Blog
Do Your Kidneys Have a Circadian Rhythm?
Most people are familiar with the idea of a circadian rhythm. This natural 24-hour cycle influences when we feel awake and sleepy and how our bodies respond to light and darkness. But did you know your kidneys also follow a circadian rhythm? Kidneys work around the clock to filter blood, remove waste, and regulate fluids […]
How Seasonal Changes Affect Blood Pressure and Kidney Function
When the seasons change, many people notice differences in how their bodies feel and function. From winter chills to summer heat, these environmental shifts can have a measurable impact on health. Understanding how seasonal changes affect the body is especially important for individuals with high blood pressure or kidney disease. Both blood pressure and kidney […]
What Kidney Patients Should Know When Choosing Between CAPD and APD
Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is often an alternative to in-center hemodialysis for people with kidney failure who need dialysis. Instead of using a machine at a dialysis clinic, PD can be done at home, at work, or even while traveling, offering flexibility and independence. If you and your care team have decided that PD is right […]
How to Read Food Labels When You Have CKD
Living with chronic kidney disease (CKD) means paying close attention to what you eat and drink. Your kidneys play an important role in filtering waste and balancing minerals in the body, and when they are not functioning at full capacity, certain nutrients can build up to unhealthy levels. Choosing the right foods can help protect […]
Kidney Damage vs. Kidney Disease: How to Tell If Your Kidneys Are in Trouble
Your kidneys play a crucial role in keeping your body healthy. They filter waste from your blood, balance fluids, regulate blood pressure, and support bone health. When something goes wrong with your kidneys, it can affect your entire body. But what is the difference between kidney damage and kidney disease? How can you tell if […]
How to Stick to a Kidney-Safe Diet: Tips for Real Life
Living with kidney disease often means making big changes to your diet. At first, the restrictions can feel overwhelming. Suddenly, foods you once loved might be off-limits, and grocery shopping or eating out becomes a challenge. But a kidney-safe diet does not have to mean bland meals or feeling deprived. With some creativity, preparation, and […]
The Hidden Sodium in Summer Favorites (And What to Eat Instead)
Summer Fun, Salty Risks Summer brings cookouts, picnics, and poolside snacks—but it also brings a hidden health risk: sodium overload. Many warm-weather favorites are loaded with salt, which can worsen high blood pressure and damage your kidneys over time. Why Sodium Matters for Kidney Health Your kidneys regulate fluid balance, blood pressure, and filter excess […]
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Swelling in Your Feet and Ankles
Understanding Swelling in Feet: More Than Just a Minor Inconvenience Swelling in feet and ankles, medically known as peripheral edema, affects millions of people and often serves as an early warning sign of underlying health conditions. While occasional mild swelling after a long day might seem harmless, persistent or severe swelling in feet should never […]
June is Men’s Health Month: What Men Should Know About Kidney Disease
Introduction June is recognized as Men’s Health Month, a time to raise awareness about preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men. One often-overlooked yet critical area of men’s health is kidney disease. At Durham Nephrology Associates, we believe that education is a powerful tool in promoting long-term kidney health. […]
The Connection Between Anemia and Kidney Disease
Introduction Anemia and kidney disease are two medical conditions that are closely linked. Many patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) experience anemia as a complication, and understanding the connection between the two can help patients manage their health more effectively. In this blog, we will explore anemia, how it relates to kidney disease, and what […]
