Kidney Health
Jessica is passionate about teaching others how to protect, preserve, and delay the onset of kidney disease—a fast-growing, quiet condition that’s affecting younger and younger people.
Explore this Q&A to gain a deeper understanding of what you can do to support your own kidney health—and empower others to do the same.
What a Dietitian Will Tell You That a Doctor Often Won’t
A dietitian will explain when your kidney function is declining, what that means for your health,
and—most importantly—what you can do about it through nutrition and lifestyle.
According to the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2023,
- 10% of the world’s population—that’s 1 in 10 people—has kidney disease, and many don’t
know it.
In the United States, the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) reports that:
- 37 million Americans, or 1 in 7 adults, have kidney disease, and most are unaware.
- Outside the U.S.: In any group of 10 people, at least one person likely has kidney disease.
- In the U.S.: In a group of 7 people, one person is likely living with kidney disease—often
undiagnosed.
The only way to know is through routine lab work.
Ask your doctor each year for:
- eGFR (estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate): Shows how well your kidneys filter waste.
- Creatinine and BUN: Additional markers that help assess kidney function.
Track your eGFR trend yearly. What matters is whether it stays stable or begins to decline.
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Stages
CKD stages are based on your eGFR, which measures how well your kidneys filter waste.
Key Takeaways
- Stages 1–2: Often no symptoms; early monitoring and lifestyle changes can help.
- Stages 3a–3b: Kidney damage is more noticeable; medical and nutrition management are essential.
- Stages 4–5: Significant loss of kidney function; requires specialist care and close monitoring.
Your kidneys and liver process everything you eat, drink, and even apply to your skin. Over time, certain conditions can damage the kidneys, including:
- High blood pressure
- Uncontrolled diabetes or high blood sugars
- Autoimmune diseases
- Obesity, especially when it begins in childhood or adolescence
Monitoring your labs regularly helps catch changes early.
Once you notice a downward trend, see a dietitian as soon as possible. Nutrition therapy can slow progression and protect kidney function.
How to find a dietitian:
- Many insurance plans cover up to 100% of medical nutrition therapy.
- Telehealth companies like Nourish, Fay, or Berrystreet can help match you with a dietitian who accepts your insurance.
- If you’re outside the U.S., ask your doctor for a referral—or you can still work with a telehealth dietitian and pay a copay or self-pay rate.
You are your own best advocate.
Understanding your labs, asking questions, and partnering with a dietitian can make a powerful difference in protecting your kidney health.
Jessica Clancy-Strawn MA, RDN is a registered dietitian with approximately 20 years of experience and specializes in kidney wellness across all stages.
You can also read about her wellness tips through major media outlets such as those found in Yahoo, MSN, Delish, Eating Well, Health, Lose it and many others.
Join my newsletter @LoveisKindWellness.com for ongoing nutrition updates.
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Jessica Clancy‑Strawn MA, RDN
Media, kidney wellness dietitian and community advocate in Houston, Texas