The Basics of a Balanced Diet: Understanding Macronutrients and Micronutrients

PRINE Health on 07/10/2024

At PRINE Health, we believe in empowering our patients with the knowledge to manage conditions such as kidney disorders, diabetes, and obesity. A balanced diet plays a crucial role in this process, emphasizing the importance of both macronutrients and micronutrients. Here’s a concise guide to these dietary components and how our new nutrition consult service can assist you.

What Are Macronutrients and Micronutrients?

Macronutrients are essential because they provide the energy our bodies need to perform their functions, including growth, repair and maintenance of bodily tissues, and providing the fuel for physical activity. They are required in larger amounts. Carbohydrates are the body’s primary energy source, proteins are fundamental for tissue repair and enzyme functions, and fats insulate and protect our organs, as well as provide a concentrated source of energy and support cell growth.

Micronutrients, despite being needed in smaller amounts, have major impacts on our health. They include vitamins and minerals that our bodies cannot produce sufficiently. Micronutrients support a range of functions, from producing enzymes, hormones, and other substances crucial for proper growth and development to maintaining strong bones and ensuring the health of our nervous and immune systems.

Macronutrients: Your Body’s Primary Fuel

Carbohydrates: Our bodies’ primary energy source, carbohydrates, should be mainly sourced from whole grains, fruits, and vegetables for sustained energy release.

Proteins: Essential for repair and growth, proteins should be selected based on their quality. Protein intake might need adjustment for individuals with kidney conditions, as too much can increase the kidney burden.

Fats: Vital for hormonal functions and vitamin absorption. Opt for sources rich in unsaturated fats, such as avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil, while minimizing saturated and trans fats.

Micronutrients: The Vital Details

Vitamins

Vitamin A: Necessary for vision, the immune system, and reproduction.
- Foods rich in Vitamin A include carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, and fortified milk.
B Vitamins (including B12, B6, Thiamine, Riboflavin, Niacin, and Folate): These aid in energy production, iron absorption, and immune function.
- Sources include whole grains, beans, poultry, meat, eggs, dairy products, leafy green vegetables, and fruits.
Vitamin C: Important for skin health, antioxidant function, and immune response.
- Found in citrus fruits, strawberries, bell peppers, and broccoli.
Vitamin D: Key for bone health and immune function.
- Can be obtained from fortified dairy products, fish oils, and exposure to sunlight.
Vitamin E: An antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage.
- Sources include nuts, seeds, spinach, and broccoli.
Vitamin K: Necessary for blood clotting and bone health.
- Found in green leafy vegetables, fish, meat, and eggs.

Minerals

Calcium: Essential for bone and tooth health, muscle function, and nerve signaling.
- Rich sources include dairy products, fortified plant milks, leafy greens, and almonds.
Iron: Critical for making red blood cells that carry oxygen around the body.
- Red meat, poultry, lentils, spinach, and iron-fortified cereals are good sources.
Magnesium: Involved in over 300 biochemical reactions in the body, including muscle and nerve function, glucose control, and energy production.
- Found in nuts, seeds, whole grains, and leafy green vegetables.
Potassium: Helps regulate fluid balance, muscle contractions, and nerve signals.
- Bananas, oranges, potatoes, and tomatoes are excellent sources.
Zinc: Important for wound healing, immune function, and DNA synthesis.
- Meat, shellfish, legumes, nuts, and seeds contain high amounts of zinc.

Customized Nutrition Consults at PRINE

Understanding the intricacies of a balanced diet can be challenging, especially when dealing with specific health conditions. At PRINE, we now offer online virtual nutrition consultations tailored to kidney disorders, diabetes, obesity, and related conditions. These consults complement your physician’s advice by focusing on your dietary needs and offering personalized information, resources, and dietary strategies.

Take the First Step Towards a Healthier You

Discuss with your physician and reach out to PRINE Health for a nutrition consult that’s tailored to you. Visit our website to learn more or to request a consultation. Let’s work towards a balanced diet supporting your health.

