Things to Know Before Opting for Dialysis
And the role of nutrition in treating kidney disease
Kidney disease is the first socialized medical condition. As such, in the traditional medical system, it's sometimes observed that patients whose treatment is possible via approaches other than dialysis are also put on dialysis. To anyone who knows a little about dialysis and its process would agree it's not an easy process and almost like a part-time job that you don't get paid for. In our latest podcast with Jessianna Saville, RD, Renal Nutrition Expert and Founder of The Kidney RD, she says that:
“If patients knew they had an option other than dialysis, they wou...
Things to Know Before Opting for Dialysis
And the role of nutrition in treating kidney disease
Kidney disease is the first socialized medical condition. As such, in the traditional medical system, it's sometimes observed that patients whose treatment is possible via approaches other than dialysis are also put on dialysis. To anyone who knows a little about dialysis and its process would agree it's not an easy process and almost like a part-time job that you don't get paid for. In our latest podcast with Jessianna Saville, RD, Renal Nutrition Expert and Founder of The Kidney RD, she says that:
“If patients knew they had an option other than dialysis, they wouldn’t sit in that chair.”
This and other sensitive issues related to the treatment of kidney disease (/ n-stage renal disease) were also be discussed in the podcast. Here are some highlights:
Two Key Aspects of Kidney Treatment
- Preserving kidney function
- Preventing any complications
Who is at risk of kidney disease?
Some of the symptoms that indicate an issue with kidney function include:
- High BP
- Diabetes
- Deficient (depression)
- IBUProfen
- Age (over 65 years)
People who experience one or more of the above symptoms should go for an annual kidney check-up, be aware of their test results and reach the specialist as they observe any discrepancies.
"The more functional your kidneys are, the less restrictive the dietary approach becomes."
Is it possible that ppl have kidney disease without any high blood pressure or high cholesterol and regardless of age?
Yes, below are some factors that may contribute to a kidney disease irrespective of BP, HC, or age related factors:
- High protein diet
- Lifestyle
- Kidney gut access (IBS, Skin rashes, Joint problem)
A point to note is that all of the above are related to gut. This means your gut health plays a major role in your kidneys’ efficient functioning.
“The body can heal itself if you get in the right condition and getting in the right condition is like getting into the right diet.”
“Nutrition hands down is so powerful in preserving kidney functions.”
The Traditional Medicine Approach
when it comes to kidney function:
“I’m watching you fail and when you fail 4 years from now, I’ve the solution to keep you alive.”
Message of Moderation
It's a diluted form of advice or recommendations given to people looking for help to improve their kidney function. It most likely leads to moderate results and at worst no results at all. This is because, a message of moderation:
- May have a place in a diet crazed world, hyperfocused on the latest and greatest, bio-hack, etc.
- Have no place in case of serious/ chronic kidney disease. For people who don’t want to end up on dialysis and have a long healthy life
"Message of Moderation has no place in case of serious/ chronic kidney diseases."
Plant-Based Approach for Treating Kidney Disease
- No moderation: Fewer meat meals to 100% plant-based diet
“Go plant-based cause stakes are high.”
- Start with the most aggressive/ restrictive approach and liberalize as you know the person well
“Diet is not hard, dialysis is hard.”
Signs of Improved Kidney Function
- Kidney function resilience
- Pro-health
- Its impact on the rest of the body
“The power to shift your health is how you nourish yourself. It is that simple.”
Two Major Areas of Focus
What needs to shift?
- Ignorance of doctors/ lack of focus: Most of them focus on are treating sickness by managing symptoms and not on getting well
- The current insurance system
Signs of an Aware Patient
And what can you do to be one?
- Proactively ask relevant questions
- Expect answers
- Change the doctor if you don’t get an answer
- Focus on your own lifestyle
- Get your lab reports checked
3 Questions People Should Ask About Their Medication
- What is its side effect?
- How long will I be on this?
- Is there any way I can get off this?
Summary
- The kidney is often ignored until it’s a crisis
- Ask your physician if your kidney is OK, especially if you’re in a high-risk condition
- Find the right kind of dietician
- Be cautious and alert, act on the right time
To know more, check out our latest video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fWFARQr3UYQ
In case you have any questions, please send them to us at drchellam@holisticicon.com or marinas17@holisticicon.com and we will get back to you shortly.
