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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...

What is cholesterol? Cholesterol is a fat-like substance found in your blood. Your body needs cholesterol in certain amounts. Your body can make cholesterol as well as get it from eating meats and other animal food products. Too much cholesterol in the blood is bad. Why is too much cholesterol...

Now that you are beginning hemodialysis, there may be many changes in your daily life. Your doctor has probably told you that you may need to make some changes in your diet. The renal dietitian at your dialysis center will help you plan a diet for your special needs. Why do I need to be on a...

Why do I need an emergency meal plan? This meal plan is for you to use in case of an emergency or a natural disaster when you may not be able to got to dialysis. It is important to follow a limited diet if you miss a dialysis session. A grocery list and a three-day meal plan for an emergency are...

Good nutrition is the key to good mental and physical health. Eating a balanced diet is an important part of good health for everyone. The kind and amount of food you eat affects the way you feel and how your body works. What are nutrients? Nutrients are ingredients in food that help you: Grow...

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....

Poor growth and appropriate weight gain are two major nutrition problems for children with kidney failure, so diet is individualized for each child and usually not restricted unless needed. Children grow fastest during the first two years of life. The earlier the age at which kidney disease occurs...

Are you getting enough vitamins and minerals for your health?  If you have chronic kidney disease or kidney failure, here’s what you need to know.