Everything You Need to Know about Peripheral Artery Disease

PRINE Health on 07/10/2024

The vascular system is an intricate network of arteries and veins that distribute and replenish oxygen-rich blood throughout the body. One of the most common vascular conditions affecting patients all over the world is Peripheral Artery Disease. This article will touch on this disease, what it is, how it works, the symptoms it may present, and how modern medicine can manage and treat this condition.

What Is PAD?

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is the narrowing of the arteries, commonly in the lower extremities. This leads to a decreased flow of blood to the affected extremities and is often confused for “poor circulation.” PAD is most commonly caused by atherosclerosis, the buildup of fats or plaque on the artery that causes decreased blood flow in the first place.

Symptoms to Watch Out For

PAD disease may be asymptomatic, but it can also show up as leg, ankle, or foot pain, especially when walking—a condition called claudication. This pain can be mild or severe, and it usually dies down with rest. This is because walking requires a stronger blood flow than rest, especially at a higher pace. Claudication may be tricky to pinpoint, as a number of patients have different ways to describe it, such as cramping pain, leg fatigue, pressure, weakness, or aching.

Other PAD disease symptoms include:

Decreased pulse in the leg
Coldness on the leg, especially farther down
Skin color changes on the affected limbs, becoming paler with time
Sores on the limb that won’t heal
Hair loss or slower hair growth in the affected limb
Erectile dysfunction

Causes and Risk Factors

The main cause of PAD disease, as we’ve discussed, is atherosclerosis. This plaque buildup that leads to lower blood flow is made up of fat, cholesterol, fibrous tissue, and calcium. Atherosclerosis can result from a number of factors—some of them inevitable—that can increase your risk of developing PAD.

Age and family history play a big role. Most patients with PAD in the US are 65 years or older, though the condition can affect anyone at any age. Genetically, a family history of PAD, heart disease, stroke, or blood vessel disease can be an indicator of predisposition, according to the NIH.

A few conditions also contribute to PAD development:

Diabetes
Obesity
High blood pressure
Unhealthy blood cholesterol or triglycerides
Kidney disease

Lifestyle behaviors can also lead to plaque buildup. Smoking, for example, can damage your blood vessels and increase your cholesterol levels. A lack of physical activity and increased levels of stress also increase the risks. A diet high in saturated fats—like butter, palm and coconut oil, and red meat—can further feed the plaque. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and reducing habits that increase the risks is the only way to prevent this disease.

Treatment and Management

The most common way to treat PAD disease is to address the factors that further increase atherosclerosis, often through a mixture of medication and lifestyle changes. While this may be adequate for certain cases of PAD, as we have discussed throughout this blog, other conditions may increase atherosclerosis because of how they affect blood pressure and vessel structure. In some cases, more comprehensive PAD treatment options are best.

PRINE Vascular, one of our network’s specialties, explores a more multidisciplinary approach to addressing the factors that contribute to PAD. Since atherosclerosis can be increased by conditions like diabetes and kidney disease, PRINE Health doctors can refer their patients to endocrinologists and nephrologists to address these concerns for more extensive treatment.

If you or a loved one experiences any of the symptoms discussed in this article, don’t hesitate to reach out to a PRINE Vascular location near you. To learn more, click here to find out about vascular health, or talk to a professional by contacting us here.

DR. NORMA WENGER NAMED BEST NEPHROLOGIST ON LONG ISLAND FOR 2024

PRINE Health on 07/02/2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact Information:

PRINE Health Medical Group

[email protected]

(516) 951-1110

Long Island, NY – PRINE Health Medical Group proudly announces that Dr. Norma Wenger has been awarded the title of “Best Nephrologist on Long Island” for 2024. This recognition, decided through votes by the Long Island community, highlights Dr. Wenger’s significant contributions and commitment to nephrology and patient care.

Operating within PRINE Health Medical Group, Dr. Wenger’s influence extends beyond standard medical practices and into the lives of our patients through her outstanding expertise and compassionate approach. Her work combating chronic kidney disease and associated health issues has set her apart as a leader in nephrology.

