The Voice of Southwest Louisiana March 2018 Issue

SWLA Health Center
Kidney Disease
and African
Americans
Due to high rates of diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease,
Blacks and African Americans have an increased risk of developing
kidney failure. Blacks and African Americans need to be aware of
these risk factors and visit their doctor or clinic regularly to check
their blood sugar, blood pressure, urine protein and kidney function.
By Shatonia McCarty, MS, RD, LDN
Owner: Nutritional & Health Services
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a
condition in which the kidneys
are damaged or cannot filter
blood as well as healthy kidneys.
Because of this, excess fluids and waste
from the blood remain in the body
which can lead to other health problems.
Fifteen percent of United States adults
are estimated to have CKD while 48%
with severely reduced kidney function
and does not receive treatment are
not aware of having CKD. Adults with
Diabetes and high blood pressure are at
a higher risk of developing CKD. Heart
Disease, obesity and family history plays
a factor as well.
According to the Center of Disease
Control (CDC), the prevalence of CKD
among adults by sex and race/ethnicity
is more common in female’s (16%) verses
males (13%). It is also estimated to be
more common in non-Hispanic blacks
(18%) than non-Hispanic whites (13%).
This is because of the high rates of
diabetes and high blood pressure in the
African American community. According
to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
new findings with the State of Obesity
2017 report, Louisiana is ranked number
eight in the nation for diabetes and
fourth in nation for hypertension.
Preventative measures encompass
variations of tips to keep your kidney
healthy to prevent CKD which could
lead into End Stage Renal failure
(ESRF).
••
Weight loss if you are overweight/obese.
••
Becoming physically active.
••
Quit smoking.
••
Limit alcohol consumption
••
Making sure blood pressure is in normal
range as well as cholesterol levels.
••
Keeping your diabetes in control. Making
sure blood sugar levels are in range and get
tested yearly.
••
When receiving a physical exam, make sure
kidneys are checked as well.
••
Eating a well-balanced diet, choosing
whole grains, half your plate should be
fruits and vegetables, one-fourth of your
plate proteins and three cups of dairy.
••
Cut back on salt, choosing foods low in fat
and sugar.
••
Reading and understanding the food label.
••
Watch out for herbal supplements. Not all
herbal supplements are safe.
To keep your kidneys healthy, it is
important to follow these preventative
measures to avoid developing CKD which
could lead into End Stage Renal Failure.
References:
Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention. www.cdc.gov. Accessed
February 27, 2018.
The State of Obesity. www.
stateofobesity.org. Accessed February 27,
2018.
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March 2018 WWW.THEVOICEOFSOUTHWESTLA.COM Volume 5 • Number 8