Check out the latest edition of our newsletter!
healthy living
DRSladic.com
October 2023
WHY YOUR KIDNEYS DESERVE YOUR ATTENTION And How to Tell if Something Isn’t Right
When it comes to our organs and their functioning, many people love to focus on the liver. That’s because the liver is one of the most important ways our body eliminates waste. And while the liver is undoubtedly important, I’ve noticed that people rarely talk about another crucial waste management system in our bodies: the kidneys. But let’s backtrack a bit and talk about waste. When our bodies perform their routine functions, they create waste as a result, just like a car creates exhaust as it drives. This waste comes in many forms, like carbon dioxide and water, but the kidneys are in charge of filtering toxins and two specific types of waste out of our bloodstream: creatinine and urea. To do all of this filtering, our body actually pumps blood through our kidneys — and a lot of it. In fact, when your heart pumps “The most important thing to know, however, is if you are under 50 years old, [your eGFR] value should be above 90.”
blood, 25%–30% of that volume (per pump!) of blood goes directly to the kidneys.
removed it. Once tests detect creatinine in a patient’s blood, doctors will often then test to see someone’s eGFR, or estimated glomerular filtration rate. Your eGFR is a number between zero and 100, and it measures how well your kidneys are functioning. If you’ve ever done a blood test with me, I automatically include this test on my full blood panel. So, if you still have your results from my office, you can find your eGFR score there. Or, if you’ve recently had bloodwork done with someone else, most blood panels will include an eGFR value in the results. This value is significant because it directly reads your kidney’s functioning without any symptoms present. The most important thing to know, however, is if you are under 50 years old, this value should be above 90. This is because every decade after 50, your score will naturally decline by 6–10 points. It’s simply a part of aging, and there isn’t much you can do. The point is, though, if you’re 35 and your eGFR score is already 40, your kidneys will likely fail by the time you’re 80. Knowing your eGFR score now will give you a better understanding of the steps you need to Continued on Page 3 ...
So, imagine my surprise when all everyone wants to talk about is the liver! Regardless, your kidney health is extremely important because, without it, wastes like creatinine and urea will build up in your bloodstream. And, as you can probably guess, too much waste in the blood is never a good thing. Now, you may be wondering how someone can check in on the health of their kidneys to ensure they are functioning properly and removing all of that waste. The short answer is you can check with a blood test. This is because our kidneys do not fall apart suddenly, so there are no sudden symptoms involved with poorly performing kidneys. Of course, some people suffer from painful kidney stones, which can feel pretty sudden, but that’s something completely different than the overall health of the kidney. The decline in kidney function, or kidney disease, takes years to develop, and to track it (without waiting for symptoms, which is a bad idea), doctors first look at the creatinine levels in your blood. The thought behind this is if creatinine levels are high, the kidneys are obviously not functioning efficiently since creatinine is a waste product, and your kidneys should have
THOUGHT OF THE MONTH
“The trees are about to show us how beautiful it is to let go.” -Unknown
DRSLADIC.COM
1
Published by Newsletter Pro • www.NewsletterPro.com
5 FOODS FOR A HEALTHY DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
Gut health goes beyond your stomach — in fact, it plays a vital role in your overall well-being! Research shows that about 39 trillion bacteria live in your large intestine. Collectively, all of these bacteria make up your gut microbiome, which helps keep you healthy. A balanced gut also promotes proper digestion, nutrient absorption, immune function, and mental health.
inflammation all over the body. The fiber- antioxidant combination works wonders for gut health! Sauerkraut Some people love sauerkraut, and others aren’t very fond of the fermented cabbage dish. However, those who can get past the acquired taste will find that sauerkraut is abundant in probiotics, as the fermentation process encourages the growth of beneficial bacteria to aid digestion.
but because it is made from soybeans, it is also a prebiotic, making it a powerhouse for creating beneficial gut bacteria. Vegan Yogurt Yogurt is an amazing source of probiotics, beneficial bacteria that support and balance your gut flora to prevent harmful bacteria from taking over. As a general tip, look for yogurt labeled “live cultures” for a tasty treat full of probiotics! Incorporating these gut-friendly suggestions into your daily diet is a rewarding and delicious way to improve your gut health and, in turn, the health of your entire body. Remember, it all starts in the belly!
