Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) Centers of Excellence
Let’s Talk About Kidneys
Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a genetic disorder that can lead to chronic kidney disease, hypertension, and kidney failure. Affecting between 500,000 and 600,000 Americans, treatment targets symptom management with diet, medications, and, if needed, dialysis or a kidney transplant.
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What is Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)?
Let’s Talk About Kidneys
Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) affects about 600,000 people in the United States, according to the PKD Foundation. It is one of the most common genetic kidney disorders, yet many people don’t even know they have it until later in life. Today, we’ll break down what PKD is, how it’s diagnosed, and how people can live well with it.
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Kidney Stones
Let’s Talk About Kidneys
In this episode of Let’s Talk About Kidneys, Dr. Jayasree Grandhi of Dallas Nephrology Associates breaks down kidney stones—what they are, what causes them, and how to prevent and treat them. Affecting up to 1 in 5 men and 1 in 10 women, kidney stones are common but manageable with the right care.
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Pregnancy and Kidney Disease: What to expect?
Let’s Talk About Kidneys
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a condition that affects how the kidneys work over time. For women with CKD who are planning to have a family, there are important factors to consider to ensure the best possible outcomes. Can I have a baby if I have CKD?
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Kidney Disease: From Diagnosis, Staging and Common Lab Tests
Let’s Talk About Kidneys
In this episode of Let's Talk About Kidneys, Dr. Lauren McDonald, a nephrologist with Dallas Nephrology Associates, discusses the diagnosis, staging, and common tests for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Dr. McDonald explains how kidney disease is diagnosed, common symptoms, and some of the key tests, including BUN, creatinine, GFR, hemoglobin A1C, kidney biopsies, and more. She also discusses the importance of being your own healthcare advocate, family histories, how to maintain health records, and the importance of monitoring your diabetes, and...
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What is New in Kidney Transplant?
Let’s Talk About Kidneys
This episode of Let's Talk About Kidneys, Dr. Saim, a nephrologist with Dallas Nephrology Associates, discusses what is new in kidney transplant. The podcast discusses advancements in kidney transplantation, focusing on the benefits and risks of living and deceased donor transplant. Dr. Saim highlights that over 25,000 transplants were performed last year, with nearly 7,000 from living donors. Living donor transplants offer better survival rates and shorter waiting time. The waiting list has nearly 100,000 patients, with blood group O having the longest wait. ...
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Dialysis Patients and Their Diet
Let’s Talk About Kidneys
Let's Talk About Kidneys Dialysis Patients and Their Diet In this episode of Let’s Talk About Kidneys, Dr. Rao, a nephrologist at Dallas Nephrology Associates, discusses the importance of diet for all dialysis patients. She emphasizes the need for dietary modifications even before dialysis, focusing on reducing salt intake, managing potassium and phosphorus levels, and maintaining adequate protein consumption. Introduction Dr. Rao shares her background, mentioning that she joined Dallas Nephrology Associates fifteen years ago and sees patients mostly in Mesquite, Sunnyvale, and...
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New Treatment Therapies In Kidney Care
Let’s Talk About Kidneys
In this episode of the Let’s Talk About Kidneys podcast, Dr. Roberto Collazo addresses the development of new treatments for kidney disease that are essential for slowing disease progression, improving patient outcomes, and preventing kidney failure. Throughout his discussion, he will examine various therapeutic options currently available, as well as those expected in the future. What types of treatments have there been in the past for patients with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)? Dr. Collazo addressed the medications available during the 1990s and early 2000s. He also discussed newly...
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Weight Management Strategies with CKD
Let’s Talk About Kidneys
In this episode of the Let’s Talk About Kidneys podcast, Dallas Nephrology Associates Dietitian, Nadiya Lakhani, RDN, CSR, LD, FNKF, explains why weight management is important to the general population and how it affects the kidneys. How does weight affect the kidneys? When the body carries more weight than it can handle, it increases the demand on the kidneys to hyper filtrate. In other words, it forces your kidneys to work harder, which will eventually cause them to be overworked. On the flip side, unintentional weight loss increases the risk of that person having increased...
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Kidney Transplant - Getting Started
Let’s Talk About Kidneys
In this episode of the Let’s Talk About Kidneys podcast, Dr. Muhammad Qureshi talks about the benefits of a kidney transplant, why it’s a good choice after kidney failure, and what the process looks like before, during and after. Why should a CKD patient consider a kidney transplant? Dr. Qureshi talks about the fact that there are both mortality and morbidity benefits of a kidney transplant. In other words, not only do you live longer, but you live better. Who qualifies for a kidney transplant? Anyone who has a kidney function less than 20% or someone who has already...
