Durham Nephrology specializes in high blood pressure and chronic kidney disease, and in numerous past blogs, we’ve explained how interconnected these two health conditions are. However, it’s important to note that high blood pressure is just one of many conditions that impact kidney health. The systems within our body are interconnected, but there are some illnesses or diseases that affect the kidneys more than others. In this blog, we’re sharing some common conditions that impact kidney health. Heart Disease Chronic kidney disease and high blood pressure come hand-in-hand in the medical worl ..read more

More than 9,000 Americans need new kidneys each year. That’s where kidney donations come in. Through donation, those with kidney failure or end-stage renal disease (ESRD) can lead longer, more fulfilling lives. Here are ten things you need to know about kidney donation. There are Two Main Different Types of Living Kidney Donations There are deceased kidney donations and living kidney donations. Living related kidney donations come from blood relatives, like parents and siblings. Living unrelated donations, on the other hand, are from friends or people who aren’t blood related to the recipie ..read more

With a healthy diet, you can keep your heart and kidneys in optimal shape. It’s a simple way to reduce the risk of heart disease and kidney disease so you can live a happy, healthy life for years to come. So, what are the best foods for your heart and kidneys? Below, we’ll share eight options that you can easily find at your local grocery store.  Best Foods for Your Heart and Kidneys Red Bell Peppers Not only are red bell peppers full of flavor, they’re a great source of vitamins C, A, and B6 as well as fiber and folic acid. Plus, they contain an important antioxidant called lycopene. W ..read more

Nearly half of American adults are living with high blood pressure, which can lead to serious complications, such as stroke and heart disease. Whether you have high blood pressure or hope to avoid it, there are plenty of natural ways to lower it. Here’s a look at eight habits that can help you lower your blood pressure and live a healthy life. Exercise Regularly One of the best ways to lower your blood pressure is exercise. If you commit to exercise on a regular basis, you’ll strengthen your heart and in turn, help it pump blood and reduce the pressure in your arteries. Keep in mind that you ..read more

Originally starting as a UK charity initiative, a month-long health challenge known as “Dry January” has continued to garner attention in the year since its introduction. Now in its twelfth year, millions of people continue to join in on the challenge year after year. While the original reason for Dry January was to “ditch the hangover, reduce the waistline, and save some serious money by giving up alcohol for 31 days,” health experts have begun to take notice of the significant health benefits that can come from this New Year’s reset. In this blog, we’re explaining these health benefits, incl ..read more

It’s a New Year, so we wanted to start this year by giving you a guide to how you can make 2024 a year of kidney health! With the fresh start of a new year comes the opportunity to set new goals and resolutions to live healthier. Patients with chronic kidney disease and high blood pressure need to take extra steps to manage and improve their condition, which means that living a healthy lifestyle may include a few additional steps than the average person. To help take the guesswork out of what you can do to make this upcoming year a year of kidney health, take a look as we make specific recomme ..read more

As the temperatures drop and the winter season sets in, many changes occur in our bodies due to the colder weather, altered dietary habits, and reduced outdoor activities. One significant aspect that can be easily overlooked is the impact of winter on our electrolyte balance. Electrolytes are essential minerals that carry electric charges and are crucial in maintaining various bodily functions, including nerve and muscle function, hydration, and pH balance.  Several factors can influence electrolyte levels during winter, potentially leading to imbalances that affect our overall well-being ..read more

The seasonal flu, caused by influenza viruses, poses a significant threat to public health each year. While the flu affects individuals across all age groups, it can have particularly severe consequences for those with underlying health conditions.  Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) patients, who already grapple with compromised immune systems and increased susceptibility to infections, are especially vulnerable during flu seasons. Navigating the challenges that the seasonal flu presents to CKD patients requires a multifaceted approach encompassing awareness, prevention, and timely medical int ..read more

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a widespread and serious health condition that affects millions of individuals around the world. It is characterized by the gradual loss of kidney function over time, often leading to complications such as kidney failure.  Managing CKD requires a comprehensive approach, and fortunately, numerous resources are available to help patients navigate this challenging journey. From educational materials to support groups, the following are essential resources for CKD patients that our team at Durham Nephrology has collected: 1. Medical Professionals: We may be bia ..read more

Choosing foods that support kidney function while providing comfort and warmth is especially important in winter. A kidney-friendly winter diet should focus on foods low in sodium, phosphorus, and potassium while rich in essential nutrients and hydration.  Part of our job at Durham Nephrology is teaching you more about a healthy diet for your kidneys! This changes by season as different fruits and vegetables reach their optimal time. Let’s delve into some of the best winter foods that promote kidney health. Winter Squash  Squash varieties like butternut, acorn, and spaghetti squash a ..read more