Resources and Facts

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• Your body activates a flight or fight response when it feels physically threatened.
• Stress also activates your body's flight or fight response.
• The flight or fight response causes the production of cortisol. 
• Cortisol raises the blood pressure and increases the production of glucose to give you energy to run or fight.
• If you are constantly stressed out from life events, the body triggers the production of cortisol.
• Because you are not needing to run or fight, the cortisol is unnecessarily increasing your blood pressure (hypertension) and blood sugar levels (diabetes). 
• Now you have unhealthy symptoms that contribute to- and worsen kidney disease and other medical conditions.
• It is important to acknowledge the presence of stress in your life and the negative impact of that stress on your blood pressure and health.
  

    You can assess the amount of stress in your life with the Holmes-Rahe Life Stress Inventory.

https://www.stress.org/self-assessments/holmes-rahe-life-stress-inventory/

https://www.stress.org/self-assessments/

https://www.stress.org/what-is-stress/

https://www.stress.org/stress-effects/

https://www.kidney.org/kidney-health/stress-and-your-kidneys

Diabetes and high blood pressure are the two primary causes of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the U.S. Diabetes can damage blood vessels in the kidneys, impairing their ability to filter waste. High blood pressure can further damage these blood vessels and accelerate the progression of kidney disease. Together, they create a cycle where each condition can worsen the other, increasing the risk of kidney failure.

Diabetes and Kidney Disease:
Diabetes can lead to diabetic nephropathy, a type of kidney disease.
High blood sugar levels damage the small blood vessels in the kidneys, affecting their filtering ability. 
This damage can progress to chronic kidney disease and potentially kidney failure. 
Many people with diabetes also develop high blood pressure, which further exacerbates kidney damage.

High Blood Pressure and Kidney Disease:
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, can damage blood vessels throughout the body, including those in the kidneys. 
This damage can lead to kidney disease and can also worsen existing kidney disease caused by diabetes. 
Hypertension can accelerate the progression of kidney disease, potentially leading to kidney failure.

The Interplay:
Diabetes and high blood pressure often occur together and can worsen each other's effects on the kidneys. 
High blood pressure can be a complication of diabetes, and it can also accelerate the progression of diabetic kidney disease. 
Managing both conditions is crucial for preventing or slowing the progression of kidney disease.

Consequences:
Kidney disease can progress without noticeable symptoms for a long time. 
End-stage kidney disease requires dialysis or kidney transplant. 
People with kidney disease also have an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. 

Management:
Managing blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and cholesterol is essential for protecting kidney health. 
This includes lifestyle changes like diet and exercise, as well as medication as prescribed by a doctor. 
Specific medications like ACE inhibitors and ARBs can be particularly helpful in managing kidney disease related to diabetes and hypertension. 

People with kidney disease should limit or avoid foods high in sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and protein, as these can strain the kidneys and worsen their condition. This includes processed meats, dairy products, certain fruits and vegetables, and packaged foods.

Here's a more detailed breakdown: 

High Sodium Foods: 

• Processed Meats: Bacon, sausage, hot dogs, lunch meats. 

• Canned Foods: Soups, vegetables, and other items with added salt. 

• Pickles, Olives, and Relish: These are often heavily salted. 

• Packaged, Instant, and Pre-made Meals: Often high in sodium. 

• Fast Foods: Typically high in sodium.

High Potassium Foods: 

• Oranges and Orange Juice: High in potassium. 

• Potatoes and Sweet Potatoes: Significant amounts of potassium. 

• Tomatoes: High in potassium. 

• Avocados: High in potassium. 

• Apricots: Especially dried apricots. 

• Dates, Raisins, and Prunes: Dried fruits are concentrated in potassium.

High Phosphorus Foods: 

• Dairy Products: Milk, cheese, yogurt. 

• Beans and Lentils: High in phosphorus. 

• Nuts and Seeds: High in phosphorus. 

• Bran Cereals: High in phosphorus. 

• Oatmeal: High in phosphorus. 

• Colas: Many colas contain phosphate additives.

High Protein Foods: 

• Meat and Poultry: While essential, large portions of meat and poultry can be taxing on the kidneys. 

• Dairy Products: Also high in protein.

Other Considerations: 

• Processed Foods: Often contain high levels of sodium, phosphorus, and unhealthy fats.  

• Carbonated Drinks: Both diet and regular sodas have been linked to kidney issues.

• Caffeine: Can increase blood pressure and strain the kidneys.

• Dark Soda: Many contain high amounts of phosphorus.

Important Note: This is not an exhaustive list, and individual dietary needs may vary based on the stage of kidney disease. Consulting with a nephrologist and dietitian is crucial to develop a personalized meal plan

If you realize that you could benefit from speaking to a counselor about the stress in your life, Google Psychology Today to find a licensed professional clinician in your area.

Unacknowledged and untreated stress can lead to serious medical conditions (kidney disease, high blood pressure/hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, strokes, thyroid conditions, anxiety, and depression).

Likewise, poor coping with stress can lead to the use of maladaptive coping strategies such as smoking (raises blood pressure), drinking alcohol (raises blood pressure and sugar levels) and eating unhealty foods (containing high fructose sugar, excessive salt, and fats) --- resulting in debilitating medical conditions and poor health outcomes.