With a distinguished medical degree from MCP-Hahnemann College of Medicine, Dr. Wenger specializes in addressing a wide range of nephrological conditions, including hypertension and renal failure. She is noted for her patient-centric approach, making high-quality care accessible by accepting various insurance plans.

Dr. Wenger’s exceptional patient care methodology pairs her natural, amiable demeanor with a proactive treatment philosophy, earning her repeat recognition as the best in her field. Her prior accolade in 2023 and now in 2024 underscores her status as a benchmark for excellence in nephrology.

This prestigious award celebrates Dr. Wenger’s achievements and highlights PRINE Health’s collaborative efforts and the support of the Long Island community. It marks a significant milestone in redefining kidney care and patient wellness across the region.

PRINE Health extends its heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Norma Wenger for her well-deserved recognition and expresses gratitude to the residents of Long Island for their ongoing support and confidence in our healthcare model.

About PRINE Health

PRINE Health Medical Group, a multi-specialty healthcare provider established in 2006, focuses on transforming healthcare for chronic kidney disease patients. PRINE Health’s commitment to integrating primary care, advanced care management, and technology solidifies its position at the forefront of nephrology services.

With its mission to enhance access to superior kidney care, PRINE Health has established over a dozen affiliate locations across Nassau and Suffolk counties to ensure community-wide reach.

For further information:

Please visit https://prinehealth.com/.

Protected: PRINE Health Celebrates Dr. Norma Wenger’s Prestigious Recognition as Best Nephrologist on Long Island

PRINE Health on 07/02/2024

New Studies Reveal Ozempic’s Potential

PRINE Health on 06/12/2024

This month in endocrinology saw great strides in our understanding of semaglutide, the active ingredient in the Type-2 diabetes treatment drug Ozempic. A recent study by Novo Nordisk, makers of Ozempic, has found that this drug can be even more beneficial to diabetes patients struggling with kidney complications. This further develops the way that diabetes specialists can help patients lead richer, healthier lives.

Kidney disease is one of the most common results of diabetes. As kidney function deteriorates, the rate at which they filter blood decreases, leading to fluid and toxin buildup that further complicates blood pressure and increases the risk of heart issues. Recently, the New York Times published an article detailing the study and its findings.

For three and a half years, over 3,500 participants took weekly injections of semaglutide. A control population of half of these participants took a placebo. The study showed that participants who took the semaglutide had a 24% lower risk of experiencing a major kidney disease event. This also reduced their likelihood of dying from cardiovascular issues.

This study still leaves a few unanswered questions regarding how exactly Ozempic tackles kidney disease, but the hypothesis suggests it may reduce inflammation. Additionally, the trial showed that participants were more likely to stop taking the drug due to gastrointestinal issues, a common side effect of Ozempic. The article by the New York Times also indicates that two-thirds of the participants were white, despite the fact that kidney disease disproportionately affects Black and Indigenous patients. Scientists are still examining semaglutide to understand how it impacts liver disease, sleep apnea, and other conditions. However, Novo Nordisk is currently in conversations with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to update semaglutide to include its benefits for kidney disease based on these results.

Kidney disease often goes unnoticed until it has reached the more advanced stages. PRINE Health’s diabetes and endocrinology centers work alongside nephrologists in our network to ensure that we provide comprehensive care to patients facing diseases that so thoroughly affect the system.

Reach out to PRINE Health today, and let’s explore the best treatment plan for you and those you love.

Achieving Optimal Results with Balloon Angioplasty Maturation for Dialysis Access

PRINE Health on 06/07/2024

For people dealing with kidney disease, having access to dialysis is like a lifeline. Providing dependable and effective vascular access to all is vital as patients move toward needing dialysis. That’s when balloon angioplasty maturation comes in; it is a technique that assists in establishing strong access sites by widening narrowed blood vessels, ultimately enhancing blood flow.

Understanding Dialysis Access

The Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiatives (KDOQI) prescribes using AVFs as the first choice of dialysis access. Interestingly, a study reported that only about 60% of AVFs mature enough for successful dialysis.

The Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiatives (KDOQI) guidelines favor AVFs over other forms of dialysis access due to their lower complication rates and longer patency. However, the reality that not all AVFs mature adequately for successful dialysis underlines a significant gap in treatment efficacy for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. Balloon angioplasty is key in enhancing the effectiveness of dialysis access by tackling the maturation issue head-on.

The Role of Balloon Angioplasty Maturation

Balloon Angioplasty Maturation (BAM) is currently an important tool to manage AVF maturation failures. This procedure basically uses a balloon catheter to dilate sections of the vein that are narrowed or blocked to improve blood flow and facilitate the maturation process.

An article published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) highlights the procedure’s importance. It describes Balloon-Assisted Maturation of arteriovenous fistulas as an innovative approach to address the common issue of maturation failure. This medical advancement helps overcome anatomical hurdles and promotes quicker and more reliable AVF maturation, which is essential for effective dialysis treatment.

The most important benefits of this procedure are:

Reduced Waiting Times: By accelerating the maturation process, patients can commence their dialysis sessions sooner, which is crucial for their health and survival.
Decreased Complication Rates: Balloon angioplasty maturation helps to avoid the complications associated with poorly functioning or immature fistulas, such as clotting or infection.
Improved Fistula Longevity: By optimizing the maturation and function of the AV fistula, patients can be led to better long-term outcomes, reducing the need for further interventions.

Steps to Achieve Optimal Results

The success of Balloon Angioplasty Maturation hinges on several factors, from the precise selection of candidates to the expertise of the medical team performing the procedure. Here are key considerations for achieving optimal results:

Patient Selection: Not all patients with immature AV fistulas are suitable candidates for balloon angioplasty maturation. A comprehensive assessment, including imaging studies and vascular mapping, is essential to identify patients who can benefit from this procedure.

Timing of Intervention: The timing of the angioplasty is critical. Intervention that’s too early might not allow the natural dilatation of the vein, while intervening too late might lead to irreversible changes, making the fistula unusable. Determining the right moment requires careful monitoring and expertise.

Technical Expertise: The procedure demands a high level of skill and experience from the interventional radiologist or nephrologist. It’s essential to master the navigation of vascular anatomy and execute the procedure precisely.

Post-Procedure Care: Following balloon angioplasty maturation, meticulous follow-up care is essential. Patients should be educated on monitoring their fistula for signs of complications, and regular check-ups are necessary to ensure the ongoing health and functionality of the access site.
Interdisciplinary Approach: Collaboration among nephrologists, interventional radiologists, dialysis nurses, and vascular surgeons is key to a comprehensive care approach. This teamwork ensures all aspects of the patient’s vascular access needs are met, from initial assessment to post-procedure care.

What the Future Holds

As technology advances and our understanding of vascular biology deepens, the potential for refining balloon angioplasty maturation techniques is significant.

Advancements in balloon catheter design, developing drug-coated balloons to prevent restenosis, and using more accurate imaging methods to guide the procedure can enhance outcomes further. To learn more, click here to find out about vascular health, or ask us about balloon angioplasty maturation and talk to a professional by contacting us here.

The Role of Peripheral Arterial Stenting in Combating Peripheral Arterial Disease

PRINE Health on 06/03/2024

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a common and potentially severe vascular condition that derives from atherosclerosis. Basically, it is the accumulation of plaque within the arteries. This condition impacts millions globally every year because it diminishes blood circulation to limbs and organs, resulting in:

Discomfort
Limited functionality
The potential for limb loss

In recent years, the field has witnessed notable progress in medical technology and procedures, empowering healthcare professionals to effectively combat this ailment, with peripheral arterial stenting emerging as a pivotal intervention.

Understanding the Impact of Peripheral Arterial Disease

PAD occurs when the peripheral arteries, mainly in the legs, become narrowed or blocked by fatty deposits. Symptoms might include leg pain while walking, numbness, or the development of sores that do not heal. If left untreated, PAD can lead to critical limb ischemia, gangrene, and ultimately amputation.

According to a study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, the prevalence of PAD in the United States is about 6.8 million among adults 40 years or older. The number escalates with age and is more common among those who have diabetes or smoke.

