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Chronic kidney disease (CKD) Archive

Articles

What is causing my low sodium level?

A low sodium result can have several explanations, and the clues often come from your medications, fluid balance, and overall health.

Could your diet be contributing to kidney stones?

Everyday eating and drinking habits may influence kidney stone risk. Explore which foods and beverage choices have the most impact.

Is it safe for a woman to take Flomax to pass kidney stones?

Originally a prostate drug, Flomax is also used off label to ease the passage of fragmented kidney stones in both men and women.

What could be causing my dark, smelly urine?

Urine that is sometimes dark or pungent can reflect dehydration, diet, or something more. Learn which clues signal a need for testing.

Chronic kidney disease: A hidden threat to your heart

About one in seven adults in the United States has chronic kidney disease. Simple screening tests can detect the problem, which can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart failure.

Do I need to limit my calcium intake to avoid getting kidney stones?

Calcium is vital for bones, and calcium that you're getting from foods are not a concern. However, calcium supplements can lead to kidney stones.

Why does someone with kidney disease need to be careful about high-potassium foods?

When damaged kidneys can&rsquot clear extra potassium, everyday staples like potatoes, beans, and juice may strain the heart. Learn which foods are risky.

What foods are high in potassium?

Everyday staples like potatoes, beans, or juice can quietly add too much potassium to the diet of someone who's been told to limit their intake. Learn which other foods to limit.

How can I keep my kidneys healthy?

People can adopt several strategies to keep their kidneys healthy, such as managing blood pressure, controlling blood sugar levels, watching salt intake, avoiding alcohol, staying hydrated, and exercising regularly.

Urine and your health

A urine test, also known as a urinalysis, can reveal a great deal about a person's health. The kidneys produce urine to remove excess fluid and waste products from the body. But urine also contains various chemicals, minerals, toxins, bacteria, and red and white blood cells. Analyzing a urine sample with visual, chemical, and microscopic exams can reveal the presence and amounts of these substances, which can provide clues to specific conditions.

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