The kidneys are vital organs that help remove wastes from the bloodstream so they can be excreted through the urinary tract. Some medical researchers believe that smoking cigarettes or other tobacco products may have several effects on the...
Chromium is a trace mineral that plays a crucial role in metabolizing carbohydrates and fats. In addition, it also required for proper insulin function. Chromium picolinate, a form of chromium taken in 200 Mcg capsules, has been shown to have a...
Protein is a basic component of muscles, bones, hair and nails and is important for protection against infection, blood clotting and fluid balance regulation. Protein in urine is known as proteinuria or albuminuria. According to American Family...
Pop is inexpensive, portable and widely available, which makes it an attractive drink option for many women. Most women, however, realize that it is not the healthiest choice of beverage. Although it is usually fine to drink soda in moderation, it...
High fructose corn syrup is a corn-based sweetener that contains fructose and glucose. Unlike table sugar---which is largely composed of sucrose---high fructose corn syrup helps maintain freshness by controlling moisture while adding texture to...
Intravenous vitamin D is given to treat patients with kidney disease and to people undergoing kidney dialysis. Kidney disease interferes with calcium absorption, which leads to low blood levels of calcium. Giving vitamin D helps increase calcium...
Dy-G (dyphylline and guaifenesin) combines a bronchodilator with an expectorant to both relax muscles for easier breathing and loosen congestion in the throat and chest. The combination is used to treat the coughing and breathing problems...
Metformin, or Glucophage, is a drug commonly used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is available in both short and long-acting forms. RxList reports the most common side effects associated with metformin, occurring in more than 5 percent of...
A high amount of LDL cholesterol can accumulate in the arteries and cause the hardened arteries of coronary artery disease. This disorder is called atherosclerosis, and it not only makes it hard for the blood to flow through the abnormal arteries,...
Protein provides the structural and functional support of all of the cells in your body. Protein also helps maintain acid-base and fluid balance, acts as a transport mechanism and helps build various enzymes and hormones. Normally, the body is...
Eplerenone is a medication used to manage hypertension (high blood pressure) and congestive heart failure, a condition where your heart cannot pump enough blood throughout your body. According to MedlinePlus, eplerenone belongs to a class of drugs...
Prevacid, or lansoprazole, is used for short-term therapy of duodenal ulcers and erosive esophagitis, which is inflammation and irritation of the lining of the esophagus. Short-term therapy means 1 to 2 months, depending on the condition being...
Regular soft drinks provide around 140 calories for every 12 oz. you consume. Removing one can of soda every day could result in about 1 lb. of weight loss a month. Simply switching to diet or no-calorie soft drinks may not be the answer to weight...
Losing protein is a seriously dangerous condition that could be a symptom of something greater or contribute to the exacerbation of other diseases. The primary symptom of protein loss is edema, or swelling, around the eyes, in the abdomen, hands...
Approximately 20 million adults in the United States have chronic kidney disease, the National Kidney & Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse reports. Chronic kidney disease is a serious medical problem that increases your risk of...
Excess protein in the kidney is called proteinuria. This is tested in the urine and can also be called albuminuria or urine albumin. Most proteins are too big to pass through the glomeruli, or the kidney filters. When these filters are damaged,...
Nearly 6,400 living donors gave kidneys to another person in 2009, according to the United Network for Organ Sharing. Donors undergo rigorous physical and psychological testing prior to surgery and cannot have serious health issues of their own,...
Diabetes is a common chronic condition in which the amount of glucose in the blood is too high. This occurs because pancreas does not produce any or enough insulin, or the insulin that is produced does not work as it should. Eating certain foods...
Low-density lipoproteins, also known as LDL, or "bad," cholesterol, contribute to dangerous plaque buildup in the arteries. High levels of LDL cholesterol increase your risk for heart disease. Very low levels of LDL cholesterol may increase your...
Normally, your urine does not contain detectable amounts of protein. If you have protein in your urine, you have a condition called proteinuria, which is sometimes referred to as albuminuria. Typically, reduction of protein in your urine requires...
Changing your diet may be necessary after removal of a kidney. If your remaining kidney is healthy and fully functional, your health care provider may give you the go-ahead to continue eating as normal; however, if your remaining kidney isn't...
Drinking soda on an everyday basis can have health consequences. While an occasional soda is not a health risk for most people, regular consumption, even one or two sodas daily, can add up to health trouble over the long run, whether it is diet...
The renal diet requires people with kidney disease to limit how much protein, phosphate, potassium and sodium they consume each day. People in the advanced stages of kidney disease also need to limit how much fluid they consume. As a result of...
Diet drinks provide an alternative to the high number of calories in sugar-sweetened beverages. Yet consuming diet drinks can adversely affect your kidneys. Diet drinks contain substances that may harm your kidneys and increase your risk of other...
The sugar in regular soda might elevate your triglycerides, one of three types of lipids that comprise your cholesterol levels. The sugar calories in regular soda also could lead to weight gain, which can affect your cholesterol levels. Diet soda...
Diet soda contains substances that may increase your risk of kidney disease, including salt, artificial sweeteners, caffeine, phosphoric acid, caramel and other chemicals. Scientists at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio...
As of 2011, diet soft drinks account for about 30 percent of the $70.1 billion U.S. soda market, according to the American Beverage Association. Many people drink them hoping to lose weight and therefore improve their health, but there is some...
Low-density lipoprotein, or LDL cholesterol, is commonly referred to as "bad" cholesterol. LDL cholesterol causes plaque buildup in the arteries, increasing your risk for heart disease. LDL cholesterol levels above 100 mg/dL put you at greater...
For many, diet soda offers a lower-calorie alternative to regular soda to aid in weight loss. Various diet sodas contain a flavoring agent called citrate, or citric acid. This ingredient is linked to inhibiting calcium kidney stone formation....