Over age 60? Get in the know about chronic kidney disease.

As we age, our bodies go through natural changes that show up on the outside of our bodies— we get wrinkle, or posture changes or we need to wear glasses. Aging also leads to changes inside our bodies. One pair of organs, in particular, changes throughout our lives, though most of us are totally unaware: the kidneys.

Consider this...

• A John's Hopkins University Study found more than 50% of people age 75 years and older have kidney disease
• Approximately 90% of adults don't even know the have it

What do you kidney's do?

• Filter extra fluids and waste from your system
• Help regulate blood pressure
• Help produce red blood cells
• Maintain the balance of electrolytes

Chronoic kidney disease: A silent disease

Unlike many other diseases, kidney disease is often “silent,” developing slowly and without noticeable symptoms. That means as you age, you can develop relatively advanced stage  and not know it. That means, as you age, you can develop relatively advanced stage chronic kidney disease (CKD) and not know it. That’s a particularly critical, even life-threatening, situation for the millions of people who have risk factors for CKD which can lead to end stage renal disease and the need for a kidney transplant.

Risk factors for kidney disease include:

• Being over age 60
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Having kidney stones
• A family history of kidney disease

While CKD often develops slowly with few signs, there are some symptoms to be aware of:

• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Urinating more frequently
• Dry and/or itchy skin
• Shortness of breath
• Numbness or swelling of arms. legs ankles or feet

Early detection and regular screening are essential for managing these risks and ensuring better health outcomes.

How to protect your kidney health

Just being aware of kidney disease and the impact that aging has on your kidneys is a good start. Here are two steps all adults — not just seniors — can take to protect their kidney health.

• Get screened for kidney disease — See your doctor to get screened for kidney disease, especially if you have any risk factors. The National Kidney Foundation strongly encourages annual kidney disease screening for anyone over age 60. It’s a simple urine test that can pick up early signs of kidney damage. Catching kidney disease early means you can make lifestyle changes to reduce the strain on your kidneys in the long run.
• Stop the problem before it starts — One of the most important things anyone can do is to eliminate, or at least reduce, the risk factors that lead to kidney disease. It all starts with self-care. Steps you can take right away include:
  •  Staying hydrated
  • Eating a properly proportioned diet full of fresh fruits, vegetables and lean proteins
  • Reducing your salt in your diet 
  • Getting enough exercise
  • Stop smoking and limit alcohol

Educating yourself about kidney health and risk factors can help you make better choices. Talk with your doctor about your particular health concerns and risk factors and what diet and exercise plan is right for you.

Mom's Meals^® renal-friendly meal delivery can help

Balanced nutrition is critical for patients with CKD or ESRD. But managing the dietary requirements for CKD can be tricky. Mom’s Meals offers fully prepared, refrigerated meals tailored for people living with kidney disease.

Maintaining a nutritious diet has been shown to help prevent and slow the progression of kidney disease, as well as other chronic conditions that can affect your renal health. But managing the dietary requirements for CKD can be tricky. Mom’s Meals offers home-delivered medically tailored meals that are ready in minutes to make following a special diet easy and convenient. 

Mom’s Meals renal-friendly menu options are tailored to meet the nutritional needs of individuals with:

• Stage 3 or 4 CKD with less restrictive dietary requirements
• Stage 5 end-stage renal disease and who are on hemodialysis

All our delicious renal-friendly meals contain:

• Less than 700 milligrams of sodium
• 833 milligrams or less of potassium
• 330 milligrams or less of phosphorus

Learn more about what Mom’s Meal renal-friendly meals can do for you. Plus, get a helpful brochure and articles that share what renal-friendly eating looks like and steps you can take to help prevent and slow the progression of kidney disease.

Renal-friendly MEALs and resources