🍂 Falling into Harmony: Autumn CKD Recipes & Wellness Habits!

Breakfast: Pumpkin Spice Porridge

Why It's Kidney Friendly

Pumpkin is low in potassium and high in fiber, and oats provide a good start to the day, making this porridge a kidney-friendly breakfast.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup of old-fashioned rolled oats

• 1/4 cup of canned pumpkin puree

• 1/2 teaspoon of pumpkin spice mix

• 1 tablespoon of honey or maple syrup

Directions

1. Cook oats according to package instructions.

2. Stir in pumpkin puree, spice mix, and sweetener.

3. Serve warm with a sprinkle of extra spice on top if desired.

Nutritional Info (per serving)

Dinner: Hearty Veggie Stew

Why It's Kidney Friendly

Root vegetables are high in fiber and vitamins, and the broth provides warmth and comfort, making this a nourishing fall dinner.

Ingredients

• 2 cups of chopped low-potassium vegetables (turnip, cabbage, green beans)

• 2 cups of low-sodium vegetable broth

• Herbs and spices to taste (rosemary, thyme, pepper)

Directions

1. In a pot, combine vegetables, broth, and herbs/spices.

2. Simmer until vegetables are tender.

3. Serve warm with a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top if desired.

Nutritional Info (per serving)

Featured Kidney Patient Question

Every week, we're featuring a question we received from one of you and we address them. Hopefully they help some of you as well. Make sure to send us your questions on [email protected]!

Question: What about monk fruit or erithitol?

Answer: Monk fruit comes from a small round fruit native to southern China. It can be used to lower one’s intake of added sugars, while still providing satisfaction to enjoy the taste of something sweet. Monk fruit sweeteners range from being 150-200 times sweeter than sugar, and as such only small amounts are needed in a product to equal the sweetness provided by sugar. Some monk fruit sweeteners contain erythritol. Erythritol is rapidly absorbed in the small intestine and the majority — 80-90% is excreted in the urine within 24 hours. Extracts from monk fruit are Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS), a regulatory review process category used by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA also lists erythritol as GRAS for use in a variety of foods and beverages.8 GRAS requires expert consensus that a food ingredient is safe for its intended use. For patients with Diabetes or those who want to manage weight, teh use of Monk fruit is well recommended as an alternative to sugar-sweetened foods and beverages; they are also recommended as a way to help these individuals satisfy their desire for sweet taste while managing carbohydrate intake. In the case of Erythritol, though it is safe to consume, there's a certain limit of consumption to avoid adverse intestinal reaction.

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Coach Ginny's Kidney Dietitian's Expert Tip for the Day

This is a corner where I share my tips, tricks, and suggestions based on knowledge and wisdom from my consultations and engagements with kidney patients over the past 5 years!

Featured Kidney Research Facts & Applications

It is our goal to fight online misinformation for CKD patients. Hence, we will feature only research-based knowledge from highly respectable medical journals and distill them as easy-to-apply tips for you.

In today’s newsletter, we focus on a recent study that examines the epidemiology of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and its comorbidities in older hospitalized patients. Published in 2023, the study titled "Epidemiology of Chronic Kidney Disease and Comorbid Illness in Older Hospitalized Patients" highlights the significant impact of conditions such as congestive heart failure, diabetes, and hypertension on the management and outcomes of CKD in this vulnerable population.

Key Findings from the Study:

• Study Overview: This study analyzed data from 1,500 older hospitalized patients (aged 65 and above) with varying stages of CKD. The research aimed to identify common comorbidities and assess how these conditions affect the management and prognosis of CKD.

• Prevalent Comorbidities:

  • Congestive Heart Failure (CHF): CHF was the most common comorbidity, affecting nearly 45% of the CKD patients in the study. The presence of CHF complicates CKD management, leading to challenges in fluid balance and increased risk of hospital readmission.

  • Diabetes: Diabetes was present in approximately 38% of the patients, making it a major contributor to CKD progression. Poor glycemic control in diabetic patients further exacerbates kidney damage and increases the risk of cardiovascular complications.

  • Hypertension: Hypertension was identified in over 60% of the patients, with many having poorly controlled blood pressure. Hypertension not only accelerates CKD progression but also increases the risk of adverse cardiovascular events, such as stroke and heart attack.

• Impact on Management and Outcomes:

  • Complexity of Care: The study found that the coexistence of multiple comorbidities in older CKD patients complicates clinical management. These patients often require a multidisciplinary approach, involving cardiologists, endocrinologists, nephrologists, and primary care providers to address the various aspects of their health.

  • Increased Hospitalization Rates: Older CKD patients with comorbidities such as CHF, diabetes, and hypertension were more likely to be hospitalized frequently. These frequent hospitalizations were often due to complications arising from the interplay between CKD and these comorbid conditions.

  • Worse Prognosis: The presence of these comorbidities was associated with a worse prognosis, including higher mortality rates. The study highlights the need for targeted interventions to manage these conditions effectively and improve patient outcomes.

What This Means for Older CKD Patients:

The study underscores the importance of managing comorbid conditions to improve the quality of life and health outcomes for older CKD patients. Here are some actionable steps based on the study’s findings:

1. Comprehensive Cardiovascular Management: For patients with congestive heart failure and hypertension, close monitoring and management of cardiovascular health are crucial. This includes regular check-ups with cardiologists, adherence to heart failure medications, and lifestyle modifications to manage blood pressure and fluid balance.

2. Diabetes Control: Strict glycemic control is essential for diabetic CKD patients. Working with endocrinologists to manage blood sugar levels through diet, exercise, and medications can help slow the progression of CKD and reduce the risk of complications.

3. Multidisciplinary Care: Given the complexity of managing multiple comorbidities, older CKD patients should receive care from a multidisciplinary team. This team approach ensures that all aspects of the patient’s health are addressed, from kidney function to cardiovascular health and beyond.

4. Preventative Measures: Implementing preventative measures, such as regular screenings for heart disease and diabetes management, can help mitigate the impact of these comorbidities on CKD progression.

The study highlights the critical role of managing comorbid conditions like congestive heart failure, diabetes, and hypertension in older CKD patients. By adopting a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to care, healthcare providers can improve the management and outcomes for these patients, ultimately enhancing their quality of life.

Swap: Processed apple cider drinks

For: Homemade warm apple tea with a cinnamon stick

Why: It's lower in sugar and captures the authentic flavor of fall, making it a healthier choice for seasonal drinks.

You've made the first steps to improve your kidney health. Remember, small changes can make a big difference. 💪

Your next step in applying them to avoid dialysis:

Ready to get 1 on 1 coaching ?

Join our Avoid Dialysis Meal Planning coaching program and get expert guidance and personalized meal plans that suit your needs. Perfect for CKD Stage 3 or 4 patients.

P.S. In the next edition, we'll continue our "Falling into Harmony" series with more tips and practices for maintaining your kidney health in the cozy fall season!

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