leading to hypovolemia, or fluid loss. So, it’s essential to speak with your care providers regularly to ensure your dialysis treatment changes as your health changes. How is dry weight calculated?Dry weight refers to your body’s weight without excess fluids. But how do you know if your body has excess fluids? Nephrologists and researchers have studied dry weight to determine the best way to determine patients’ dry weights. A lack of swelling (edema) in your extremities may be a good indicator of your dry weight. Likewise, a lack of symptoms like dizziness after dialysis treatment indicates that you are at your dry weight. But, the absence of swelling doesn’t guarantee that you are at your dry weight. Some research suggests that you're at your dry weight when your blood pressure is normal (neither high nor low) without taking medication. This is because if you have too much fluid in your body, it will increase your blood pressure. So, normal blood pressure may indicate dry weight. Another measurement that has been shown to measure dry weight is the cardiothoracic ratio (CTR). This refers to the width of your heart in comparison to the width of your ribcage, and is measured with an X-ray. A CTR greater than .48 may indicate fluid overload or hypervolemia. A CTR between .42 and .48 may indicate regular fluid levels or dry weight. Together, a normal blood pressure and CTR between .42 and .48 may be the most accurate measure of dry weight. Clearly, finding your dry weight is a complicated matter. Plus, as we mentioned earlier, your dry weight can change over time. It’s important to communicate with your care team if you notice any negative or uncommon symptoms during, following, or between your dialysis treatments. What is fluid gain?Dialysis treatments remove excess fluids to help you stay near your dry weight. However, you naturally gain some weight from fluid between your treatments. This is fluid gain. While some fluid gain is to be expected, too much can lead to additional health risks and complications. Some of the most common side effects of fluid gain include high blood pressure, swelling in your extremities, pulmonary edema, and difficulties with your dialysis treatment. High blood pressureThe most common side effect of excess fluid gain (hypervolemia) is high blood pressure. Your kidneys are responsible for regulating fluid volumes in your body. But, if your kidneys aren’t functioning properly, they can’t do it as effectively. The fluid your kidneys can't remove remains in your bloodstream. That increases the volume of fluid in your blood and raises your blood pressure. Swelling in your arms, hands, legs, or feetYour kidneys can't manage your sodium levels effectively when they don't function properly. This causes your body to retain more fluid, leading to both high blood pressure and swelling. Swelling, or edema, is most likely to occur in your arms, hands, legs, feet, or around your eyes. Pulmonary edemaWhen you have too much fluid in your body, it increases your blood pressure and can lead to congestive heart failure. When the heart can’t pump blood to meet your body’s needs, blood backs up in the blood vessels of your lungs like a bottleneck effect. This pushes fluid into your lungs’ air sacs, creating what’s called pulmonary edema. This can make breathing extremely difficult and is a medical emergency. If you are struggling to breathe, seek medical care immediately. Difficulties with dialysis treatmentsIt’s vital to control your fluid gain between dialysis treatments. While dialysis removes fluid from your body, each treatment can only remove so much. Removing too much fluid too rapidly can lead to drastic drops in blood pressure. These drops in blood pressure prevent your blood from carrying nutrients and oxygen to organs like your brain and heart. Tips for maintaining your fluid intake between dialysis treatmentsAt this point, the importance of dry weight and its implications for your health are clear. But understanding dry weight and maintaining yours are two different stories. Many new dialysis patients find it challenging to limit their fluid intake. How can you limit your fluid intake while managing your thirst and comfort? Let’s take a look at some common strategies: Follow a dialysis dietDialysis is an effective treatment, but it’s not a replacement for healthy kidneys. As you begin dialysis, you’ll need to ensure that the nutrients you consume aren’t adding toxins to your blood unnecessarily. A hemodialysis diet typically includes an increase in protein, calcium, and fibers. At the same time, it will limit sodium, phosphorus, and potassium. Drink kidney-healthy fluidsAs a dialysis patient, you’ll need to limit your fluid intake. Additionally, the fluids you drink must be kidney-friendly. The best drinks for kidney health include water and sparkling water, black coffee, unsweetened herbal teas, and some vegetable juices. Common drinks that will only damage your kidney health include sodas, sugary juices, and alcohol. Consult with your care team to determine what fluids you should avoid. Finally, make sure you follow your care team’s directions when it comes to limiting your fluid intake. Most dialysis patients are limited to around 32 ounces of fluid a day. Manage your thirstGiven the challenge of limiting your fluid intake to just a few glasses each day, many new dialysis patients struggle with thirst. Some good ways to satisfy the craving for water without consuming too much liquid include sucking on low-sugar candies or frozen grapes, limiting your salt intake, and using smaller drinkware. Milwaukee Nephrologists is Southeastern Wisconsin’s Leader in Kidney HealthFrom dry weight to dietary concerns, Milwaukee Nephrologists are your go-to resource for kidney health. To learn more, check out some of our other educational articles, or get in touch with our staff of nephrologists, transplant specialists, and dietitians to schedule an appointment.
