Category: Health and Wellness

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

How to Use Frozen Vegetables In Kidney-Friendly Cooking

By: Kellsey Reed, RDN, LDN, PatientsLikeMe Contributor  Frozen foods are often a taboo subject when it comes to chronic kidney disease. Many frozen foods can be packed with protein, sodium, and preservatives, like phosphate additives, making them seemingly off-limits for those with CKD. However, nowadays, this is definitely not the case! Many frozen food brands… Continue reading How to Use Frozen Vegetables In Kidney-Friendly Cooking

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 Choose the Right Salad Dressing for Chronic Kidney Disease

By: Kellsey Reed RDN, LDN, PatientsLikeMe Contributor Italian, Caesar, French, Thousand Island, Vinaigrette…there are so many salad dressings to choose from! Salad dressings are often packed with sodium, making them a less kidney-friendly choice for those with CKD. A low-sodium diet has been shown to help manage blood pressure and overall kidney health. This Spring… Continue reading How to Choose the Right Salad Dressing for Chronic Kidney Disease

Can You Eat Beans if You Have Chronic Kidney Disease

By: Kellsey Reed RDN, LDN, PatientsLikeMe Contributor  Has Dr. Google told you that you can’t eat beans when you have chronic kidney disease? If so, you are not alone! One of the most common things I hear from those with chronic kidney disease is that they avoid beans at all costs. Before you start avoiding… Continue reading Can You Eat Beans if You Have 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