Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a progressive loss of kidney function.  There are 5 stages in CKD.  stage 1 and 2 are generally characterized with minimal kidney damage.  As the disease progresses to Stage 3 and 4, changes in health are more noticable as the body is less able to remove toxins being built up in the blood from normal metabolism.  Stage 5 of CKD is knwon as End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD).  ESRD typically results in the need to start dialysis or receive a kidney transplant. 

As the number of Americans suffering from weight problems continues to climb, so too does the number of Americans being diagnosed with diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease.  An unfortunate complication associated with these health conditions that does not receive as much publicity is Chronic Kidney Disease.  Having Diabetes or Hypertension (HTN), High Blood Pressure, can significantly increase your risk of developing CKD.  Patients with diabetes and HTN are the majority of dialysis patients.

The National Kidney Foundation estimates that more than 20 million Americans have some form of CKD.  Approximately 11.8 million people are in Stage 1or 2 of kidney disease.  7.5 million are estimated to be in Stage 3, with 400,000 in Stage 4.  300,000 people are in Stage 5, requiring renal replacement therapy, or Dialysis.

Tour DaVita Route 2008

Because CKD can progress slowly, prevention and early detection are keys to helping to preserve health.  In an effort to slow the tide of kidney disease, the Kidney Trust was founded by DaVita, Inc.  DaVita is one of the largest dialysis providers in the United States.  The goal of the Kidney Trust is to provide education and assistance in raising awarenss of Kidney Disease.  To promote their cause, the Kidney Trust needs financial support.  Once again, I have voluteered to ride in the Tour DaVita.  This September14-18th, the Tour will travel through Wisconsin.  The 4 day bike ride will cover over 240 miles.  Last year, the Tour raised more than $600,000.  I am still accepting donations and ask that you support this worthy cause.  Donations can easily be made online.  (Click here to visit John’s Donation Page).

Tour Davita 2007 on toward Nashville, TN

Remember, Kidney Disease can be prevented or at least slowed down.  Take control of your health.  If you have diabetes, HTN, are overweight or have a family member with CKD, you need to have your kidney function tested.  The role of nutrition in helping control kidney disease is also an important aspect.  You can get started by doing the following:

1. Increase intake of Fruits to 2-3 pieces a day

2. Increase intake of Non-Starchy Vegetables (Broccoli, Carrots, Leafy Greens, Spinach, Tomatoes, …) to 2-3 cups aday.

3. Eat Out Less Often!

4. Use less added fats and salts.

5. Eat more Fish, Skinless Chicken or Turkey, less Red Meats and Pork.

6. Bake, broil, Grill or steam your foods.  Do NOT fry!

And of course, we always advocate an increase in EXERCISE!  Get moving!

It’s Your Health.  It’s Your Life.  Make That Change!

~John