The Warning Signs of Peripheral Arterial Disease

Typically, one of the first and most common symptoms of PAD is leg pain while walking, a condition known as “intermittent claudication.” Individuals with PAD might observe that they can only walk a particular distance or for a certain amount of time before they begin to experience this cramping or discomfort, often in their calves.

Symptoms may vary and can include additional signs besides leg pain. Some people may even feel numbness or weakness in their legs, which can cause concern. Coldness in one leg compared to the other may also indicate PAD due to decreased blood flow. Sores on the toes, feet, or legs that don’t heal or take an unusually long time to heal are another symptom of PAD. In severe cases, these can progress to critical limb ischemia, a severe form of PAD causing ulcers or gangrene. Lastly, in males, erectile dysfunction may also be a sign of PAD.

However, some persons might not exhibit marked symptoms but could still have PAD, making early detection tricky, underlining the significance of regular PAD screening—especially if you have key risk factors like smoking and diabetes.

Stenting as a Solution for Peripheral Arterial Disease

For moderate to severe cases, one of the leading treatment options is peripheral arterial stenting. Stents, which are small mesh tubes, are placed in the artery to provide structural support from within. Peripheral arterial stenting is minimally invasive and is performed using a catheter threaded through the blood vessels to the site of the blockage.

Numbers that Speak

In a retrospective analysis conducted at a cardiovascular center, researchers delved into the recurrence patterns in 88 patients battling peripheral artery disease (PAD) in the lower limbs following their angioplasty and stenting treatments. They meticulously searched for links between PAD’s return and a host of factors unique to each patient: their backgrounds, whether they smoked, and if they had conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or abnormal cholesterol levels.

They found a recurrence, or restenosis, occurring in only 12.5% of cases, pointing to the significant role the chosen revascularization methods and the characteristics of the affected blood vessels play in the likelihood of PAD returning. Curiously, they noted that age, gender, the extent of the artery blockage, and other health issues like smoking, high blood pressure, and cholesterol levels didn’t markedly sway restenosis rates. These findings underscore the advantages of stenting over alternative methods in managing PAD, as it offers a minimally invasive approach with comparable or superior outcomes in preventing recurrence.

The Advantages of Peripheral Arterial Stenting

Minimally Invasive: Compared to open surgical methods, stenting is less invasive, reducing risks and recovery time.
High Success Rate: Stents provide immediate relief of symptoms and have high success rates in the long term.
Low Complication Risks: Complications are rare and typically minor if they do occur.
Improved Quality of Life: Patients experience a significant improvement in quality of life with increased mobility and decreased pain.

The Importance of Patient Education When It Comes to Peripheral Arterial Stenting

When it comes to peripheral arterial stenting, ensuring patients are in the know is key to getting the best results. That means laying out all the details about the procedure, what risks and benefits to expect, how to take care of yourself afterward, and any lifestyle changes that might help. Patients need to have a clear picture so they know what to expect and can stick to their doctor’s advice.

Whether it’s staying on top of meds, keeping up with follow-up appointments, or tweaking their habits like quitting smoking or adjusting their diet, every bit helps for long-term success. Plus, when patients are well-informed, they can have more of a say in their treatment, working closely with their healthcare team to tailor their plans to fit them just right. So, educating patients is really the foundation for good outcomes and better care overall when it comes to peripheral arterial stenting.

In summary, peripheral arterial stenting provides a ray of hope for individuals facing PAD. By remaining well-informed, actively engaging in treatment protocols, and embracing necessary lifestyle adjustments, patients can significantly enhance their prospects for improved health and outcomes. To learn more or schedule a consultation with our professionals, contact us here.

Click here to find out about vascular health, or schedule an appointment with a professional by contacting us here.

Understanding Kidney Stones: Discover Causes, Prevention Tactics, and Treatment Choices

PRINE Health on 04/24/2024

What Causes Kidney Stones and How Can You Prevent Them?

Kidney stones are a common health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. These hard deposits form in the kidneys and can cause significant pain and discomfort as they pass through the urinary tract.

What Are Kidney Stones?

