A breakthrough nutritional program that can indefinitely postpone the need for dialysisKidney disease is a major, underrecognized, and undertreated problem in North America. Now, a top expert at Johns Hopkins explains how to recognize the problem early, evaluate current treatment, then take charge of care with his 12-step plan. Based on treatments he's pioneered with his own patients, Dr. Walser's unique program calls for a supplemented low-protein diet, supported by treatments to control blood pressure and correct high blood cholesterol a breakthrough strategy that can delay the need for dialysis. Mackenzie Walser, MD (Baltimore, MD), is Professor of Pharmacology and Professor of Medicine at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. Betsy Thorpe (Stamford, CT) is the coauthor of Carol Guber's Type 2 Diabetes Life Plan.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments. Introduction. Terms, Measures, and Abbreviations. PART I: LOOKING AT THE DISEASE OF KIDNEY FAILURE. 1. What Do Kidneys Do and What Happens When They Fail? 2. Are You at Risk for Kidney Failure? 3. Symptoms of Kidney Failure. PART II: HOW TO TREAT KIDNEY FAILURE. 4. Treating Kidney Failure. 5. STEP 1: Assess Your Current Treatment Plan. 6. STEP 2: Make Lifestyle Changes. 7. STEP 3: Follow a Low-Protein Diet. 8. STEP 4: Treat Salt and Water Problems. 9. STEP 5: Regulate Your Blood Pressure. 10. STEP 6: Treat Acidosis. 11. STEP 7: Treat Anemia and Iron Deficiency. 12. STEP 8: Treat Potassium Problems. 13. STEP 9: Treat Calcium and Phosphate Problems. 14. STEP 10: Treat Gout and Uric Acid Problems. 15. STEP 11: Treat Your High Cholesterol. 16. STEP 12: Know the Medications That Slow the Progression of Renal Failure. PART III: TRACKING KIDNEY FAILURE, DIALYSIS, TRANSPLANTS, AND MORE. 17. Keeping Close Watch on Your Kidney Failure. 18. Dietary Treatment of the Nephrotic Syndrome. 19. Safe and Unsafe Medications for Patients with Kidney Failure. 20. Transplantation as an Alternative to Dialysis. 21. When to Opt for Dialysis. 22. Patients Who Have Avoided Dialysis. Appendix 1: Resources for Kidney Patients. Appendix 2: Government Support of Low-Protein Diets. Notes. Glossary. Index.

About the Author

Mackenzie Walser, M.D., is Professor of Pharmacology and Professor of Medicine at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. Betsy Thorpe is the coauthor of Carol Guber's Type 2 Diabetes Life Plan.

Reviews

Drawing on his work treating hundreds of adult kidney disease patients at his institution's Clinical Research Center, Walser (pharmacology & medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine) aims to assist readers in understanding kidney failure, a condition that can be caused by diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. Many of his points--e.g., how to recognize the early warning signs, get a correct diagnosis, and evaluate treatment options-are illustrated by the stories of real patients. Walser also presents a low protein diet as the center of his J 2-step treatment to help kidney disease patients avoid dialysis. Despite the use of patient stories and sample menus for the low protein diet, this book will not suit consumers owing to the prevalent medical jargon. The National Kidney Foundation offers more accessible and useful information on its web site, www.kidney.org. Not recommended. —Marge Kars Bronson. Methodist Hospital, Kalamazoo, MI (Library Journal , May 1, 2004)