There is a high economic burden for kidney disease. Healthy
People 2020 has a major goal of reducing new cases of kidney disease and its
related complications, disability and early death. The basic function of the
kidney is the removal of waste products from the blood while regulating body
water and electrolytes. As kidney disease progresses, altered
nutrition biomarkers are observed which may be related to poor dietary
habits. Patients with kidney disease are often prescribed diets that are low in
potassium and provided handouts that focus on limiting fruits and vegetables.
Patients become confused and frustrated as this recommendation is at odds with
prevention diets such as heart healthy and diabetes diets which emphasize
fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
The typical North
American diet is high in protein and processed foods which can affect the
balance of the body’s electrolytes, minerals and contributes to the uremic
environment of the digestive system. Evolving evidence has found a link between
the gut and kidney health suggesting a need for emphasis on nutrition for the care
of a patient with compromised kidney function.
A poor diet is a major contributor to disease and early
death. Nutrition has become a mainstream social issue and the public’s interest
in nutrition and wellness has exploded. In response, the Affordable Care Act
supports preventative health services and has included access to wellness
programs [6] including Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT). The key practitioners
of MNT are the registered dietitian (RD) and registered dietitian nutritionist
(RDN).
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