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Dialysis Patients and Their Diet
In this episode of Let’s Talk About Kidneys, Dr. Rao, a nephrologist at Dallas Nephrology Associates, discusses the importance of diet for all dialysis patients. She emphasizes the need for dietary modifications even before dialysis, focusing on reducing salt intake, managing potassium and phosphorus levels, and maintaining adequate protein consumption.
Introduction
Dr. Rao shares her background, mentioning that she joined Dallas Nephrology Associates fifteen years ago and sees patients mostly in Mesquite, Sunnyvale, and Garland. Dr. Rao explains her role in caring for CKD patients and dialysis patients, emphasizing the importance of dietary guidance for kidney disease management.
Importance of Diet in Kidney Disease
Dr. Rao highlights the significance of diet in managing kidney disease, noting that dietary changes are necessary even in early stages of CKD. She discusses the impact of risk factors like diabetes and high blood pressure on kidney function and the need for balanced mineral intake. Dr. Rao emphasizes the importance of reducing salt intake and avoiding processed foods, canned items, and fast food for better kidney health.
Dietary Changes for CKD Patients
Dr. Rao explains that dietary modifications should begin early in the CKD journey to delay disease progression and improve patient wellness. She outlines common dietary changes for CKD patients, including reducing salt intake, avoiding processed foods, and managing potassium and phosphorus levels. Dr. Rao stresses the importance of maintaining a balance of minerals in the body to prevent toxic effects and ensure overall wellness.
Protein Intake for Dialysis Patients
Dr. Rao discusses the importance of protein for dialysis patients, noting that protein levels can fluctuate due to kidney disorders and inflammation. She recommends consuming adequate protein in every meal, with examples like egg whites, lean meats, fish, lentils, and beans.
Specific Dietary Needs for Hemodialysis
Dr. Rao explains the dietary needs for hemodialysis patients, emphasizing the importance of fluid management and avoiding fluid overload. She provides practical tips for managing fluid intake, such as choosing smaller portions, avoiding extra salt, and using smaller cups at restaurants. Dr. Rao discusses the impact of salt consumption on fluid retention and the importance of planning ahead when eating out.
Peritoneal Dialysis Dietary Restrictions
Dr. Rao contrasts the dietary needs for hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis, noting that peritoneal dialysis allows for slightly more flexibility in potassium intake. She explains that the ongoing nature of peritoneal dialysis makes it gentler on the body and less restrictive in terms of diet. Dr. Rao emphasizes the importance of individualized dietary guidelines based on the patient's unique medical condition and cultural background.
Meal Planning for Dialysis Patients
Dr. Rao outlines a typical meal plan for dialysis patients, starting with a breakfast of egg whites, oatmeal, and low-potassium fruits. For lunch, she suggests grilled chicken, salad, low-sodium dressings, and low-potassium vegetables. Dinner can include lean meat, rice, and low-potassium fruits for dessert, with a focus on avoiding high-sodium and high-phosphorus foods.
Dining Out and Restaurant Tips
Dr. Rao provides tips for dialysis patients dining out, recommending planning ahead by reviewing menus online and making specific requests for low-sodium options. She advises using steamed vegetables, avoiding soy sauce, and choosing smaller portions to manage fluid and sodium intake. Dr. Rao suggests packing half of the meal before starting to help with portion control and avoid overindulging.
Grocery Shopping Tips
Dr. Rao offers practical tips for grocery shopping, recommending fresh fruits and vegetables with lower potassium content. She advises avoiding bananas, oranges, potatoes, and sweet potatoes, and opting for green vegetables. Dr. Rao highlights the importance of reading labels for sodium and phosphorus content, and choosing fresh, lean meats and soy protein.
Prepared Meals and Additional Resources
Dr. Rao discusses the benefits of prepared meals, emphasizing the importance of choosing grilled meat over fried and low-sodium options. Dr. Rao encourages patients to utilize online resources from the National Kidney Foundation and other dialysis organizations for additional dietary guidance.
Conclusion and Encouragement
Dr. Rao summarizes the importance of maintaining a proper diet for managing CKD and dialysis, emphasizing the role of nutrition in treatment and management. She advises patients to communicate with their healthcare providers, dietitians, and nephrologists for ongoing support and guidance.