For a healthy gut and body, start incorporating these five food types into your daily diet.
Whole Grains Because whole grains, such as brown rice, quinoa, and whole wheat, are high in fiber, they promote optimal digestion and, in turn, a thriving gut. Fibrous foods also act as prebiotics, which facilitate the growth of beneficial bacteria. Berries Blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, and raspberries are not only high in fiber but also rich in antioxidants that help reduce
Tempeh Tempeh is a plant-based protein made from an Indonesian fermented soybean product. Because tempeh is fermented, it is a probiotic,
THE 5 STAGES OF KIDNEY DISEASE What Your eGFR Scores Reveal
Stage 2: eGFR Levels Between 60 and 89 Believe it or not, these eGFR scores still represent only mild kidney damage, and the kidneys can still work well without any symptoms. However, protein in your urine or physical damage to the kidneys is more common.
On Page 1 of this newsletter, we talked a lot about why your kidneys are important to your body’s overall functioning and how to tell when your kidney function may be beginning to decline using your eGFR results.
bone disease. Also, in Stage 3, you’ll likely begin to show physical symptoms such as feeling weak and fatigued or swelling in your hands or feet. Stage 4: eGFR Levels Between 15 and 29 In Stage 4, the kidney damage is now severe, reaching the final stage before officially entering kidney failure. Along with the symptoms from Stage 3, you may also develop jaundice, lower back pain, muscle cramps, nausea or vomiting, frequent urination, and loss of appetite as waste builds up in your bloodstream. Stage 5: eGFR Levels Less Than 15 At Stage 5, you are officially in kidney failure; if left untreated, you will die. You have two options at this point: kidney dialysis or kidney transplant, with a full transplant being the treatment of choice by most doctors.
But what do these scores mean when it comes to kidney disease?
Stage 3: eGFR Levels Between 30 and 59
Kidney disease occurs in five stages, and knowing what each stage means for your body is crucial so you can take the proper steps to get the disease under control and hopefully slow its progress. Stage 1: eGFR Levels of 90 or Above Before you panic, any number under 100 means there has been some damage to your kidneys, which is completely natural. So, with a score of 90 or above, your kidneys are pretty much normal, and you likely don’t have any symptoms.
This stage is divided up into smaller groups: Stage 3a and Stage 3b. In Stage 3a, you have an eGFR score between 45 and 59, and in 3b, the score will be lower at 30 to 44. But regardless of whether or not you’re in 3a or 3b, your kidney damage has now reached a moderate level. Your kidneys no longer filter waste and extra fluid as efficiently as they should, and the waste buildup can lead to high blood pressure or
2
DRSLADIC.COM
Published by Newsletter Pro • www.NewsletterPro.com
BEET SALAD
If you’ve read Pages 1 and 2 of this newsletter, you’ve learned why kidney health is important and what your eGFR scores tell you about how far along you are in the five stages of kidney disease. You may now be looking at your own eGFR score and wondering how the heck you can slow its descent. Or, even if you don’t know your score (you can always schedule a complete blood panel with us to find yours!), you may want to know what you can do to keep your kidneys healthy. But before we jump in, we want to make it clear that kidney disease is a serious ailment, and there’s no quick fix, supplement, herb, or root you can take that will fix it. Slowing the progression of the disease involves making long-term lifestyle changes if you want to see actual results. You need to start incorporating the “fundamentals of good health.” We call these things the fundamentals because they’re adjustments that will improve your health overall. Remember, your kidneys filter your body’s waste. So, by making your whole body healthier, you help your kidneys function more efficiently, too. So, without further ado, here are the fundamentals of good health that can help slow or even completely stop kidney disease if you can begin them soon enough. No. 1: Limit your sugar. As mentioned on Page 1, diabetes is one of the main causes of kidney disease. So, the best way to slow its progression is to manage its cause. You don’t have to cut sweets out of your diet altogether, but try to save your desserts or sugary drinks to only once a week if you can. No. 2: Move your body. Again, if you want to slow kidney disease, start with its causes — like, for example, high blood pressure. By improving your aerobic ability and maintaining a healthy weight, you can lower your blood pressure and help your kidneys, too. Our advice is to incorporate a daily walk into your routine — it can do wonders for your health. No. 3: Eat a balanced, healthy diet. Try to eat lean meats and lots of fresh fruits and vegetables while limiting the amount of sodium and preservatives you eat, too. The goal is for the majority of your diet to consist of whole foods. DEFEND YOUR KIDNEYS WITH THESE LIFESTYLE FUNDAMENTALS 3 Things You Can Do as Soon as Today
Known for their earthy yet sweet flavor, beets are the perfect main ingredient for a delicious fall salad.
