Kidney Diet Tips

World Kidney Day is March 14

World Kidney Day is a time to recognize the extent of kidney disease throughout the world, learn about risk factors and screening for kidney disease and educate ourselves on kidney disease management. Kidney disease is the 8th leading cause of death and over 26 million Americans, or 1 in 10 people over age 20,  have  kidney disease. Many do not even know they are at risk. Some of the questions to ask yourself to measure your risk include:

  • Do I have high blood pressure?
  • Do I have diabetes or am I at risk for developing diabetes?
  • Is there a history of cardiovascular disease in my family or have I been diagnosed with cardiovascular disease?
  • Does anyone in my family have kidney disease?
  • Do I have a history of kidney damage (kidney infections, kidney stones, past kidney trauma or injury,etc.)
  • Am I in a minority group that is at higher risk for kidney disease? (African American, Asian American, Hispanic Americans, Pacific Islanders and Native Americans)
  • Am I over the age of 55?
  • Do I already have a diagnosis of chronic kidney disease?

If you answered yes to the above questions you are at risk for kidney disease. Early screening and treatment can alert you so you can educate yourself and take action to preserve your kidneys.

Go to DaVita.com to take the risk quiz and learn more about kidney disease. For kidney  screenings, you can contact The Kidney TRUST™,  an organization aimed at increasing awareness of kidney disease through public education and testing programs.

Kidney diet resources from DaVita.com

 

Sara Colman, RDN, CDCES

Sara Colman, RDN, CDCES

Sara is a renal dietitian with over 30 years experience working with people with diabetes and kidney disease. She is co-author of the popular kidney cookbook "Cooking for David: A Culinary Dialysis Cookbook". Sara is the Manager of Kidney Care Nutrition for DaVita. She analyzes recipes and creates content, resources and tools for the kidney community. In her spare time Sara loves to spend time with her young grandson, including fun times together in her kitchen.