Around 500,000 Americans go to emergency rooms each year because of kidney stone problems, with rough estimates stating one in ten will have one at some point in their life. But while living with lowered kidney function can open you up to a number of health issues that will inevitably restrict your diet, one question you may ask yourself is whether coffee causes kidney stones. The short answer is no, coffee does not directly cause kidney stones. However, decreased kidney function is often a symptom of other diseases that could, in fact, cause kidney stones such as gout or diabetes. Here we'll go over more details about kidney stones, their causes, and the effects that various food types may have on them. What Is a Kidney Stone?Your kidneys filter out chemicals from your bloodstream and then expel them from the body via urine; and kidney stones are hardened objects composed of these chemicals. However, under the right conditions (dehydration, eating too much salt or sugar, or due to certain diseases) these chemicals can crystallize inside of the kidneys if there isn't enough fluid to dissolve them. While kidney stones themselves aren't a serious health issue, they can be extremely painful to pass and if the build-up is significant enough, removing them via surgery may be required. Is Coffee Bad For Kidney Stones?Current data suggests that no, coffee is not bad for kidney stones. As a matter of fact, recent studies have shown that coffee and caffeine consumption can actually prevent kidney stones. One study, published by the National Kidney Foundation, states: "Our findings show that going from, for example, one cup a day to 1.5 cups per day, reduces the risk of kidney stones by 40 percent,'” said co-author of the study, Susanna C. Larsson, PhD, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm. “Our findings strongly suggest that regular coffee consumption reduces the risk of kidney stone formation.” So, you can breathe a sigh of relief knowing your daily wake-me-up won't cause kidney stones! Does Caffeine Cause Kidney Stones?According to currently available research, no, caffeine does not cause kidney stones. Connections between caffeine and kidney stones are still being observed, however, and it is important to recognize some misconceptions that may lead you to false conclusions. One such misconception is that coffee causes dehydration. Yes, dehydration can cause kidney stones and yes, caffeine is a diuretic, meaning it increases urine production. But coffee, and caffeine in general, does not actually cause dehydration because the fluids present in a cup of coffee balance out any diuretic effects. However, drinking too much caffeine is linked to serious health conditions, so drink your coffee in moderation. What Are the Best Drinks For Your Kidneys?Staying hydrated is the best way to combat kidney stones and keep your kidneys healthy. Here are a few of the best options:
What Drinks Are Bad For Your Kidneys?
One common misconception that our nephrologists see is that milk is a cause of kidney stones, due to the calcium it contains. As its namesake may lead you to believe, calcium stones are avoidable if you avoid calcium, right? Wrong. Most calcium stones are created from oxalates, which are not found in dairy milk. Non-dairy milk, however, is not rich in calcium but is usually derived from ingredients that do contain oxalates, such as nuts and other plants. This means non-dairy milk is more likely to cause development of kidney stones than dairy milk. Avoiding milk, which otherwise has health benefits, because you are worried about kidney stones is not recommended. For more details, read our full post on the topic. Milwaukee Nephrologists are Leaders in Renal HealthBeing health-conscious and informed is the best way to protect your overall kidney health. Read nutrition labels, watch what you eat, and consume harmful foods such as soda and alcohol in moderation, if at all. However, these recommendations change drastically if you are already affected by a kidney disorder or if you suspect you may have a kidney disorder. For patients that have concerns about their renal health or want to know how to follow a kidney-friendly diet, talk to Milwaukee Nephrologists today!
