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You’ve likely heard someone swear by the benefits of drinking apple cider vinegar (ACV) for their health. But is there a good reason to consume it? Apple cider vinegar is typically used as an ingredient in salad dressings, but people also use it as a remedy. It has been claimed to help with weight loss, … Read more

Rice is a staple food for more than half of the world’s population. In Hawaii, we eat more rice than anywhere else in the U.S. with the average consumption of 100 lbs (45 kg) per year!  Have you ever wondered what the difference is between white and brown rice and which is healthier? Whole grain … Read more

The most common question that dietitians hear from patients diagnosed with CKD is, “What should I eat?”  It can seem confusing when you hear or read different things. Renal (kidney) diets minimize the amount of waste in the blood and decrease the amount of work the kidneys do. Protein, sodium, potassium and phosphorus are the … Read more

If you have chronic kidney disease (CKD), you may prevent or delay some health problems by eating the right foods. As CKD progresses, nutritional needs will change. Your health care provider may recommend a specific diet to help prevent decline in your kidney function and minimize CKD-related complications. The following steps can help you understand … Read more

Kidney stones are more common than you might think. It’s hard to pinpoint the exact reason, but one in ten people will develop a kidney stone at some point. Some factors may be genetics, not drinking enough water, obesity, high sugar and salt intake, kidney disease, weight loss surgery, and mega-dosing on dietary supplements. As you may have guessed, diet … Read more

Beverages have been major contributors of calories to the modern diet.  We have seen studies that have shown an association between sugary sweet beverages and increased risk of obesity, tooth decay and type 2 diabetes.  Dark-colored sodas also have a high amount of phosphorus (with a few exceptions), which those on dialysis need to avoid/limit.  … Read more

Beverages have been major contributors of calories to the modern diet.  We have seen studies that have shown an association between sugary sweet beverages and increased risk of obesity, tooth decay and type 2 diabetes.  Dark-colored sodas also have a high amount of phosphorus (with a few exceptions), which those on dialysis need to avoid/limit.  … Read more

 Coconuts are native to Asia and the Pacific Islands. Coconut water (or coconut juice) is the clear liquid found in young green coconuts. Lately, it has been popping up everywhere! It is naturally fat-free and sweet, and you can get it fresh or canned. Coconut water is not to be confused with coconut milk, which is … Read more

Herbal medicines have been used by humans for over 5,000 years. Today, herbal (sometimes called botanical) dietary supplements are a $6 billion industry in the U.S. alone. In a study published in 2017, one-third of subjects reported taking herbal supplements “to preserve or recover health.” Often termed “natural,” herbal supplements are considered to be alternative or … Read more

The most frequently asked question that renal dietitians hear is, “What should I eat?” This series of blog entries discusses the general dietary guidelines for CKD patients. The last blog topic was protein. Sodium (or salt) is another dietary concern for people with CKD. When you have chronic kidney disease (CKD), your kidneys cannot regulate … Read more