Demystifying Kidney Disease for the Average Joe!

Protein in the urine is medically referred to as "proteinuria". As we had discussed earlier, abnormally high amount of protein in the urine is one of the hallmarks of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). We also talked about the role of moderate protein diet in preventing CKD progression . But if protein in the urine is just another downstream effect of kidney disease, then why do we nephrologists make so much fuss about treating it?

A frequent conundrum that I see patients run into almost everyday, is understanding the link between chronic kidney disease (CKD) and coronary heart disease (CHD). They are surprised when I tell them that most CKD patients are more likely to die from heart disease, than from kidney disease (or require renal replacement therapy/dialysis). Why is that so, and is there a link between kidney and heart disease? Lets explore.

Earlier, I had talked about the recommended dietary guidelines for patients who have kidney disease . I want to tackle the issue of protein intake in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in a little more detail today because this is an issue that patients seem to be the most confused about. The question is not just limited to how much protein you need to eat to for your kidneys' health and your overall health. What also needs to be realized is that not all sources of protein are created equal, even if they have the same amount of protein. Quality hence matters as much as quantity.