Hot Topics in Kidney Health

Most patients on dialysis need to limit the amount of sodium in their diets. But how much sodium is safe and what are some ways to add flavor to your diet? On today's episode, our experts cover examples of high sodium foods, recommendations for low sodium substitutes, and how much sodium people with kidney disease should have as a part of a healthy diet. In this episode, you will hear from: Meliss...

As a kidney patient, you most likely know your estimated glomerular filtration rate, or eGFR, and that it’s a way to check how well your kidneys are working. In the past some medical calculations, including a way to measure eGFR, included race in their estimates. In September, NKF and the American Society of Nephrology announced that their joint taskforce recommended a new, race-free approach to m...

Nearly 10,000 children in the country are diagnosed with kidney failure and require either dialysis or a kidney transplant to stay alive. What does a pediatric kidney disease diagnosis look like for families and how can loved ones can offer their support? This bonus episode features a conversation from The Journey Continues, a podcast by the National Kidney Foundation of Illinois. Host and kidney...

Many kidney disease patients often face financial hardships, such as having to leave a job or struggling to pay for medications. Applying for or maintaining insurance may also be overwhelming and may create challenges with access to care. In today’s episode, physician and a postdoctoral research fellow Dr. Isaac Acquah talks about his recent research into the financial impact on people with chroni...

Over the past year, NKF advocates have won a number of policy campaigns both in Congress and state capitals across the country. While these victories will improve the lives of kidney patients nationwide, we’re not done yet. We need every voice for kidney health to join the fight to ensure that we are heard across the country. In this episode, we discussed some recent wins and our upcoming challeng...

This bonus episode features a conversation about lupus nephritis between rheumatologist Dr. Irene Blanco and Shanika Chuying, a person living with the disease. Lupus nephritis causes inflammation of the small blood vessels that filter waste in the kidneys and is one of the most common yet dangerous complications of lupus. Half of all Americans living with lupus will at some point develop lupus nep...

A major worry for many people right now is the Delta variant, a highly contagious strain of COVID-19 which is making headlines across the United States. The FDA has just authorized a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine so that immune compromised patients can better protecting themselves from the virus. What does this mean for CKD, dialysis, and transplant patients? We spoke with Dr. Joseph Vassalot...

Today’s hot topic is plant-based diets. For some kidney patients, eating more plant-based foods may help prevent and slow the progression of chronic kidney disease. But what exactly does a plant-based diet entail and how do you know if this diet is right for you? In this episode, you will hear from:   Brittany Sparks, RDN, CSR: Brittany Sparks is a registered dietician and board-certified speciali...

For many in the LGBTQ+ community, fear of discrimination and harassment can get in the way of seeking medical care when they are sick and can put them at increased risk of serious health problems, including kidney disease. In this episode, we discussed how to create an inclusive and affirming environment in a healthcare setting with Dr. Dinushika Mohottige and Dr. Mitchell R. Lunn, two experts in...

The CDC's new masking guidance says fully vaccinated people do not have to wear masks, but does that include kidney patients? Are people who are immune comprised fully protected by the vaccine? We have collected some of our patients’ most pressing questions about the new masking guidance and have asked Dr. Joe Vassalotti, NKF Chief Medical Officer, to answer them. We answer the following questions...

Depression and anxiety affect many Americans but they are especially common in those with chronic illness like kidney disease. How has depression and/or anxiety affected you during your journey with kidney disease? We spoke with Tracey Doss-Simmons, LMSW, an outpatient social worker at a dialysis center in Michigan, and two dialysis patients, Ellyne and Sean, to get their insight.

In this episode, we talk about the NKF Patient Network, an online registry for kidney patients at any stage of kidney disease. This network is an exciting new and easy way to for patients to be part of the effort to improve the lives of people affected by kidney disease everywhere.    In this episode, you will hear from:   Dr. Kerry Willis: Dr. Kerry Willis is Chief Scientific Officer at the Natio...

In the COVID era, telehealth has become a suddenly normal part of our lives. How is this impacting kidney patients and what implications does it have for the future of kidney care? We sat down with researcher Dr. Sarah Schrauben to discuss her recently published article on Mobile Health Technology in NKF’s American Journal of Kidney Disease (AJKD).   In this episode, you will hear from:   Dr. Sara...

Many people are facing pandemic fatigue, but thanks to the COVID-19 vaccine the "new normal" may be right around the corner. We sat down during a recent Facebook Live event to answer patient questions about the vaccine and pandemic fatigue.    In this episode, you will hear from:   Dr. Frita Fisher: Dr. Frita is the founder and president of her own nephrology practice (Midtown Atlanta Nephrology,...