Search the A to Z Guide

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-...

Diagnostic tests such as MRIs, CT scans and angiograms are routinely used because they provide important information about many diseases or injuries and can help in diagnosis and treatment. In many cases, the use of a contrast dye is necessary to enhance these tests, but sometimes these dyes can...

33% of American adults are at risk for kidney disease. Yes, one in three people. If you are Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, Asian American, Pacific Islander, American Indian, or Alaska Native, or Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander, heritage you may be at an increased risk...

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...

By Laura Byham-Gray, PhD, RD, CNSD Diabetes and the Kidney Keeping in good blood glucose control is important for lowering your risk for health complications. Glucose, often described as sugar, is made by the body, usually after eating, and serves as the fuel for every body cell. Diabetes mellitus...

What do you know about metabolic acidosis and chronic kidney disease? This short quiz can help you understand why people with CKD have increased risk for metabolic acidosis, and why and how metabolic acidosis makes kidney disease worse. Take a short quiz...

Many analgesics should not be used if there is decreased kidney function, because they reduce the blood flow to the kidney. Also, long term use with higher doses may harm normal kidneys. It is important to realize that, while helpful, these medicines are not completely without risk, and they should...

Why are kidneys important for bone health? Healthy kidneys do many important jobs. They remove wastes and extra fluid from your body, help make red blood cells, and help keep bones strong. They also help to keep the right amount of minerals in your blood. Minerals are nutrients that your body needs...

Bladder: An organ in your body that holds urine (pee) produced by kidneys. Blood pressure: The force of blood pushing against the inner walls of blood vessels. High blood pressure means the force is too high. Chronic: Constant, long-term, does not go away. Chronic disease: A health problem...

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...

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) who use bowel cleansing products should be aware of a recent warning issued by the FDA for a type of sudden loss of kidney function or acute kidney injury, as well as, blood mineral disturbances. Phosphate crystal deposition in the kidneys causes the loss...

To best understand how to treat distal renal tubular acidosis (dRTA), it is important to understand what dRTA is. Primary dRTA is caused by a change in one of several genes and is inherited. Secondary dRTA is caused by another disease or medication. The kidneys have...

Food safety is important for everyone, especially for those who have received a transplant. Not handling foods safely can lead to food borne illness (commonly referred to as food poisoning). Food borne illness can be very serious, even deadly, so food safety must be part of your daily routine....

Diabetic kidney disease is a decrease in kidney function that occurs in some people who have diabetes. It means that your kidneys are not doing their job as well as they once did to remove waste products and excess fluid from your body. These wastes can build up in your body and cause damage to...