{"id":71,"date":"2023-05-03T15:49:53","date_gmt":"2023-05-03T15:49:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kidneychef.com\/top-kidney-disease-myths-2\/"},"modified":"2023-05-12T23:23:25","modified_gmt":"2023-05-12T23:23:25","slug":"top-kidney-disease-myths-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kidneychef.com\/top-kidney-disease-myths-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Top Kidney Disease Myths"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Marika Wamback, BSc. R.D.
\nRegistered Dietitian<\/p>\n

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Top Kidney Disease Myths<\/h2>\n

Chronic kidney disease is a disease that requires a lot of education, management, and adaptation of lifestyle.\u00a0 It can be a scary diagnosis, and comes with a lot of questions.\u00a0 The information can be confusing as it can be difficult to separate the evidence from the myth.\u00a0\u00a0 Your renal team can answer questions about myths versus evidence, which can help you gain better control of your CKD.\u00a0 Below are some of the common myths that exist about kidney disease.<\/p>\n

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  1. Impaired Kidney Function Only Means That You Can\u2019t <\/strong>Urinate<\/strong>:\u00a0 <\/strong>Unfortunately, this couldn\u2019t be further from the truth.\u00a0 If the person is no longer voiding, the kidneys are no longer removing wastes and fluids from the body.\u00a0 The impaired kidneys are not balancing electrolytes, blood pH, maintaining bone health, or blood pressure.<\/li>\n
  2. A \u2018Kidney Saving\u2019 Diet <\/strong>Ca<\/strong>n Recover Kidney Function:<\/strong> Many of these diets do focus on healthy foods, however, there is no evidence that they can restore kidney function.\u00a0 They are often too high in potassium creating risks for cardiovascular events.\u00a0 Impaired kidneys cannot filter potassium adequately, and too much potassium can lead to cardiac abnormalities.<\/li>\n
  3. Cleanses and Detoxes Will Help Restore Kidney Function: <\/strong>Healthy kidneys cleanse the blood and detox the body on their own.\u00a0 When kidney function is compromised, a cleanse or a detox product will not cleanse or detox the body nor will it restore kidney function.\u00a0 Cleanses and detoxes are not nutritionally balanced, may be high in sugar, and high in fluids.\u00a0 This creates risks for malnutrition, poorly controlled blood sugars, and high blood pressure due to excess fluid.<\/li>\n
  4. A pH Balancing Diet <\/strong>W<\/strong>ill <\/strong>He<\/strong>lp Restore the Body and the Kidneys:<\/strong> Blood pH is tightly controlled by the kidneys and is not affected by diet.\u00a0 There is no evidence that following this diet will restore any kidney function.\u00a0 Blood pH is maintained at 7.4.\u00a0 If it goes below 7.35 or above 7.45, death usually ensues.\u00a0 The pH of the mouth is between 6-7, already too low for safe and adequate pH balance.\u00a0 Food does not change this.<\/li>\n
  5. Natural Supplements are Safer for Impaired Kidneys Than Prescribed Medications:<\/strong> Natural does not mean safer.\u00a0 Most over-the-counter (OTC) supplements are unregulated in terms of evidence, dose, ingredients, and efficacy.\u00a0 The medicines prescribed to you by your doctor for your CKD management are regulated for safety, efficacy, and dose.\u00a0 Make an informed decision with your renal team about your medicines.<\/li>\n
  6. Impaired Kidney Function is a Death Sentence: <\/strong>There are 5 different levels of CKD that all have their own specific management criteria.\u00a0 Your renal team will work with you to help you set and meet goals to manage your CKD and be as healthy as possible.<\/li>\n
  7. Too Much Sugar Causes Diabetes Which Leads to Kidney Disease:<\/strong> Too much sugar does not cause diabetes, but an unhealthy diet and lifestyle can increase the risk for type 2 diabetes.\u00a0 Uncontrolled diabetes is the primary risk factor for kidney disease.\u00a0 Achieve and maintain a healthy lifestyle and diet to prevent chronic disease.<\/li>\n
  8. Drinking More Fluids Will Preserve Kidney Function: <\/strong>Fluid needs are individual based on age, sex, and activity level.\u00a0 With CKD, fluid needs can become very specific depending on the stage of kidney disease, blood pressure control, cardiac health, and medication side effects (to name a few).\u00a0 There is no evidence that drinking excessive amounts of fluids will help with kidney function.\u00a0 On the contrary, excessive fluid intake can cause water intoxication, fluid retention, blood pressure issues, cardiac stress, and abnormal electrolytes.\u00a0 None of these risks will do anything to restore kidney function but they could worsen impaired kidneys.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Be sure to ask your renal team your questions about your kidney disease.\u00a0 They will do a\u00a0complete assessment and advise you on the best way to manage your kidney disease.<\/p>\n

    Disclaimer<\/strong><\/p>\n

    The content of this article is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. KidneyChef urges you to seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding any medical condition. KidneyChef advises you to never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the Website.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

    If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or local emergency service immediately. KidneyChef does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on the website. KidneyChef does not guarantee the accuracy of information on the Website and reliance on any information provided by KidneyChef is solely at your own risk.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n