Here, we’ll explore the sensations of dialysis, tell you what you can expect during your treatment, and share tips for managing the side effects of your treatment. What Does Dialysis Feel Like?The dialysis treatment itself does not feel painful. When you first begin, there may be some discomfort depending on whether you’re being treated with hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis. These sensations will become less noticeable as you grow accustomed to the treatment. If you’re on hemodialysis, you’ll be able to feel your blood flowing if you touch near your access point, and you may feel cold during treatment. This can be easily alleviated by wearing warmer clothes or multiple layers of clothing. If you’re on peritoneal dialysis, you may feel bloated due to the dialysate in your abdomen. Common Uncomfortable Dialysis SensationsThe experience on the whole is generally pain-free, barring a few marginally painful sensations, and any discomfort is usually short-lived. Some of the uncomfortable sensations could be caused by the following: Needles Sticks for Your Hemodialysis Access PointIf you have a fistula or a graft—the two most common access site types for hemodialysis patients—you may experience some pain during needle insertion. Any pain due to needle insertion is usually brief, and will fade after the needle is inserted. Additionally, you can learn to insert the needle yourself, which you may find more comfortable. Low Blood Pressure During HemodialysisDuring hemodialysis, your body will experience a rapid loss in fluids. This can lead to low blood pressure, which can leave you nauseated and dizzy. If you begin to feel either of these symptoms, let your care team know. They’ll be able to adjust your treatment. CrampsDue to the rapid removal of fluids during hemodialysis, you may experience muscle cramps during your treatment. This too can be a sign that your treatment needs to be adjusted, so don’t hesitate to alert your care team. Pressure From Your CatheterPeritoneal dialysis can also cause some discomfort, but it’s also usually brief. While your catheter is bringing dialysate into your body, it can cause some discomfort by pressing against your abdominal wall. Your care team may be able to alleviate this discomfort slightly or entirely by adjusting your treatment or by giving you a laxative. How Does a Person Feel After Dialysis?Following dialysis treatment, most patients will feel significantly better. Dialysis imitates the role of your kidneys, filtering toxins from your blood. While dialysis can’t fully replace your kidneys, it’s an incredibly effective treatment for individuals living with chronic kidney disease (CKD) or end-stage renal disease (ESRD). After you’ve been on dialysis for a long time, such as several years, you may feel fatigued following your treatment. However, this may simply be a symptom of your CKD’s progression, rather than a side effect of your dialysis treatment. How Does a Person Feel After Dialysis?To feel your best during and after dialysis, consider the following tips: 1. Follow Your Care Team’s AdviceYour care team will prescribe you dialysis treatments that are right for you and your health. Following that plan precisely will lead to the best health outcomes and physical comfort, while skipping treatments or cutting them short can put your health at risk. Similarly, do all you can to follow your care team’s dietary advice. As a dialysis patient, it’s vital to follow a diet designed for your treatment. Certain foods and too much liquid can disrupt your treatment’s effectiveness, so follow the guidelines your care team has given you for eating and drinking. Finally, be sure to continue taking your other medications. Neglecting to do so could make your dialysis treatments less effective and put your health at risk. 2. Speak Up When You Have a ConcernAs the patient, you have a uniquely important role on your care team. If something doesn’t feel right or isn’t working for you, let them know. For example, if you’re experiencing discomfort due to your catheter pressing against your abdominal wall, don’t suffer in silence or assume that it’s a normal part of the dialysis treatment. Your care team may be able to provide relief or adjust your treatment to make it more comfortable. 3. Be Informed and Ask QuestionsYour care team will prescribe diets and practices suited for your treatment. However, following your diet or managing your fluids can be difficult. Don’t be afraid to ask questions if you’re struggling. Your care team may be able to give you advice for making fluid management easier, or introduce you to resources that help you acclimate to life on dialysis. Likewise, keep yourself informed about maintaining your health. Learn how to keep your access point and any at-home equipment clean. If your access point or the skin surrounding it gets infected, it could lead to sepsis, which is an extremely dangerous condition. Milwaukee Nephrologists Are Dialysis ExpertsIf you’re living with CKD, dialysis can extend your life significantly. But what’s more important is that dialysis can greatly improve your quality of life. However, if your dialysis treatment is painful, your quality of life might not be improving. Dialysis should be a pain-free experience. If you’re experiencing pain or discomfort, it could be a sign that your treatment needs to be adjusted.