A kidney stone is a solid piece of material that forms in the kidney from substances in the urine. They can vary in size and shape, with some being as small as a grain of sand, while others can grow to the size of a golf ball. The stones are made of various materials, but the most common types include calcium oxalate, uric acid, struvite, and cystine. Kidney stones are prevalent, affecting about one in ten people at some point in their lives, and they tend to be more common in men than women.

Can Dietary Choices Prevent Kidney Stones?

Diet plays a significant role in the formation of kidney stones. Certain foods and drinks can increase the possibility of stone formation, particularly those high in sodium, oxalates, and animal proteins.

Staying Hydrated to Prevent Kidney Stones

Staying hydrated is one of the most effective ways to prevent kidney stones. Drinking plenty of water helps dilute the substances in the urine that lead to stones.

Foods and Supplements for Prevention

Incorporating foods rich in calcium and magnesium can also help prevent certain stones. Some supplements may aid prevention, but it’s crucial to consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen.

When Should You Worry about Kidney Pain

Kidney pain is often a clear indicator that something is wrong with your kidneys. It’s crucial to be alert if you experience severe pain in your back, side, lower abdomen, or groin—an indicator of kidney stones or possibly an infection. Also, look out for other symptoms like painful urination, blood in the urine, nausea, vomiting, fever, or chills. These symptoms, especially when combined, need immediate medical attention as they could signify a kidney stone in motion or an infection requiring prompt treatment.

Workup and Specialist Consultation

If you suspect you have kidney stones, a thorough examination is essential. This may include a medical history review, physical examination, urine tests, blood tests, and imaging studies.

When You Should See a Nephrologist

A nephrologist is a physician who specializes in kidney health and diseases. They are vital in assessing kidney function, determining risk factors for stone development, and implementing strategies to prevent future stones. They can also manage complications associated with kidney stones, such as kidney infections or damage. Their expertise in the various systemic diseases that affect the kidneys, like hypertension and diabetes, can be critical if your condition is complex.

When You Should See a Urologist

While a nephrologist will help with the medical management of stones and any associated kidney issues, a urologist is a surgeon who specializes in diseases of the urinary tract and the male reproductive system. They are instrumental when kidney stones require intervention beyond medication.

Treatments such as shock wave lithotripsy, ureteroscopy, or percutaneous nephrolithotomy to remove or break up stones are within their scope. A urologist will also manage the surgical aspects of any urinary obstruction, ensuring that urine flow is restored and kidney function is preserved.

Surgical Options for Kidney Stones

Surgical options may be necessary for stones that cannot pass on their own or cause ongoing problems. The most common procedures include:

Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL): Non-invasive treatment using shock waves to break stones into small pieces that can be passed in the urine.
Ureteroscopy: A small scope is inserted into the urethra, through the bladder, to the stone’s location, where it can be removed or broken into smaller pieces.
Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy: A surgical procedure to remove large stones directly from the kidney through a small incision in the back.

Post-Surgical Care: Living with a Stent

If you’ve had surgery for an obstructing kidney stone, you may have a stent placed temporarily. This thin, flexible tube helps keep the ureter open, allowing urine and any remaining stone fragments to pass more easily.

Coping with Stent Discomfort

Living with a stent can be uncomfortable, with potential symptoms including pain, urinary urgency, and a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying. Drinking plenty of water can help ease these symptoms until the stent is removed, usually within a few weeks post-operation.

Managing and Preventing Kidney Stones

In conclusion, while kidney stones are common and can be quite painful, understanding the factors that contribute to their formation and knowing the treatment options available can help manage and prevent future stones. Maintaining a healthy diet, staying hydrated, and consulting with healthcare professionals specializing in kidney and urinary tract health are key steps in navigating the path to recovery and prevention.

Your health is our priority at PRINE. If you have any concerns or questions about your health, do not hesitate to contact us and request an appointment with our team of expert doctors. Here’s to living a healthier, happier life!

