According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), approximately 37 million people in the United States are estimated to have chronic kidney disease (CKD), and as many as 9 out of 10 do not know it. yeah.
For this reason, National Kidney Month is observed in March, along with National Nutrition Month, in hopes of raising awareness of CKD and paving the way for better kidney care.
For these reasons, National Kidney Month has been observed in March, which is also National Nutrition Month, in hopes of raising awareness of CKD and paving the way for better kidney care.
Wendy Caesar Gibbs, a renal dietitian in the Division of Nutritional Services at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, is focused on building a path to better health with her patients, not just during March, but every day. She cares for patients with kidney disease, some of whom have undergone kidney transplants.
Cesar Gibbs is also a member of WRNMMC’s organ transplant team, providing nutritional assessment and evaluation of potential kidney transplant recipients, transplant recipients, and donors.
“The main functions of the kidneys are removing waste products, removing excess body fluids, and producing urine,” explained Caesar Gibbs. “The kidneys balance minerals and salts (calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, etc.) in the body. The kidneys help regulate blood pressure, red blood cell production, and maintain healthy bones. Ingesting excessive amounts of food with sodium and protein can place additional stress on the kidneys.”
He said kidney disease can develop from high blood pressure and diabetes, which can be caused by improper lifestyle habits. “These lifestyle habits, including excessive calorie intake, sodium intake from processed foods, and lack of exercise, can lead to obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure.”
“As a renal dietitian, I am responsible for understanding all aspects of the nutritional status of kidney disease patients, including CKD patients, dialysis patients, and kidney transplant patients, and providing nutritional education and counseling regarding kidney nutrition. We also offer advice on: diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney stones, and weight management, as these issues can also affect kidney function,” continued Cesar Gibbs. Ta.
“Lifestyle modifications are part of the initial treatment intervention for prediabetes, diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease and can help improve kidney function. A low-sodium, low-fat, high-fiber, low-carbohydrate diet is Helps improve pre-diabetes, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and kidney function.’High blood pressure can slow the onset and progression of kidney disease,’ explained Cesar Gibbs.
Caesar Gibbs said he advises patients that they can also reduce their chances of developing kidney disease by adopting a lifestyle that avoids high blood pressure and diabetes. “I advise them to consume a diet that is high in fiber, low in sodium, and moderate in protein. I also advise them on the importance of regular physical activity and adequate hydration.”
This advice is consistent with the NIDDK’s recommendations, which state that to forge a path to better kidney care, people should:
* Actively participates in the patient’s care, collaborating with the medical team to develop a treatment plan that fits the patient’s lifestyle, mobility, health status, and dietary needs.
*Please follow the care plan. Take your medications as prescribed and stay up-to-date on vaccines. COVID-19 and influenza vaccines are especially important for people with kidney disease, who are more likely to become seriously ill from COVID-19 and influenza.
*Build a kidney healthy lifestyle. Try to incorporate healthy habits into your daily schedule. This includes healthy food and drink, physical activity such as walking or taking the stairs to stay active and manage your weight, and sleep habits to ensure you get enough rest.
For patients who have received a kidney transplant, Caesar Gibbs said proper nutrition helps with the healing process after surgery.
“People who were on hemodialysis before receiving a kidney transplant may be able to consume items that were previously restricted,” she explained.
“The most rewarding part of my job is seeing patients’ labs and health outcomes improve as a result of lifestyle changes,” said Cesar Gibbs. Conversely, she said the most difficult part of her job is when patients do not adhere to dietary restrictions, resulting in abnormal test results and compromised nutritional or medical status. .
“I want people to understand that small lifestyle changes can lead to big improvements in health, and it’s never too late to change your behavior,” concludes Cesar Gibbs. Ta.
