Why Your Joint Pain May Be Gout and Not Rheumatoid Arthritis

Have you woken up in the morning with painful, swollen joints? You may assume it is rheumatoid arthritis. RA affects millions of people around the world. However, if you have chronic kidney disease (CKD), joint pain might not caused by rheumatoid arthritis! It could instead be gout. Gout is a type of arthritis that develops… Continue reading Why Your Joint Pain May Be Gout and Not Rheumatoid Arthritis

Can Kidney Disease Cause Heart Problems Even in Early Stages?

When you think about the side effects of kidney disease, your mind probably first goes to problems like fatigue or swelling. But what many people do not realize is that kidney disease also affects your heart, sometimes even before the kidneys have lost a lot of function. Early stage CKD can still have an affect… Continue reading Can Kidney Disease Cause Heart Problems Even in Early Stages?

What’s Causing Your CKD Night Cramps and How to Get Relief

Have you ever been woken up (or kept up) late at night by a sudden tightening in your muscle? Muscle cramps are unexpected, painful spasms that can keep you from getting a good night’s sleep. If you have chronic kidney disease, you may notice that these cramps happen often, disturbing your sleep and leaving your… Continue reading What’s Causing Your CKD Night Cramps and How to Get Relief

How to Manage Heat Fatigue with CKD

Hot summer days can make for incredible memories. Spending time at the pool or beach, getting together for a barbecue, and going on late walks as the sun sets are all classic activities to enjoy. However, the summer also brings heat! And lately, as days get warmer, the heat can make bring special risks for… Continue reading How to Manage Heat Fatigue with CKD

Stage 2 Kidney Disease Lifestyle Changes That Actually Slow Damage

With stage 2 chronic kidney disease, your kidneys are working a little less efficiently, but you might not have any symptoms yet. For many people at the early stages of this disease, it does not feel like major changes are needed! After all, if there are no symptoms, how bad can the damage to your… Continue reading Stage 2 Kidney Disease Lifestyle Changes That Actually Slow Damage

Is Protein Bad for Kidneys?

Surprise surprise! The foods you eat impact how well your body functions. Most of us have heard of the three main macronutrients that we all need to survive: carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. These three nutrients together give us energy and support a wide range of different body functions. For people with chronic kidney disease (CKD),… Continue reading Is Protein Bad for Kidneys?

Summer Carbs That Don’t Spike Blood Sugar

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy fresh produce and seasonal dishes, but if you’re living with chronic kidney disease and watching your blood sugar, navigating carbohydrates can feel tricky. The good news is you don’t have to cut out all your favorite foods, like potatoes, corn, and watermelon. With a little strategy, you can… Continue reading Summer Carbs That Don’t Spike Blood Sugar

Four Tips For Mindful Eating and Enjoying Eating Food

Having chronic kidney disease means making careful choices about what you eat. It can be hard to enjoy meals when you are always thinking about what you cannot have! But there is a simple change you can make that can help bring more satisfaction and peace to the table: practicing gratitude and mindfulness. Gratitude and… Continue reading Four Tips For Mindful Eating and Enjoying Eating Food

Mastering Weight Management for CKD Dialysis Patients

The majority of Americans (55%) reported an interest in losing weight in the past year. For many this means a combination of diet and exercise. However, if you have chronic kidney disease (CKD) and are on dialysis, managing your weight can be confusing and frustrating! may have trouble gaining healthy weight, or you might be… Continue reading Mastering Weight Management for CKD Dialysis Patients

Why CKD Makes You Cold All the Time

People with chronic kidney disease often report feeling cold. Even on warm days or in warm rooms when others are comfortable, if you have CKD you mind find yourself feeling a bit chilly. Why is this? There is a medical explanation for persistent chills or cold sensitivity. One of the most common reasons is a… Continue reading Why CKD Makes You Cold All the Time