Ingredients
• 5–6 medium beets • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil • 2 tbsp sherry or white-wine vinegar • 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard • 1/2 tsp honey
• 1/2 tsp salt • Freshly ground pepper, to taste • 1 large shallot, finely chopped • 1 stalk celery, finely chopped
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 400 F. Separate beets between 2 pieces of foil; bring edges together and crimp to make packets. Roast until beets are just tender when pierced with a knife, about 1 1/4 hours. Unwrap beets and let cool. 2. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk oil, vinegar, mustard, honey, salt, and pepper to make dressing. 3. When beets are cool enough to handle, peel off skins. Cut into 1/2-inch cubes and place in a large bowl. Add celery, shallot, and dressing, then toss to coat well. Serve at room temperature or chilled.
... continued from Cover
take to either stop or slow kidney disease from progressing. The key here is that you can save your kidneys if you can catch a low eGFR soon enough. If you’re wondering how kidneys even begin to decline in function in the first place, 7 out of 10 times, it’s due to high blood pressure or diabetes. So if you or someone you know is suffering from either of these things, it’s even more crucial that they monitor their eGFR scores. So, if you’re curious about your eGFR score (or a loved one’s) and want a blood test done to find out, call me at 248-912-2962 and mention this newsletter article to order one. Don’t wait until it’s too late.
–Dr. Tom Sladic
DRSLADIC.COM
3
Published by Newsletter Pro • www.NewsletterPro.com
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
2071 E. WEST MAPLE RD., SUITE E-502 COMMERCE TWP, MI 48390 DRSLADIC.COM
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1. Your Kidneys Matter, Too!
2. Tummy Talks: Nourishing a Healthy Gut
Your eGFR Guide and the 5 Stages of Kidney Disease
3. Beet Salad
How YOU Can Protect and Improve Your Kidney Function
4. Walking Toward Happiness: Depression’s Antidote
SMALL JOYS, BIG DIFFERENCE: Overcoming Depression
No. 3: Do things YOU enjoy. The fatigue that depression brings can feel more powerful than your desire to enjoy your hobbies. Push back against this as much as possible and do something enjoyable, even if it seems minor. This will boost your mood and motivate you to continue engaging in activities.
In the U.S., 21 million people report having at least one major depressive episode, while 17.3 million adults live with major depressive disorders. When someone feels depressed, there isn’t much anyone can do to help them. However, someone suffering from depression can do a few things to help ease their symptoms. No. 1: Be gentle with yourself. When you feel depressed, you’re not going to accomplish the same number of tasks or be as productive as you usually would — and that’s okay! Be open and accepting of your current state, and take pride in your progress that day, no matter how small. No. 2: Take a walk — literally! Research shows that for some people, even a little bit of exercise (like a short walk) not only reduces their current symptoms but can also prevent future depressive episodes. Even if you can only walk around the block, it will still help your mind and body.
To order supplements or bloodwork, call 248-912-2962.
4
DRSLADIC.COM
Published by Newsletter Pro • www.NewsletterPro.com
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator