Apr 13, 2024 | Healthy Tips
Blood sugar, also known as blood glucose, is the main sugar our body uses for energy. It comes from the food we eat, especially carbohydrates. After digestion, our body breaks down these carbs into glucose, which enters our bloodstream. Here, a hormone called insulin acts like a key, unlocking the doors of our cells, and allowing glucose in for energy.
However, problems can arise if our blood sugar isn’t well managed. Chronically high blood sugar, often associated with diabetes, can lead to serious health issues. This is where meal planning comes in as a powerful tool.
For ROHSI members living with blood sugar concerns, meal planning can be a powerful tool. It goes beyond just choosing healthy foods; it’s about strategically creating a roadmap for your diet and empowering you to manage your blood sugar effectively.
Meal planning involves strategically choosing and preparing your meals and snacks in advance. Here’s why meal planning is a game-changer:
Stability! Regular, balanced meals keep our blood sugar from spiking or dipping dramatically. Planning ensures we have healthy options readily available, preventing unhealthy choices made in a rush.
Portion Control! Planning meals allows us to measure ingredients (appropriate serving) beforehand, avoiding overeating, a significant factor in blood sugar control.
Nutritional Balance! Planning helps incorporate a variety of nutrient-rich foods. Think lean protein for sustained energy, fibre-rich vegetables for slow digestion, and healthy fats for satiety.
Carb Awareness: You can plan meals with a focus on complex carbohydrates, found in whole grains and vegetables. These release glucose slowly, leading to a more gradual rise in blood sugar compared to refined carbohydrates like white bread or sugary drinks.
Predictability! Following a meal plan establishes a consistent eating pattern. This predictability helps your body anticipate and regulate insulin release, leading to better blood sugar control.
Reduced Stress! Knowing what you’ll eat eliminates decision fatigue and grocery store overwhelm. This translates to less stress, which can also impact blood sugar levels.
We must add the following to our meal planning so as to achieve working blood sugar!
Inventory! We must check our pantry, refrigerator, and freezer. Plan meals around what we already have to minimize waste.
Set Goals! We must consider our preferences and dietary needs. Focus on incorporating more non-starchy vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
Plan our meals! We must create a weekly schedule with breakfast, lunch, dinner, and healthy snacks.
Batch Cook! We must try and dedicate time to cooking larger portions of protein or grains that can be used in various meals throughout the week.
Get Creative! Try and explore healthy recipe options online or in cookbooks. Find low-carb alternatives for your favourite dishes.
Remember, meal planning is a journey, not a destination. Be flexible, adjust as needed, and most importantly, celebrate your progress! With consistent meal planning, you’ll gain control of your blood sugar and feel empowered on your path to a healthier you.
Courtesy: Rays of Hope Support Initiative (ROHSI) Dietary Unit
May 16, 2023 | News
World Hypertension Day is observed annually on May 17th to raise awareness about the importance of hypertension prevention, detection, and control. It serves as a global platform to increase awareness about hypertension and its associated risks. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, affects millions of individuals worldwide and is a major contributor to heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular complications. Today, it aims to empower individuals to take charge of their cardiovascular health, educate our communities about the importance of blood pressure monitoring, and promote preventive measures to reduce the burden of hypertension-related diseases.
As part of the 2023 campaign, “Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, and Live Longer,” This theme emphasizes the significance of accurate blood pressure measurement, effective control, and the potential for a longer and healthier life.
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a common health condition that affects millions of people around the world. It is often referred to as the “silent killer” because it typically does not have any noticeable symptoms. However, if left untreated, it can lead to serious health complications such as heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and other organ damage.
Maintaining optimal blood pressure is crucial for our overall well-being and longevity. ‘Blood pressure is a measure of the force exerted by the blood against the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps it throughout the body’. Accurate measurement, regular monitoring, and effective control of blood pressure play a vital role in preventing serious health complications. In this article, we will explore the importance of accurately measuring blood pressure, controlling it, and the health benefits associated with maintaining healthy blood pressure levels.
To accurately measure your blood pressure, it is recommended that you use a reliable blood pressure monitor, such as a digital blood pressure monitor. It is also important to measure your blood pressure under the right conditions. You should be in a quiet and relaxed environment, avoid smoking or drinking coffee or alcohol, and sit with your feet flat on the floor and your arm at heart level.
Measuring your blood pressure accurately is the first step toward treating hypertension. Blood pressure is measured in two numbers: the systolic pressure (top number) and the diastolic pressure (bottom number), measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). Normal blood pressure is generally considered to be around 120/80 mmHg, and high blood pressure is usually defined as a reading of 130/80 mmHg or higher.
Controlling your blood pressure is the next step toward maintaining good health. Lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, reducing stress, and quitting smoking can help lower your blood pressure. If these lifestyle changes are not enough to control your blood pressure, your doctor may prescribe medication to help bring it down. It is important to take your medication as prescribed and to follow up with your doctor regularly to ensure that your blood pressure is under control.
Living longer is one of the many health benefits of controlling your blood pressure. Lowering your blood pressure can help reduce your risk of developing heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease, which are some of the leading causes of death worldwide. Additionally, maintaining a healthy blood pressure can help improve your overall quality of life. You may feel more energetic, have better sleep, and be able to perform your daily activities with more ease.
Friends remembered that maintaining optimal blood pressure levels is essential to preventing the onset and progression of various health conditions. Uncontrolled hypertension can lead to serious complications, including:
High blood pressure, when unmanaged, puts strain on the heart and arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease, heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular disorders.
Elevated blood pressure can damage one’s kidneys over time, leading to chronic kidney disease or kidney failure. So make sure your blood pressure is within range.
Hypertension can affect the blood vessels in the eyes, potentially causing vision impairment or even blindness. It can lead to eye problems.
Research suggests that untreated hypertension may contribute to cognitive decline and an increased risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
High blood pressure during pregnancy, known as gestational hypertension, can have adverse effects on both the mother and the baby. So make your health a priority.
Health Benefits of Maintaining Healthy Blood Pressure Levels:
It helps reduce one’s chances of developing cardiovascular-related disease. By keeping your blood pressure within the recommended range, we significantly lower our risk of developing heart disease, heart attack, and stroke, among other complications.
When we maintain optimal blood pressure, it will help our kidneys function properly, prevent avoidable health complications, and reduce the risk of developing cases such as chronic kidney disease.
Healthy blood pressure levels contribute to better brain health and reduce the risk of cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases. That is, maintaining normal blood pressure enhances brain health.
It helps improve eye health. When you have your blood pressure under control, it helps protect the delicate blood vessels in the eyes, reducing the risk of vision problems. So you can see why you must measure your blood pressure, among others.
For our women in the house, maintaining normal blood pressure within a safe range during pregnancy ensures the well-being of both the mother and the developing baby. So, get registered for antenatal care and make sure you don’t miss your antenatal days.
Key Messages and Recommendations:
Get Educated! Learn about hypertension, its risk factors, and the importance of regular blood pressure monitoring. Understand the proper techniques for accurate measurement.
Measure your blood pressure regularly by using a reliable blood pressure monitor. Follow the correct measurement techniques, such as sitting quietly for a few minutes before taking the measurement.
Adopt and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Focus on a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Limit sodium intake, avoid excessive alcohol consumption, quit smoking, and engage in regular physical activity.
Learn to manage stress. Practice stress-management techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, and engaging in hobbies to reduce stress levels. This may go a long way toward maintaining your blood pressure.
The key is medication compliance. If you are prescribed blood pressure medication, take it as directed by your doctor or healthcare provider. Adhere to the recommended dosage and attend follow-up appointments to monitor the effectiveness of the treatment.
Seek medical advice! Consult with your doctor or healthcare provider for guidance on blood pressure management, individualized treatment plans, and lifestyle modifications.
By managing our blood pressure effectively and following our doctor’s recommendations, we can significantly reduce the risk of serious health complications such as cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, and cognitive decline. Prioritizing our blood pressure management through lifestyle modifications and, if necessary, medical intervention can contribute to a longer, healthier life.
At the Rays of Hope Support Initiative (ROHSI), we are saying that, for accurate blood pressure, we must not just measure it but make sure that we put the blood pressure in a healthy range, seek medical advice, adhere to our medication, and follow any health tips given by our healthcare provider. Remember that regular monitoring of our blood pressure is crucial to our long-term health and well-being.
Courtesy: Rays of Hope Support Initiative (ROHSI) Board and Management Team
Mar 10, 2023 | Healthy Foods
MASSIVE EFFORTS NEEDED TO REDUCE SALT INTAKE AND PROTECT LIVES
A first-of-its-kind World Health Organization (WHO) Global report on sodium intake reduction shows that the world is off-track to achieve its global target of reducing sodium intake by 30% by 2025.
Sodium, an essential nutrient, increases the risk of heart disease, stroke and premature death when eaten in excess. The main source of sodium is table salt (sodium chloride), but it is also contained in other condiments such as sodium glutamate. The report shows that only 5% of WHO Member States are protected by mandatory and comprehensive sodium reduction policies and 73% of WHO Member States lack full range of implementation of such policies.
Implementing highly cost-effective sodium reduction policies could save an estimated 7 million lives globally by 2030. It is an important component of action to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal target of reducing deaths from noncommunicable diseases. But today, only nine countries (Brazil, Chile, Czech Republic, Lithuania, Malaysia, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Spain and Uruguay) have a comprehensive package of recommended policies to reduce sodium intake.
“Unhealthy diets are a leading cause of death and disease globally, and excessive sodium intake is one of the main culprits,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “This report shows that most countries are yet to adopt any mandatory sodium reduction policies, leaving their people at risk of heart attack, stroke, and other health problems. WHO calls on all countries to implement the ‘Best Buys’ for sodium reduction, and on manufacturers to implement the WHO benchmarks for sodium content in food.”
A comprehensive approach to sodium reduction includes adopting mandatory policies and WHO’s four “best buy” interventions related with sodium which greatly contribute to preventing noncommunicable diseases. These include:
- Reformulating foods to contain less salt, and setting targets for the amount of sodium in foods and meals
- Establishing public food procurement policies to limit salt or sodium rich foods in public institutions such as hospitals, schools, workplaces and nursing homes
- Front-of-package labelling that helps consumers select products lower in sodium
- Behaviour change communication and mass media campaigns to reduce salt/sodium consumption
Countries are encouraged to establish sodium content targets for processed foods, in line with the WHO Global Sodium Benchmarks and enforce them though these policies.
Mandatory sodium reduction policies are more effective, as they achieve broader coverage and safeguard against commercial interests, while providing a level playing field for food manufacturers. As part of the report, WHO developed a Sodium country score card for Member States based on the type and number of sodium reduction policies they have in place.
“This important report demonstrates that countries must work urgently to implement ambitious, mandatory, government-led sodium reduction policies to meet the global target of reducing salt consumption by 2025,” said Dr Tom Frieden, President, and CEO of Resolve to Save Lives, a not-for-profit organization working with countries to prevent 100 million deaths from cardiovascular disease over 30 years. “There are proven measures that governments can implement and important innovations, such as low sodium salts. The world needs action, and now, or many more people will experience disabling or deadly—but preventable—heart attacks and strokes.”
The global average salt intake is estimated to be 10.8 grams per day, more than double the WHO recommendation of less than 5 grams of salt per day (one teaspoon). Eating too much salt makes it the top risk factor for diet and nutrition-related deaths. More evidence is emerging documenting links between high sodium intake and increased risk of other health conditions such as gastric cancer, obesity, osteoporosis, and kidney disease.
WHO calls on Member States to implement sodium intake reduction policies without delay and to mitigate the harmful effects of excessive salt consumption. WHO also calls on food manufacturers to set ambitious sodium reduction targets in their products.
To read the report, visit: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240069985
Feb 15, 2023 | Healthy Foods
OVERHEATING COOKING OIL CAN CAUSE HYPERTENSION, STROKE – NUTRITIONIST
By Angela Onwuzoo
A Professor of Public Health Nutrition, Ignatius Onimawo, has said that it is dangerous to overheat cooking oils, warning that eating foods cooked with such oil increases the risk of heart attack, hypertension, and stroke.
Prof. Onimawo, a former Vice-Chancellor, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, said overheating vegetable oil converts it to trans fat, warning that trans fat is injurious to health.
According to him, trans fats are the worst type of fat that an individual can eat, stressing that trans fats have no known health benefits and are a major contributor to cardiovascular disease and stroke worldwide.
Speaking in an interview with PUNCH HealthWise, the nutritionist noted that when vegetable oils are overheated continuously, they get converted into trans fatty acids and cause inflammation.
The former Nutrition Society of Nigeria President explained, “When you reuse vegetable oil or any cooking oil for that matter, and you do it more than twice, the tendency is that, if you are continuously heating the oil, the fatty acid composition of the oil can be transformed into trans fatty acid.
“When you are frying, the temperature of the oil is high. Then after that the same oil, you use it again and the temperature is high.
“By the time you are using it the third or the fourth time, there is going to be a transformation of the fatty acid. They will be converted into what we call trans fatty acids.
“These trans fatty acids are responsible for cardiovascular diseases. They even cause cardiovascular diseases more than saturated fats.
“That is why we normally advise, that if you have used oil more than once or twice, it is better to discard it.”
Mayo Clinic – a medical centre focused on integrated health care, education, and research, says trans fat is considered the worst type of fat to eat.
“Unlike other dietary fats, trans fats — also called trans-fatty acids — raise “bad” cholesterol and also lowers “good” cholesterol.
“A diet laden with trans fats increases the risk of heart disease, the leading killer of adults. The more trans fats eaten, the greater the risk of heart and blood vessel disease,” the clinic noted.
Continuing, the don said, “Because the body cannot handle them, they are the ones that normally form plagues or deposits along the arteries.
“Sometimes, they form these plagues along some of the organs. So, you find out that these trans fats are more deadly than saturated fatty acids.
“Most of the saturated acids themselves lead to deposition of fats in the tissues. This leads to a build-up of pressure on the arteries and veins.
“They deposit fats inside the arteries where blood passes through and sometimes, outside the arteries. “
Prof. Onimawo said that the build of fats around and inside the blood vessels could lead to hypertension.
“They (trans fatty acids) hardened the arteries which are supposed to be flexible. So, when the plagues are there, that particular blood vessel becomes non-flexible.”
“And therefore, when it is not flexible, it cannot expand to accommodate
pressure and if that happens continuously, the blood pressure begins to increase and sometimes, that is the origin of high blood pressure.
“If this continues, you know that high blood pressure is a precursor to a lot of things that have to do with heart disease,” the nutritionist noted.
The World Health Organisation says there is evidence that heating and frying oil at high temperatures leads to an increase in trans fat concentrations.
According to the WHO, trans fat increases the risk of heart disease and death from heart disease by 28 per cent.
“On average, the level of trans fat has been found to increase by 3.67 g/100g after heating, and by 3.57 g/100g after frying.
“Approximately 540,000 deaths each year can be attributed to the intake of industrially produced trans-fatty acids.
“High trans fat intake increases the risk of death from any cause by 34 per cent, coronary heart disease deaths by 28 per cent and coronary heart disease by 21 per cent.
“This is likely due to the effect on lipid levels: trans fat increases LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels while lowering HDL (“good”) cholesterol levels. Trans fat has no known health benefits,” WHO said.
Nov 1, 2021 | Healthy Tips
Kidneys! Yes, Your kidneys?
The kidneys are a pair of bean-shaped organs on either side of our spine, below our ribs and behind our belly. Each kidney is about 4 or 5 inches long, roughly the size of a large fist. The kidneys’ job is to filter our blood. They remove wastes, control the body’s fluid balance, and keep the right levels of electrolytes. All of the blood in our body passes through them about 40 times a day.
Each of our kidneys has around a million tiny filters called nephrons. You could have only 10% of your kidneys working, and not likely notice any symptoms or problems. If blood stops flowing into a kidney, part, or all of it could die. That can lead to kidney failure.
The incidence of CKD (chronic kidney disease) in Nigeria has been shown by various studies to range between 1.6 and 12.4%. Statistics have further shown that 30 million Nigerians are suffering from kidney disease and currently, patients pay as high as N150, 000 for three sessions of dialysis every week and about N5 million annually; costs of transplant vary from hospitals but ranges between N2m. In Nigeria, kidney failure remains a death sentence if not detected early and managed appropriately.
