Kidney Warriors Foundation wrote to the Central and State Governments on the basis of complaints received from patients that some of the dialysis centres under the Pradhan Mantri National Dialysis Programme (PMNDP) were being run by technicians without the guidance of nephrologists.
In our endeavour to address long waiting lists, and get more patients on dialysis to achieve their transplant goals, we undertook a close study of the existing transplant laws. It was necessary to check if any tweaking in laws could add more dimensions to increase organ donation.
With India facing a public health crisis as a result of rising obesity, diabetes, cancers, hypertension, cardiac diseases, renal disease and mental health issues there is huge concern of people dying due to Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). Out of total deaths of about 9 million the current estimate shows nearly 5.8 million people die from NCDs, which is about 60% of annual deaths. The comprehensive national nutrition survey (CNNS) 2016 revealed that more than half of the 5–19 year-olds show biomarkers of NCDs.
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.
Nutritional Secrets, an offering from KWF is an essential Nutrition and Diet handbook for people in various stages of kidney disease. Diet and medication are inseparable in every health condition. With kidneys failing, the diet’s role gets magnified, as every small change has a corresponding effect on the overall health of the person. This handbook balances these issues. The book has been researched and developed in consultation with senior dietitians and nutritionists from various hospitals of the country. The first part of the book, DIET, explains the necessity for a balanced diet, and the function of each of its components. RECIPES, the latter part, has contributions from patients and caregivers, with easy recipes that a patient can choose from, based on his taste and nutritional requirements. It is a user and patient friendly book written with your health in mind, that will definitely be treasured by kidney patients and nephrologists.
You can read, or download the books below.
