Kidney Disease

Definition

Kidney disease is a condition in which the kidneys are damaged and unable to filter blood effectively. This can lead to a buildup of waste products in the body and affect various bodily functions, including protein metabolism.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. High protein intake can exacerbate kidney disease by increasing the kidney's workload.
2. Patients with kidney disease often need to follow a low-protein diet to reduce strain on their kidneys.
3. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) stages range from mild damage (Stage 1) to complete kidney failure (Stage 5).
4. Protein metabolism produces waste products like urea, which may accumulate in patients with impaired kidney function.
5. Dietary management of kidney disease includes monitoring macronutrient intake, especially proteins, to prevent further kidney damage.

Review Questions

• Why is it important for individuals with kidney disease to monitor their protein intake?
• What are some potential consequences of high protein consumption for someone with chronic kidney disease?
• How does impaired kidney function affect protein metabolism?

Related terms

Urea: A waste product formed from the breakdown of proteins, typically excreted by the kidneys.

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): A long-term condition where the kidneys do not work as well as they should.

Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR): A test used to check how well the kidneys are working by estimating how much blood passes through the glomeruli each minute.