Most people know that the primary function of the kidneys is to eliminate waste products from the body by flushing them out with urine. However, did we all know that there are other fabulous functions our kidneys do like?
Controlling acid-base balance: The acids and bases in the human body are always in a state of delicate equilibrium reflected by a parameter known as ph. To maintain the healthy range, the kidneys excrete acids and bases when there’s an excess of them or retain these compounds when the body is lacking them.
Controlling water balance: The kidneys are one of the body’s main ways to maintain a stable water balance. By regulating the volume of urine, they produce, the kidneys adapt to one’s hydration level. When you drink a lot, the kidneys produce more urine, and the opposite happens when you are dehydrated.
Maintaining electrolyte balance: The kidneys filter some electrolytes from the blood, return part of them into circulation, and excrete excess electrolytes into the urine. The levels of electrolytes like sodium and phosphate are largely dependent on the health of one’s kidneys.
Removing toxins and waste products from the body: The kidneys filter out water-soluble waste products and toxins, flushing them out of the body with urine. That’s precisely why kidney failure quickly leads to severe intoxication, as the body’s waste products build up and impair its functions.
Controlling blood pressure: The kidneys produce an enzyme called renin. Renin converts the angiotensinogen produced in the liver into angiotensin I, which is later converted in the lungs into angiotensin II. Angiotensin II constricts the blood vessels and increases blood pressure as a result. On the other hand, when one’s blood pressure is too high, the kidneys produce more urine to reduce the volume of liquid circulating in the body and somewhat compensate for the high blood pressure.
Producing the hormone erythropoietin: The kidneys produce a hormone called erythropoietin. The main function of this hormone is to help the body create more red blood cells (erythrocytes), which are essential for the transport of oxygen throughout all the tissues and organs.
Activating vitamin D: The kidneys transform calcifediol into calcitriol, the active form of vitamin D. Calcitriol circulates in the blood and plays a vital role in regulating calcium and phosphate balance in the body, which is essential for healthy bone growth.
What causes chronic kidney disease?
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): happens when 85-90% of our kidney gets damaged and becomes functionally impaired. CKD is caused by a variety of conditions that gradually affect the kidney’s functions over a few to several years.
The conditions that cause chronic kidney disease include:
- Diabetes (common cause)
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Inflammation of the kidney’s structural units
- Polycystic kidney disease (multiple cysts or fluid-containing sacs in the kidney that occur by birth)
- Prolonged obstruction of the urinary tract by conditions, such as
- Pyelonephritis (bacterial infection of the kidney)
- Abusing the Salt-shaker
- Eating Processed Foods
- Not Drinking Enough Water
- Missing Out on Sleep
- Eating Too Much Meat
- Eating Too Many Foods High in Sugar
- Lighting Up (smoking)
- Drinking Alcohol in Excess
- Sitting for long periods
- Painkiller consumption over a long time
What are the signs and symptoms of chronic kidney disease?
Patients with CKD stages 1-3 generally do not have symptoms. Typically, signs and symptoms start appearing during the last stages of 4-5 (GFR < 30). These include:
How is chronic kidney disease diagnosed?
The doctor will take your complete medical history along with your family history, such as if anyone in your family has or had diabetes, whether you are on any medications (that can cause kidney damage), and so on. They will perform a thorough physical examination to see if you have any signs or symptoms of CKD.
A few tests will help your doctor confirm the diagnosis of CKD. These are:
Can You Live Without Your Kidneys?
Because our kidneys are so important, one cannot live without them. But it is possible to live a perfectly healthy life with only one working kidney.
Reasons for Having One Kidney
Again, most people are born with two working kidneys. But sometimes, just one kidney works. And some people are born with only one kidney.
The reasons for this may vary and can include:
- Renal agenesis — a condition where someone is born with only one kidney.
- Kidney dysplasia — a condition where someone is born with two kidneys but only one of them works.
- Kidney removal — certain diseases may require you to have one of your kidneys removed.
- Living-donor kidney transplant — you can donate one of your kidneys to a person who needs a kidney transplant.
