Kidney disease affects an estimated 1 in 7 adults in the United States. With so many individuals affected and with 1 in 3 Americans at risk, chronic kidney disease (CKD) treatment could use an upgrade.
The holidays are a wonderful time to celebrate the end of the year with those we care about. For patients with chronic kidney disease, keeping up with healthy kidney routines can be challenging. Here are a few tips from the Nephrology Associates of Greater Cincinnati for having a kidney-friendly holiday season.
Maybe it began with a dull ache in your lower abdomen. Or severe pain below your ribs that comes and goes in waves. Regardless, thinking you might have a kidney stone is stressful! But, there a few things you can do to take stock of your symptoms and determine what proactive steps to take to minimize discomfort.
What is a kidney stone?
A kidney stone is a buildup of minerals that forms in the kidneys or urinary tract. Commonly consisting of calcium, oxalate, cysteine, or phosphate, kidney stones vary in size from nearly undetectable to as large as a golf ball.
No one wants to endure the pain and discomfort associated with kidney stones. It’s estimated that 1 in 10 people in the U.S. will have a kidney stone in their lifetime, according to the National Kidney Foundation.
But preventing kidney stones isn’t as difficult as you might think.
The beginning of a new year is a great time to reflect on the previous and set goals for the months ahead. Maybe you’ve been wanting to make more changes in your life to improve your kidney health and overall wellbeing. For those with chronic kidney disease, taking control of your kidney health might feel a little overwhelming. But there are many steps you can take that can make a big difference in your wellbeing.