Over the last several years, vitamin D has gained notoriety in mainstream healthcare, but clinicians working in CKD, ESRD, and dialysis have long been aware of this important nutrient. As CKD progresses, vitamin D levels are compromised due to the kidneys’ declining function and ability to activate vitamin D. This in turn reduces absorption of [...]
The weight loss industry rakes in billions of dollars every year as millions of adults in the U.S. attempt, or in many cases reattempt, to lose weight. Only 20% of people who achieve the gold standard goal of 10% weight loss will go on to maintain it. With so much money, time, and effort being [...]
Have you ever counseled a patient who frequently seems to be in an “off” mood? What does that look like? Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines mood as the following: “predominant emotion” or “a prevailing attitude.” When someone is “moody” they may display one or more of these emotions: Anger Sadness Tension Gloominess Fearfulness Perhaps the patient’s seemingly [...]
In an ideal world, people living with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) would all have easy access and a strong desire to follow a nutrient-dense, well-balanced, kidney- and/or dialysis-friendly diet. Doing so could alleviate many of the burdens that accompany the disease and support overall improvement in quality of life. Unfortunately, [...]
Health for the Holidays With holiday season in full swing amid an ongoing pandemic and smack dab in the middle of cold and flu season, now is a great time to remind dialysis patients what healthy food choices can fit into their holiday plans. By providing a few prevention tips during the holidays as well [...]
According to the Centers for Disease Control, only 23% of adults above the age of 18 years old meet the recommended guidelines for aerobic and muscle strengthening exercise. In the chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end stage renal disease (ESRD) population subset, the percentages are likely even lower due to a common misconception that they [...]
In chronic disease we talk a lot about inflammation. A prolonged state of inflammation, which is observed in chronic illnesses, leads to increased cellular damage and oxidative stress. Sometimes we forget this damage can extend to all parts of the body, including our brains. Under healthy circumstances, inflammation is a good thing, responsible for clearing [...]
Dietitians - seasoned practitioners, new grads, and those that fall somewhere in between – face ethical dilemmas on a regular basis. Navigating the area of ethics can be difficult as the situations they face are not always black and white. A clear-cut ethical dilemma, like whether to administer someone dialysis or provide important dietary recommendations [...]
Magnesium is a mineral the human body uses in more than 300 enzymatic processes including those that support deep, restful sleep. It is abundant in many foods we consider healthy – nuts, seeds, beans, whole grains, spinach, etc. – and yet many Americans miss the mark on meeting their magnesium needs. The Recommended Dietary Allowance [...]
Fluid overload (FO) is a prevalent issue among people with end-stage renal disease on dialysis. There are many consequences related to fluid overload, ultimately leading to increased hospitalization, mortality risk, and poor quality of life. Historically, fluid status has been evaluated in isolation, however, as the study below authors propose, it may be more [...]