Managing Diabetes And Hypertension For Better Kidney Health

PRINE Health on 01/29/2024

How Diabetes and Hypertension Affect Kidney Health

Living with uncontrolled high blood sugar (diabetes) or high blood pressure (hypertension) can pose a significant risk to your kidneys’ well-being. Medical experts have affirmed the link between these chronic illnesses and compromised kidney health, underlining the need for timely management and intervention. Considering Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) affects approximately 15% of the general US population, according to the National Kidney Foundation, it’s time we took a deep breath and dived headfirst into the management of diabetes and hypertension.

The Damaging Effects Of Diabetes And Hypertension On Kidney Health

Hypertension and diabetes significantly impact kidney health, as both conditions can damage the kidneys’ tiny blood vessels over time. With diabetes, the body’s abnormally high blood sugar levels can lead to glomerulosclerosis. In this condition, the kidneys’ small filtering units, the glomeruli, become scarred and unable to filter waste and toxins from the bloodstream effectively, leading to kidney disease. Almost 1 in 3 people with diabetes will have Diabetic Nephropathy (kidney disease), and it is the leading cause of kidney failure in the United States.

Similarly, hypertension forces the heart to pump blood more intensely, placing extra pressure on all blood vessels, including the delicate ones in the kidneys. The consistent force exerted by high blood pressure can cause kidney damage and eventual kidney disease. High blood pressure is the second leading cause of kidney failure in the United States after diabetes, as 25% of kidney patients have high blood pressure as the main cause of their kidney failure.

Together, uncontrolled diabetes and hypertension can lead to accelerated kidney damage, potentially resulting in kidney failure.

The Importance Of Kidney Health

Your kidneys are small but mighty. They are your body’s filtration system, removing waste products from your bloodstream to help maintain a healthy internal environment. However, high blood sugar levels and pressure can overload them, causing irreversible damage. Therefore, managing diabetes and hypertension is necessary for maintaining healthy kidneys.

The Careful Management Of Diabetes

While there’s no definitive cure for diabetes, you can manage the disease and take the strain off of your kidneys.

The critical step in managing diabetes is maintaining a balanced diet. By consuming high-fiber, low-sugar meals, you limit the amount of sugar that enters your bloodstream, reducing strain on your kidneys. Next, practice regular exercise. Physical activity helps to regulate your blood sugar, preventing drastic swings that can cause damage to your kidneys. Lastly, make sure to attend those doctor appointments. Regular check-ups ensure you’re on the right track and catch potential complications early.

Controlling Hypertension

Regular exercise benefits individuals with high blood pressure as well. By engaging in regular physical activity, you strengthen the heart, reducing the force needed to pump blood, thus lowering your blood pressure. A healthy diet (low in salt and high in fruits and vegetables) also lowers blood pressure. Just as with diabetes, regular check-ups are a necessary step in managing your hypertension.

Listen To Your Body: Common Symptoms Of Kidney Health Issues Triggered By Diabetes Or Hypertension

Poor kidney health, often exacerbated by diabetes and hypertension, can manifest through several common symptoms. People might experience fatigue and weakness due to the kidneys’ inability to make enough erythropoietin, a hormone that stimulates red blood cell production.

Another common symptom is swelling or puffiness, especially around the ankles, eyes, and feet, due to kidneys being unable to remove enough excess fluid from the body. An increased need to urinate, especially at night, changes in urine appearance, or a decrease in urine output can also indicate kidney issues.

Other symptoms include persistent itching resulting from the buildup of waste in the blood, a lack of appetite, and concentration problems. Noticing blood or protein in the urine, often discovered during routine urine tests, is another critical sign of poor kidney health.

It’s essential to remember that these symptoms might not become noticeable until kidney function has significantly decreased, highlighting the importance of regular monitoring and early intervention, especially for those with diabetes or hypertension.

Your Health, Our Mission: Exploring The Benefits Of Regular Kidney Function Tests With PRINE Health

At PRINE Health, your health is our top priority. Regular kidney function tests are important to detect problems early. Don’t wait for symptoms to show. If you have diabetes or hypertension, schedule regular check-ups to stay ahead of any kidney-related concerns. By managing these conditions, you are securing your kidney health and promoting your overall well-being.

