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Kidneys perform crucial functions that affect all parts of the body and are involved in complex operations that keep the rest of the body in balance. When the kidneys are damaged by disease, other organs are affected. Kidney problems can range from a minor urinary tract infection to progressive...

Will my sexual health improve after a kidney transplant? Many people who experienced sexual problems while on dialysis will find improvement after a kidney transplant. Your new kidney will help you feel better and have more energy. This will help to make your sexual life more enjoyable. In fact,...

What are blood lipids? Lipids are fat-like substances found in your blood and body tissues. Your body needs small amounts of lipids to work normally. How are my blood lipids measured? A blood test called a complete lipid profile is done. It is recommended that this test be done after an...

Kidney disease is common among adults, and many habits learned by kids can set the stage for kidney health as they get older. You can help your kid(s) protect their kidneys from an early age. Here are seven golden rules to start following now to ensure your child’s future kidney health. Get...

Many people feel that a successful kidney transplant offers a better quality of life than dialysis.  To be considered for one, you must be evaluated at a transplant center. This is done to make sure that a kidney transplant is the best choice for you.  The evaluation will be very...

Choosing plant-based foods instead of meats may help prevent and treat chronic kidney disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.

What is Kidney Cancer?  - (Available  in Spanish) Who is at Risk? - (Available in Spanish) How is Kidney Cancer Found? - (Available In Spanish) Treatments for Kidney Cancer - (Available In Spanish) Talking with Your Healthcare Professional - (...

By Janelle E. Gonyea, RD, LD After receiving a new kidney, you naturally look forward to freedom from the restrictive diet you needed to follow while you were waiting for a transplant. There are so many "no nos" while following a diet designed to preserve remaining kidney function and maintain a...

For many patients who are on dialysis or have had a kidney transplant, the ability to travel is important to their self-esteem and lifestyle. Working patients may need to attend business meetings or conferences. Older patients may have dreamed of traveling during their retirement. A family event...

Dialysis & COVID-19 Find answers about dialysis during the COVID-19 outbreak here. Kidney transplant & COVID-19 Find answers about transplant during the COVID-19 outbreak here. What happens when your kidneys fail? Healthy kidneys do many important jobs. They keep your whole body in...

What is iron? Iron is a mineral needed for healthy red blood cells and for overall good health. Iron is found in a wide variety of foods. You can also get iron from supplements taken by mouth and from iron medicines prescribed by your healthcare professional. What does iron do? Iron helps your body...

What is distal tubular renal acidosis (dRTA)? dRTA is a rare but serious type of kidney disease that can be inherited (primary dRTA) or be caused by another disorder or medication (secondary dRTA). Primary dRTA is also known as primary type 1 RTA. Renal refers to the kidney, distal tubular...

Schedule regular healthcare visits Take all your medications every day and at the same time as instructed Discuss any medication concerns or side effects with your transplant team Eat healthy Get regular exercise Keep a healthy weight Ask how you can lower your chances for high blood pressure,...

Every drug you put into your body passes through your kidneys. If the drug is not taken following your healthcare provider's instructions, or if it is an illegal substance, it can cause injury to the kidneys. Pain Medications Your kidneys could be damaged if you take large amounts of over-the-...

By Jennifer S. Scherer, M.D.   A few years ago, I left my nephrology private practice because I was driven to do more for my patients. Throughout my training and career in nephrology, I had been intensely aware of how kidney patients – even those doing well – often have poor quality of...