Importance of water to our Kidneys
Keep your kidneys healthy by being “water-wise.” This means drinking the right amount of water. A common misconception is that everyone should drink eight glasses of water per day, but since everyone is different, daily water needs will vary by person. How much water you need is based on differences in age, climate, exercise intensity, as well as states of pregnancy, breastfeeding, and illness.
About 60-70% of our body weight is made up of water, and every part of our body needs it to function properly. We have said earlier that, water helps the kidneys remove wastes from your blood in the form of urine. Water also helps keep our blood vessels open so that blood can travel freely to our kidneys and deliver essential nutrients to them. But if we become dehydrated, then it is more difficult for this delivery system to work.
Mild dehydration can make one feel tired and can impair normal bodily functions. Severe dehydration can lead to kidney damage, so it is important to drink enough when we work or exercise very hard and especially in warm and humid weather.
Tips to make sure we are drinking enough water and to help keep our kidneys healthy:
Eight is great, but not set in stone. There is no hard and fast rule that everyone needs 8 glasses of water a day. This is just a general recommendation based on the fact that we continually lose water from our bodies, and that we need adequate water intake to survive and optimal amounts to thrive.
Less is more if you have kidney failure (a.k.a. end-stage kidney disease). When the kidneys fail, people don’t excrete enough water, if any at all. For those who are receiving dialysis treatment, water must be greatly restricted.
It’s possible to drink too much water. Though it is not very common for this to happen in the average person, endurance athletes like marathoners may drink large amounts of water and thereby dilute the sodium level in their blood, resulting in a dangerous condition called hyponatremia.
Your urine can reveal a lot. For the average person, “water-wise” means drinking enough water or other healthy fluids, such as unsweetened juice or low-fat milk to quench thirst and to keep your urine light yellow or colourless. When your urine is dark yellow, this indicates that you are dehydrated. You should be making about 1.5 litres of urine daily (about 6 cups).
Water helps prevent kidney stones and UTIs. Kidney stones and urinary tract infections (UTIs) are two common medical conditions that can hurt the kidneys, and for which good hydration is essential. Kidney stones form less easily when there is sufficient water available to prevent stone-forming crystals from sticking together. Water helps dissolve the antibiotics used to treat urinary tract infections, making them more effective. Drinking enough water also helps produce more urine, which helps to flush out infection-causing bacteria.
Beware of pills and procedures. Drinking extra water with certain medications or before and after procedures with contrast dye may help prevent kidney damage. Read medication labels and ask questions before undergoing medical procedures involving contrast dyes. Always consult with your healthcare provider first though, especially if you are on a fluid restriction.
Can chronic kidney disease be cured?
There is no cure for CKD. However, treatments and an appropriate diet (low-protein, low-salt) can help manage its signs and symptoms. They can help you halt the progression of CKD to a certain extent.
Medications given to treat the complications of CKD can help you make feel better.
Treatments for Kidney Treatments
- Antibiotics: Kidney infections caused by bacteria are treated with antibiotics. Often, cultures of the blood or urine can help guide the choice of antibiotic therapy.
- Nephrostomy: A tube (catheter) is placed through the skin into the kidney. Urine then drains directly from the kidney, bypassing any blockages in urine flow.
- Lithotripsy: Some kidney stones may be shattered into small pieces that can pass in the urine. Most often, lithotripsy is done by a machine that projects ultrasound shock waves through the body.
- Nephrectomy: Surgery to remove a kidney. Nephrectomy is performed for kidney cancer or severe kidney damage.
- Haemodialysis: A person with complete kidney failure is connected to a dialysis machine, which filters the blood and returns it to the body. Haemodialysis is typically done 3 days per week in people with ESRD.
- Peritoneal dialysis: Placing large amounts of a special fluid in the abdomen through a catheter allows the body to filter the blood using the natural membrane lining the abdomen. After a while, the fluid with the waste is drained and discarded.
- Dialysis: Dialysis is a procedure in which a machine placed outside of your body takes the role of a kidney. This procedure needs to be performed at least three times a week.
- Kidney transplant: Transplanting a kidney into a person with ESRD can restore kidney function. A kidney may be transplanted from a living donor, or a recently deceased organ donor.
Courtesy: Rays of Hope Support Initiative. WebMD, Florida Kidney Physicians, National Kidney Foundation, Et’al
