Commonly Asked Questions about Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney disease is a permanent and progressive illness that affects a large number of adults across the world. The disease is marked by the progressive failure of the kidneys over time. The kidneys are responsible for many jobs in the body, so kidney failure is a big deal. If you have been recently diagnosed with chronic kidney disease, or know someone with this chronic illness, it might help to learn some basics.

What Causes Kidney Disease?

There are many causes of kidney disease, ranging from genetic issues to other illnesses. In the United States, the two main causes of kidney disease are diabetes and high blood pressure. This is because all of the systems of the body are connected and work in tandem, so it is common for chronic health issues to lead to more issues. Along with other damage, diabetes adds more waste to the blood as well as creating extra stress on the kidneys, which makes it harder for them to perform normally. In the case of high blood pressure, blood vessels around the kidneys can harden and become weak, which makes it difficult for blood to flow to the kidneys.

Is There A Cure For Kidney Disease?

There is no cure for kidney disease. Unfortunately, any damage caused is not reversible, which means that lost function cannot be regained. That being said, close monitoring and a strict kidney friendly diet can help you slow the progression of kidney disease. There is even the possibility of stopping the progression of the illness and avoiding dialysis completely.

Why Does Diet Impact Kidney Disease So Much?

Diet impacts your treatment for kidney disease more than anything else. This is because what you eat is ultimately broken down and filtered through your blood stream. A kidney safe diet can help you choose the right foods to eat to cut down on extra waste and byproducts that would be difficult or maybe even dangerous for your kidneys to process.

What Is The Best Way To Maintain A Kidney Safe Diet?

The best way to maintain a kidney safe diet is effective meal planning. A good meal plan means that you never need to think about what you will eat for dinner tonight because it has all been planned out. This goes for breakfast, lunch, and snacks as well. A great meal plan starts with research and deciding what meals you want to eat for the next few days to a week, and then doing all of the preparation possible ahead of time. Whatever you can do to make the week easier, the more likely you are to follow through with your diet needs.

What Happens When You Reach Stage 5 Kidney Disease?

Stage 5 kidney disease is also known as end stage renal disease. This is the last stage of kidney disease, where it then becomes kidney failure. At this point, either transplant or dialysis is necessary to replace the function of your kidneys.

It is said that knowledge is often the best weapon to combat any enemy, and that is certainly true when it comes to your health. The knowledge you can gain about chronic kidney disease, for example, could be the difference between a short and uncomfortable life, and a long and healthy one. Use this knowledge to take the best care of yourself possible, and talk to your doctor about chronic kidney disease. For more information on CKD, click here.