The average salt, or sodium, intake of an American is about double the daily recommended amount of 5 grams. And, while sodium is essential for many bodily functions, too much may be bad for the kidneys. Good Salt  Humans need sodium to survive. Our bodies use salt to transmit nerve impulses, control muscle contractions, and […]

If you have kidney problems, you’re probably wondering how to incorporate protein into your diet. Registered dietician and renal nutrition specialist Jen Hernandez is here to share 3 kidney-friendly protein tips! But first… What is Protein and Why do We Need it?  Protein is one of the three important macro ingredients that humans need for […]

Muscles naturally break down and rebuild themselves. During the breakdown processes, the waste product creatinine is produced.  Healthy Kidney Function and Creatinine A healthy kidney filters creatinine from the blood without absorbing much, or any, of it. That’s because this waste product is not useful. Kidneys and Creatinine Creatinine is a great marker of kidney […]

Phosphorus is the second most plentiful mineral in your body. But what exactly is it and why do most people with impaired renal function need to be aware of it? Let’s take a closer look at it. Phosphorus Phosphorus is an important mineral. Alongside calcium, it helps build strong, healthy bones and keeps other parts […]

Like, Follow, and Share Our dialysis machines are like our engines, it’s what helps keep us running. Like an engine in a car, it has so many parts that do so many things, all for one purpose of making the car go. So how does our dialysis machine actually work? And where did the idea […]

When most people think of yogurt, the first thing that comes to mind is probiotics. Yogurt brands often advertise that each cup is filled with probiotics. While this may be true, is eating yogurt a sufficient way to get enough probiotics or should you take a probiotic dietary supplement? Probiotics & Yogurt Yogurt is a […]

Our good friend, Jen (Registered dietitian and Board-Certified Renal Nutritionist) is here to share a favorite kidney-friendly summer meal!  Summer Succotash is filled with the nutrition you need while being tailored to people with kidney problems. That means this kidney-friendly recipe is low potassium, low sodium, and customizable! Summer Succotash Recipe Tried this Recipe? Have […]

If you’ve ever wondered, “what are clinical trials?” and “are they important?”- you’ve come to the right place. We are here to help answer any questions you may have.  Have you taken a dietary supplement and seen this on the label? “These statements have not been evaluated by the US Food and Drug Administration. This […]

We welcome back Board-Registered Renal Dietician, Jen Hernandez. This time, to teach us how to shop foods for kidney health, locally. Why? Shopping for kidney-friendly fruits and vegetables in season is healthy and easier on your wallet! Shop Local!   Shopping for produce grown in your area is a great way to save money: Without shipping […]

Never in our ancestors’ wildest dreams would they have believed that billions of microorganisms live inside the human body and that they are actually helpful! In fact, bacteria weren’t discovered until 1665 by Robert Hooke and Antoni van Leeuwenhoek and were not considered very important until another 200 years had passed.  But, here in 2020, […]

The immune system is crucial for our overall health and well being. It helps protect us against unwanted pathogens, viruses, bacteria, and more. Having an immune system is essential for survival. The immune system spreads out throughout the body and is involved with multiple organs, including the kidneys. (1) The Immune System and Impaired Renal […]

If you are struggling to find a delicious, kidney-friendly dessert look no further! This Chia Seed Pudding is not only tasty and customizable, but it’s also healthy! Most people find a low or no sugar diet incredibly difficult to live by. Despite warnings from our doctors, there’s something about a sweet treat that’s almost impossible […]

The immune system is a vast network that spans the entire length of the body. From our protective skin barrier to our gut microbiome, our immune system is always on high alert as it attempts to keep foreign objects, like viruses and harmful bacteria, from infecting the body. It’s an uphill battle for the immune […]

If you’ve suspected of having low kidney function, you may be wondering what types of tests you’ll need to undergo. These the most common tests used to determine kidney function. Kidney Function Tests Urinalysis Creatinine Clearance Test and eGFR Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) Urinalysis A urinalysis is precisely what it sounds like- it’s an analysis […]

Many people experiencing kidney problems feel overwhelmed and anxious about their situation. There are new rules, a myriad of tests, and lots of new jargon. Hopefully, this list of twenty terms will help you navigate this new terrain with confidence.  This content is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute […]

If you have kidney problems, figuring out the best carbohydrates for you can be confusing! Don’t worry! Registered Dietitian and Board Certified Renal Nutritionist, Jen Hernandez, is here to answer your most pressing questions! The Best Carbs for People with Kidney Problems What’s Next? Following your doctor’s orders, taking your prescriptions, and eating properly but […]