Potassium is an important mineral, and a key component of diet, that has various functions. The most important function of potassium is regulating the heartbeat. Abnormal potassium level will require immediate management with medication, while long term management can be done by modification in diet.
This video deals with the relationship between salt and kidney disease and how restricted salt intake can help maintain kidney function in patients with CKD.
Ms. Uma describes the problems caused by excess sodium and how to regulate sodium levels in the blood by controlling the intake of salt. She demonstrates how salt can be measured to restrict its intake, and shows how the right quantity of salt can be used to make food tasty. Ms. Uma cautions us to read the labels of packaged foods to understand the quantity of sodium they contain. She emphasizes the need to control sodium intake to ensure kidney health, which in turn will prevent damage to the heart and lungs.
In this video, Ms. Shalini describes the complementary role of carbohydrates and proteins, the foods that constitute the larger portion of a meal. While carbohydrates generate energy, proteins build the muscles and cells in the body.
Ms. Suneetha talks about the management of phosphorus that has many functions. She shows us how a higher consumption of phosphorus rich food affects the body, resulting in bone disease. Watch the video to understand the correlation between calcium and phosphorus, and the role of the parathyroid hormone in maintaining their balance.
KWF felt the pressing need to disseminate the information in our book Nutritional Secrets among a wider audience, so that a larger number of patients and caregivers can benefit from the abundant information it contains. To achieve this goal, Nutritional Secrets is being shared in the form of a series of videos, where dieticians and experts speak about the different components of a diet suitable for kidney patients. The series begins with a video featuring an Introduction, followed by a Promotion showing the usability of the book, and goes on to present information about the various elements of a diet, namely, macronutrients and micronutrients such as Protein and Carbohydrates, Sodium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Fluid, Fiber and Fats.
Anjali views Nutritional Secrets as a fantastic book for kidney patients to explore in order to enjoy their diet with good choices. She explains the importance of looking beyond restrictions and identifying substitutes to make meals interesting.
Genetic diseases can affect many members of a family over generations. Learning to catch early signs of the disease can enable effective treatment, since it can help to change the course of the disease or prevent its advancement. In a webinar moderated by Anjali Uthup Kurian, Dr. Sree Bhushan Raju, Professor and Head, Department of Nephrology at Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad explained the genetic causes of kidney diseases. Although a difficult area of study, Genetics is important since every aspect of an individual’s external and internal features is determined by his genes. Dr. Raju establishes that having a family history of diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, are genetic risk factors along with obesity, race and ethnicity.
An interesting webinar on the diagnostic procedure known as biopsy was held on September 9, 2020. The guest speaker for the event was Dr. Narayan Prasad, Professor, Department of Nephrology, SGPI, Lucknow, and the event was moderated by Maryann Manasseh and Mr. Anand Lal Banerjee. Dr. Prasad interacted with participants in Hindi and English, explaining in minute detail, going into all the intricacies of the need, process and outcome of a kidney biopsy. He began by showing a video of a biopsy procedure being carried out to demonstrate the precision with which it is conducted.
As kidney warriors, we are often plagued by many doubts and worries. Due to lack of time or resources, we may not get a chance to get them addressed during our routine doctor appointments. In this fifth episode of the Kidney Warrior educational series, we got a unique opportunity to get answers from Dr. Raju Balasubramaniyam to several pertinent questions. The exclusive question and answer session was hosted on 8th September 2020 by KWF, and moderated by Maryann Manasseh and Shantanu Saha.
Patients with CKD, undergoing dialysis, or post-transplant, have to deal with various issues and complications related to disease management. While health issues assume priority, dealing with work related matters, concerns about a career, managing finances, etc. are also issues that require equal attention. Being able to successfully strike a balance between all these will ensure a happy and stress-free life, keeping one motivated to remain active and productive in spite of kidney disease.