Book your consultation today and protect your kidney health with us. Don’t forget to follow us on social media to keep up with all our news and insights about our multidisciplinary approach to kidney care.

Unveiling The Vessels: A Comprehensive Look At Vascular Health For Kidney Patients

PRINE Health on 01/19/2024

Understanding the connection between the heart and the kidneys is simple enough, but we commonly forget that when one of them is in trouble, the other one usually is as well—or is close behind. Fortunately, this is true in the inverse as well: Taking care of your heart is taking care of your kidneys. This article explores the connection between these two vital organs and describes a few ways that you can take care of your vascular system if you struggle with kidney disease.

Connecting The Cardiovascular System

The heart pumps blood throughout the body, the lungs oxygenate it, and the kidneys—connected to the vena cava and aorta—clean it up of toxins and waste before they throw it back into the veins and arteries. We then expel the waste and toxins in urine. By controlling sodium and water balance, the kidneys help the heart regulate blood pressure. Of course, blood pressure is a more complicated matter than that, but it is clear that kidneys are crucial. Finally, kidneys also regulate electrolyte balance, some of which are essential for the myocardium—namely potassium, sodium, magnesium, and calcium.

Cardiovascular disease, which is usually present in chronic kidney disease, is a leading cause of mortality in CKD, especially in its end stages. This is all the more reason to make sure we protect the heart as we protect the kidneys.

Caring For Vascular And Kidney Health: Detection

The first step to ensure proper health for both systems is detection. Of course, this may seem reductionist, but it truly is the best way to get ahead—and there is more to do. This is especially important for patients with diabetes, as it poses the primary risk for kidney disease. Nephrologists insist that a yearly blood test screening for glomerular filtration rate and a urine test looking for protein in urine are excellent ways to find any issues in your kidneys, as well as keeping an eye on your vascular well-being.

On the subject of proteins, the human body has a steady supply of proteins, like ferritin and elastin. Among these is albumin, a protein produced by the liver that is responsible for binding and transporting substances like hormones, vitamins, enzymes, and drugs throughout the bloodstream. It also keeps fluid from leaking from your blood vessels. Albumin is also the first substance to leak through to your urine when the kidney’s glomeruli start to fail. Consult your nephrologist if you present one of the following symptoms, as it may be an indicator of proteinuria:

Foamy urine
Frequent urination
Swelling

What’s more, detection can help in finding the source of any issues you may present, allowing you and your doctor to make more informed decisions for your treatment.

Vascular And Renal Care: Practices

Kidney health starts with water—the clear, simple H2O compound without any additives. Water makes up most of our cellular structure. Constant hydration helps blood vessels work better, including those in the kidneys. It also allows your heart to pump more blood, and it helps oxygen reach your muscles. In the kidneys, it helps prevent stone-forming crystals and lets you produce more urine to expel more waste. Additionally, experts suggest a few more practices to keep both organs healthy.

Diet is also important. It is essential to keep a close eye on cholesterol and triglyceride levels. These two substances can influence the way that kidney and heart conditions evolve. Experts also suggest reducing salts, simple sugars—as you’d find in soda and candy—and saturated fats. In moderation, these substances should be no issue, but cutting them down while struggling with kidney problems is giving your kidneys a step up in their recovery. While we’re on the subject of intake, doctors also suggest reducing ibuprofen and other non-steroidal agents, as kidneys have no way to deal with them.

Activity and weight control are another priority. Physical activity is linked to overall physical health, and it is proven to impact patients with kidney disease positively. Of course, it is vital to stay hydrated and follow your doctor’s guidelines for exercising. Escalations in body weight pose an increased risk of high blood pressure and diabetes, both of which exacerbate kidney disease. It also forces the kidneys to work overtime, filtering more waste than usual, which can increase the risk of disease. We encourage you to approach your nutritionist to explore the best solutions for you.

PRINE Health provides a multidisciplinary approach to kidney health. We pair nephrologists with other professionals to empower patients with kidney disease to live better, fuller lives. Discover the many ways PRINE Vascular can help you, as well as our other specialties.