Definitions:

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an umbrella term for any condition resulting in kidney damage, and increased kidney dysfunction over time. CKD may progress through five stages over time, and can eventually lead to stage five, known as end-stage renal disease (ESRD). ESRD is characterized by total kidney failure and requires dialysis treatment or a kidney transplant.

• Approximately 37 million Americans have kidney disease. Individuals in the early stages of kidney disease often do not present any symptoms, making these conditions difficult to identify.
• Specific urine and blood tests that assess kidney damage and filtration rate are used to identify CKD.
• CKD has been associated with certain health complications, such as anemia, depression, stroke, increased risk of infections, and imbalanced mineral levels in the blood.
• Individuals with CKD are also at an increased risk of premature mortality associated with cardiovascular disease and cancer, making it critical to address CKD as early as possible.
• Lifestyle modifications, including diet and dietary supplements, can support your kidney health and may help prevent chronic kidney disease.

Chronic Kidney Disease Stages

The stages of chronic kidney disease include the following:

• Chronic kidney disease stage 1, is characterized by kidney damage, normal kidney function, and persistent elevated protein in the urine for at least three months.
• Chronic kidney disease stage 2, is characterized by kidney damage, mild loss of kidney function, and persistent elevated protein in the urine for at least three months.
• Chronic kidney disease stage 3, which is characterized by mild to severe loss of kidney function.
• Chronic kidney disease stage 4, which is characterized by severe loss of kidney function.
• Chronic kidney disease stage 5, which is characterized by kidney failure that requires dialysis or organ transplant.

Causes and Risk Factors

There are several causes and risk factors for chronic kidney disease, including:

• Certain autoimmune conditions (e.g., Goodpasture syndrome, lupus nephritis)
• Certain infections (e.g., urinary tract infections)
• Certain genetic disorders
• Certain medications (e.g., acetaminophen, aspirin, lithium)
• Diabetes
• Dysbiosis (imbalanced intestinal microbiota)
• Family history of CKD
• Heavy metal poisoning
• Hypertension (high blood pressure), damaged blood vessels
• Moderate to heavy alcohol intake
• Smoking
• Overweight and obesity

Signs of Chronic Kidney Disease or Kidney Failure

Individuals with CKD may not experience or notice any symptoms, particularly in the early stages. Advanced-stage chronic kidney disease symptoms include:

• Chest pain
• Fatigue
• Difficulty concentrating
• Difficulty sleeping
• Dry skin
• Increased or decreased frequency of urination
• Itching and numbness
• Muscle cramps
• Nausea and vomiting
• Reduced appetite
• Edema (swelling) of the feet and ankles
• Weight loss

Treatment:

• Lifestyle modifications, including diet, dietary supplements, and certain medications can support kidney health and may help prevent chronic kidney disease.
• For CKD prevention, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommends quitting smoking, limiting alcohol intake, and working with your healthcare practitioner to achieve a healthy weight.
• Avoid NSAIDs
• Exercise: Physical activity can also contribute to prevention by improving metabolic risk factors, which may support healthy kidney function.
• Diet: Eat a Healthy Diet: Specific dietary patterns that may prevent and address kidney disease include the Mediterranean diet and the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet.