Rodgers, president of NKDEP, a program of the National Institutes of Health’s National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) recently led an initiative, Kidney Sundays, to help African Americans raise awareness of kidney disease in their local community and its link to other diseases seen disproportionately in the black community.

One out of every six African American adults has some sign of kidney disease and black Americans are more than three times as likely to develop kidney failure as white Americans. And 80 percent of new cases of kidney failure among black patients are directly tied to high blood pressure and diabetes.

Dr. Griffin Rodgers, Director of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, was recently on hand to answer all of your top kidney health questions. Dozens of fans took the time to ask extremely important questions about what they needed to do to stay healthy, and we want to thank everyone involved for this fantastic and insightful opportunity.

Here is a recap of this exciting and thoughtful discussion:

Alex Ferguson: How often do I need to be tested for kidney disease?

If you have diabetes, you should get checked every year. If you have other risk factors, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, or a family history of kidney failure, talk to your provider about how often you should be tested.

Angela Lester: Does alcohol affect kidney function?

Hi Angela, great question. Alcohol does not directly affect kidney function but excessive alcohol is a health risk.

Katye Brown: I’m on potassium pill cause ny kidney don’t make its own potassium, I also have high blood pressure too.

Some water pills increase potassium loss in the urine. There are some people with low potassium and high blood pressure due to a hormone imbalance.  If you have low potassium and high blood pressure and are not on a water pill, you should discuss with your health provider whether you need special testing.

Firstlady Lydia Loolo: How would one know if she has kidney disease?

Most people with kidney disease have no symptoms until their kidney damage is quite advanced. It is important to get screened with blood and urine tests. Kidney disease can get worse over time, and may lead to kidney failure. Ask your provider for two important tests – a blood test and a urine test.

Robert Avery: If my father has high blood pressure and diabetes, can I develop kidney disease?

Diabetes and high blood pressure tend to run in families and they are the key risk factors for kidney disease. Talk to your health provider to see if you’re at risk. Early identification of kidney disease is key!

Keeley Williams Garth: Protein in the urine…what why how?

Albumin (a form of protein) in urine may be a sign of kidney damage. A healthy kidney does not let albumin pass into the urine.  A damaged kidney lets albumin pass into the urine.

Stephanie Britton: What foods/liquids should I avoid if my family has history of kidney disease? Im getting checked today…

It’s great that you’re getting checked today! Here are a few general tips to keep your kidneys healthy – Cut back on salt. Aim for less than 1,500 milligrams of sodium each day. Also, be sure to choose foods that are healthy for your heart: fresh fruits, fresh or frozen vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy foods.

Rj Griffin: What labs detect kidney problems?

There are two tests that can diagnose kidney disease: a blood test that checks your GFR, which tells how well your kidneys are filtering, and a urine test that checks for albumin, a protein that can pass into the urine when the kidneys are damaged.

Rhonda Perkins: What effect does vitamins and supplements have on the kidneys?

The effect that vitamins and supplements can have really varies depending what you’re taking.

Stephanie Tillman Lee: What can you do to offset the high blood pressure medications from affecting your liver enzymes?

Most blood pressure medications do not affect your liver.  If your liver enzymes are abnormal, talk with your health provider.

Allison Michelle Whitaker: what can i do to lose these extra 40, I’m HBP, RA, ASMA, I CAN’T EXERCISE MY LEGS.

I recommend that you speak with a dietitian to create an eating plan that’s right for your needs.  Also, you may want to try a physical activity that works for you, such as swimming.

Stafford Johnson: I want to know if HBP ever,ever goes away and if so,what do we do to keep it at bay. I workout and do all kinds of healthy stuff,but it seems to haunt me still.I am 6’6″,268 punds and play Pro Indoor Football.I feel fine,but when I do my checkups every now and then, the Doc always tells me to work on changing my diet??

The collaboration will involve more than 50 African-American faith organizations around the country observing Kidney Sundays on the fourth Sunday, March 25.

“As African Americans, we make up about 13 percent of the population, but when it comes to kidney failure, we account for 28 percent of new cases.  This statistic is a concern,” said Griffin P. Rodgers, M.D., M.A.C.P., director, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. “We can work together to lower the rate of kidney disease. Since many of us turn to places of worship to discuss health issues, I challenge every African-American faith organization to talk about kidney health this month.”

Recognizing National Kidney Month, the faith leaders have agreed to talk on March 25 with their congregations about the connection between diabetes, high blood pressure, and kidney disease and the importance of testing.  The faith organizations will hold Kidney Sundays information sessions, distribute materials, and conduct blood pressure screenings.

Did you know that African Americans account for 30% of all people in the United States with kidney failure? While this number is troubling, your dedication to asking the right questions, and spreading the right knowledge to your family and friends, is crucial to turning that 30% to 0%.

Dr. Griffin Rodgers, Director of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, would like to thank everyone at BDO for taking the time to take part in this engaging conversation about how to keep your kidneys, and your entire body, healthy.

Without further ado, here are Dr. Rodgers’ responses to all of your World Kidney Day Q&A questions:

Alex Ferguson: How often do I need to be tested for kidney disease?

If you have diabetes, you should get checked every year. If you have other risk factors, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, or a family history of kidney failure, talk to your provider about how often you should be tested.

Angela Lester: Does alcohol affect kidney function?

Hi Angela, great question. Alcohol does not directly affect kidney function but excessive alcohol is a health risk.

Katye Brown: I’m on potassium pill cause my kidney don’t make its own potassium, I also have high blood pressure too.

Some water pills increase potassium loss in the urine.  There are some people with low potassium and high blood pressure due to a hormone imbalance.  If you have low potassium and high blood pressure and are not on a water pill, you should discuss with your health provider whether you need special testing.

Lydia L.: How would one know if she has kidney disease?

Most people with kidney disease have no symptoms until their kidney damage is quite advanced.  It is important to get screened with blood and urine tests. Kidney disease can get worse over time, and may lead to kidney failure. Ask your provider for two important tests – a blood test and a urine test.

Robert Avery: If my father has high blood pressure and diabetes, can I develop kidney disease?

Diabetes and high blood pressure tend to run in families and they are the key risk factors for kidney disease. Talk to your health provider to see if you’re at risk. Early identification of kidney disease is key!

Keeley Williams Garth: Protein in the urine…..what, why, how?

Albumin (a form of protein) in urine may be a sign of kidney damage. A healthy kidney does not let albumin pass into the urine.  A damaged kidney lets albumin pass into the urine.

Stephanie Britton: What foods/liquids should I avoid if my family has history of kidney disease? I’m getting checked today.

It’s great that you’re getting checked today! Here are a few general tips to keep your kidneys healthy – Cut back on salt. Aim for less than 1,500 milligrams of sodium each day. Also, be sure to choose foods that are healthy for your heart: fresh fruits, fresh or frozen vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy foods.

RJ Griffin: What labs detect kidney problems?

There are two tests that can diagnose kidney disease: a blood test that checks your GFR, which tells how well your kidneys are filtering, and a urine test that checks for albumin, a protein that can pass into the urine when the kidneys are damaged.

Rhonda Perkins: What effect does vitamins and supplements have on the kidneys?

The effect that vitamins and supplements can have really varies depending what you’re taking.

Stephanie Tillman Lee: What can you do to offset the high blood pressure medications from affecting your liver enzymes?

Most blood pressure medications do not affect your liver.  If your liver enzymes are abnormal, talk with your health provider.

Allison Michelle Whitaker: What can I do to lose these extra 40 pounds? I have high blood pressure, arthritis, asthma, and I can’t exercise my legs.

I recommend that you speak with a dietitian to create an eating plan that’s right for your needs.  Also, you may want to try a physical activity that works for you, such as swimming.

