Lp(a): Who Should Be Tested?

Medically Reviewed and Written By: Kathleen O’Shea Northrup, MD  Lp(a) – pronounced L-p-little-a- is a type of lipoprotein that is associated with much higher risks of acute coronary and vascular disease. It is estimated that 20-30% of the population has an elevated level. Lp(a) can not only cause narrowing of the arteries but can also increase… Continue reading Lp(a): Who Should Be Tested?

Cholesterol 101: What is LP(a)?

Medically Reviewed and Written By: Kathleen O’Shea Northrup, MD Lowering your cholesterol is a well-known way to decrease your risk of heart attack or stroke. You’ve likely heard of “good” cholesterol (HDL) and “bad” cholesterol (LDL), but what about Lipoprotein(a)? Lp(a), as it is more commonly known, has been the subject of increasing research in recent… Continue reading Cholesterol 101: What is LP(a)?

Making Tacos Chronic Kidney Disease-Friendly

By: Kellsey Reed, RDN, LDN, PatientsLikeMe Contributor Tacos can be a great option for breakfast, lunch, or dinner because they are so versatile and delicious. But it can be hard to know how to make tacos more kidney-friendly when you have chronic kidney disease. Let’s break it down together so that you can enjoy your… Continue reading Making Tacos Chronic Kidney Disease-Friendly

How to Have a Kidney-Friendly Cookout

With Summer just around the corner, it is officially cookout season! Cookouts and grilling often go hand in hand with burgers, hot dogs, and other high sodium/high protein foods. If you have CKD, this may be tough to navigate! Choosing lower sodium and lower protein options at your next cookout can help to keep your… Continue reading How to Have a Kidney-Friendly Cookout

Water, Hydration, and Chronic Kidney Disease

By: Kellsey Reed RDN, LDN, PatientsLikeMe Contributor When it comes to managing chronic kidney disease, good hydration is key! Water helps to keep us alive, regulates our body temperature, and helps us to get rid of waste products and toxins (4). But how much water do you need each day, and what types of water… Continue reading Water, Hydration, and Chronic Kidney Disease

How to Make a Balanced Breakfast for Chronic Kidney Disease

By: Kellsey Reed RDN, LDN, PatientsLikeMe Contributor When it comes to making breakfast with CKD, there are so many options! Cereal, toast, pancakes, waffles, smoothies, eggs, the list goes on and on. One of the most important things to keep in mind when making breakfast with CKD is to balance out your meal for better… Continue reading How to Make a Balanced Breakfast for Chronic Kidney Disease

Can You Eat Avocados When You Have Chronic Kidney Disease?

Toast, tacos, sushi, avocados are delicious with most types of cuisine. These creamy green fruits are a nutrient-dense food that are a staple in many individuals’ diets. But can you eat avocados when you have chronic kidney disease? It’s important to review the nutrients that are in avocados first. Avocado Nutrition Facts Avocados are packed… Continue reading Can You Eat Avocados When You Have Chronic Kidney Disease?

How to Navigate a Fast Food Menu with CKD

By: Kellsey Reed RDN, LDN, PatientsLikeMe Contributor  Picture this. You are having a busy day with appointments, errands, and family obligations. The easiest thing right now would be to stop and get fast food. So, you pull into the drive thru and order your meal. Now, you have food and can get all of your… Continue reading How to Navigate a Fast Food Menu with CKD

How to Navigate a Restaurant Menu with Chronic Kidney Disease

By: Kellsey Reed RDN, LDN, PatientsLikeMe Contributor  Enjoying a meal at a restaurant with loved ones is a nice way to connect with others and enjoy a well-cooked meal. When it comes to going out to eat with chronic kidney disease, there can be a lot to keep in mind. Instead of avoiding it altogether,… Continue reading How to Navigate a Restaurant Menu with Chronic Kidney Disease

Kidney Health Awareness: How Informed Are You?

Did you know kidney disease is often called a “silent disease?” This is because there aren’t usually symptoms during the early stages of disease progression. According to the National Institutes of Health, 90% of Americans with chronic kidney disease (CKD) don’t even know they have the disease until it is very advanced.  According to PatientLikeMe’s… Continue reading Kidney Health Awareness: How Informed Are You?