Milwaukee Nephrologists' team of nephrologists serve patients at dialysis centers across the greater Milwaukee area and prioritize your comfort during treatment. If your care team has suggested you begin dialysis treatment, our team is here to support your health. Contact Milwaukee Nephrologists today to get in touch with our staff. Yes, chronic kidney disease can have a hereditary component. If you have a close relative with chronic kidney disease, you may be at a higher risk of developing the condition. However, lifestyle choices, underlying health conditions, and social determinants all affect your overall kidney health. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the main factors that can influence your kidney health, including hereditary traits and lifestyle factors. Finally, we’ll cover some simple tips for maintaining kidney health throughout your life. Let's get right to it! How Do Genetics Influence Chronic Kidney Disease?Some diseases are passed down through families. Sickle cell disease is one common example of a genetic disease, and hemophilia was famously passed to Alexei Romanov, the heir to the Russian empire in the early 1900s. Likewise, certain genetic mutations like Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD) can lead to chronic kidney disease being passed from parent to child. In addition, genetic variations in some genes (namely the APOL1 and MYH9 genes) are responsible for kidney-disease related risks. Variants of these genes are also far more common among Black communities in America. Although, genetic factors to chronic kidney disease are not usually the main determinant. How Social Determinants of Health (SDoH) Contribute to Chronic Kidney Disease RiskGenetics do play a role in chronic kidney disease, but in most cases, if you have a family history of chronic kidney disease, diabetes, or hypertension, it may largely be due to social determinants of health (SDoH). SDoH include things like:
We also know that early detection of chronic kidney disease is essential for preserving kidney function. But Black, minority, and rural communities that often lack medical care may not have adequate opportunities for kidney health testing. SDoHs like where you grow up, the diet you’re fed and can afford, and the availability of healthcare in your community are often things that you don’t have total control over. Despite this, there are numerous individual choices that can also impact the likelihood of developing chronic kidney disease. The Impact of Individual Choices on Chronic Kidney DiseaseWe’ve now touched on how genetics and social determinants of health can impact your risk for developing chronic kidney disease. The final major contributor to your risk for chronic kidney disease is your lifestyle choices. Broadly speaking, making wise choices about diet and exercise are some of the most important things you can do to protect your kidneys. This includes doing things like:
Key Takeaway: Chronic Kidney Disease is Usually the Result of Several FactorsWhile chronic kidney disease has a hereditary component, having a close relative with CKD doesn’t mean you’re certain to have it. Your diet, level of activity, and other factors influence it as well. To keep your kidneys healthy over time, take the time to monitor your overall health and make smart lifestyle choices. About Milwaukee NephrologistsMilwaukee Nephrologists is Southeast Wisconsin’s leader in kidney care, with over 15 locations throughout the Milwaukee metro area. Our multidisciplinary team is home to over a dozen specialists, each of whom is board-certified in nephrology. Our transplant specialists, dietitians, and physicians can help craft a personalized care plan for your kidney health. If you’re concerned about your kidney health or have a family history of chronic kidney disease, our team may be able to help. To schedule a consultation, get in touch today! Disclaimer: The information included in this article is for informational use only. Consult with your physician before making medical decisions.
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