Kidney Disease

What is kidney disease?

Kidneys filter waste and fluids from the blood. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is when the kidneys filter blood below the normal level. Some causes of CKD include diabetes, high blood pressure, and kidney inflammation.

What are possible causes?
  • High blood pressure
  • Heart disease
  • Diabetes
  • Obesity
What are some symptoms?

Typically no symptoms in the beginning

  • Swelling in feet and ankles
  • Loss of appetite
  • Muscle cramps
  • Vomiting
  • Itching
  • Nausea
What to do?
  • Choose a variety of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables
  • Regular physical activity
  • May need to limit protein, sodium, potassium, and phosphorus
  • Consult a doctor or dietitian before making big changes
  1. Facts About Chronic Kidney Disease. National Kidney Foundation. https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/about-chronic-kidney-disease. Updated February 15, 2015. Accessed December 5, 2020.
  2. What Is Chronic Kidney Disease? National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/kidney-disease/chronic-kidney-disease-ckd/what-is-chronic-kidney-disease. Published June 2017. Accessed December 5, 2020.
  3. Chronic Kidney Disease Basics. Center for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/kidneydisease/basics.html. Updated February 2020. Accessed December 9, 2020.
  4. Symptoms of Kidney Disease. American Kidney Fund. https://www.kidneyfund.org/kidney-disease/symptoms/. Accessed December 9, 2020.
  5. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Nutrition Care Manual. http://www.nutritioncaremanual.org. Accessed December 12, 2020.