2025 National Kidney Month at VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System

As a renal dietitian, it is no coincidence to me that both National Kidney Month and National Nutrition Month are celebrated in the month of March! Nutrition plays a key role in the prevention and treatment of chronic kidney disease. 

 Chronic kidney disease (CKD) refers to the condition in which your kidneys are damaged and cannot filter blood the way they should.  The leading causes of CKD in the United States are diabetes and high blood pressure.  Poorly controlled blood sugar levels and blood pressures will damage kidneys quicker. Those who are older, overweight, have heart disease, or have a family history of kidney disease are at greater risk for developing CKD.  Kidney disease often has no symptoms until it is advanced. About 9 in 10 adults with kidney disease do not know they have it.

Kidneys are organs responsible for many of our body’s functions. They remove waste products from the body, balance bodily fluids, release hormones that regulate blood pressure, and play a part in the health of our bones. As kidney function declines, all these processes are affected. 

Dietary choices impact your blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Well-controlled diabetes and blood pressure will help to protect your kidneys.  Limiting sodium and eating plenty of fruits and vegetables is recommended. Their fiber helps healthy bacteria in your gut which remove toxins and reduce inflammation. Staying hydrated is also important.  Replacing red meat and processed foods with poultry, plant-based protein and fish is also beneficial. Large amounts of animal protein, high fructose corn syrup, sodium and additives made from sodium and phosphate are not kidney friendly.

For those already living with CKD, dietary protein or potassium restrictions may also be needed.  There is a lot of information on the internet regarding diet and kidney disease.  It can be difficult to sort out and know what information can benefit you.   It is important to understand that there is no “one diet that fits all” when it comes to kidney disease.  This is why it is best to make an individual appointment with a registered dietitian, to help you figure out your own special dietary needs.

The right nutrition goes a long way to maintain and preserve kidney function. 

If you are a veteran enrolled in the Veteran’s Affairs Healthcare System, you have resources to help. You may request an individual nutrition appointment or learn about the various nutrition classes available for early or late-stage CKD.  There is also a new virtual Healthy Teaching Kitchen for Kidney Disease.  Contact Linda Offerle at 973-676-1000 extension 53883 for additional information.