Stafford Johnson: I want to know if HBP ever,ever goes away and if so,what do we do to keep it at bay? I workout and do all kinds of healthy stuff, but it seems to haunt me still. I am 6’6″, 268 pounds and play pro indoor football. I feel fine, but when I do my checkups every now and then, the doc always tells me to work on changing my diet??

These faith members, and others like them, keep Dr. Marshall very involved at Mt. Gilead Missionary Baptist Church. For Dr. Marshall, chair of the Norfolk State University Department of Nursing and Allied Health, her professional work extends beyond the historically black college’s campus and into the sanctuary in her role as health minister.

A 41-year career nurse, Dr. Marshall has witnessed the effects of high blood pressure, diabetes and kidney disease on the members of Mt. Gilead Missionary Baptist Church, a primarily African-American congregation. For Dr. Marshall, helping members make the connection between diabetes, high blood pressure, and kidney disease is deeply personal.

“As a registered nurse and the president of the health ministry, I am fully dedicated to meeting the health needs of the members of the congregation and community,” Dr. Marshall said.

That commitment also is extended to her family, as Dr. Marshall’s brother-in-law has lived with kidney disease for nearly 20 years.

“I consider this my mission field, and I firmly believe that families as well as faith organizations can play a significant role in talking about kidney disease and its risk factors,” she said.

Increasingly, kidney health has become a leading priority for faith communities as members seek support to manage diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure. These diseases are a growing concern for African-American faith leaders working to provide health information and resources to their members. Some members with health backgrounds, especially nurses, like Dr. Marshall, are taking a lead role to stem the tide of kidney-related diseases with on-site health services.

“It started in my late 50s when I learned that I had high blood pressure,” said the Rev. Dr. Mason, senior pastor at Greater Middle Baptist Church in Memphis, Tenn., of his health journey.  “Years later, I was diagnosed with kidney disease after going to the hospital for congestive heart failure. I realized that my kidney health issues were a result of not managing my high blood pressure.”

High blood pressure and diabetes are the two leading risk factors for kidney disease, which can lead to kidney failure. Kidney failure affects African Americans at a much higher rate than other populations, and African Americans currently represent 35 percent of the 80,000 people on the national waiting list for a kidney transplant.

Rev. Mason was diagnosed with kidney disease in 2000, and he has been on dialysis for five years.  In recent months, he has faced health challenges with dialysis.

“In my case, I had certain indications that something was wrong, but found out later on that it was a matter of taking my health seriously and that I needed to take better care of myself,” Rev. Mason said.  “The fact that I’m in need of a transplant has allowed me to become part of the solution in reaching others.”

The National Kidney Disease Education Program, a program of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), encourages people who have high blood pressure, diabetes, or a family history of kidney failure to get checked for kidney disease.  Rev. Mason knows just how important this is.

What Are Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones (also known as “renal calculi”), are crystalline “stones” formed by dietary minerals in the urine. If they occur inside the kidney, the condition is known as “nephrolithiasis”. If they occur in the ureter (the tube that connects the kidneys to the bladder), the condition is known as “ureterolithiasis”. And if they occur in the bladder, it is known as “cystolithiasis”.

Most stones are made up of calcium, potassium, and several other minerals and electrolytes, but calcium appears to be the most common kidney stone constituent, however other types of stones are also relatively common.

What Causes Kidney Stones to Form?

Kidney stones form due to several factors. One major factor is low fluid intake, leading to very concentrated urine and decreased ability for the body to rid itself of these minerals through more dilute urine.

High dietary intake of animal protein, sodium, refined sugars, fructose, high fructose corn syrup, cola, grapefruit juice, apple juice, and oxalates (found in spinach, nuts, chocolate, cocoa, strawberries, rhubarb, beats and other foods) can all lead to the formation of kidney stones.

Supplementation with calcium has also been linked to the formation of stones, so taking calcium under the advice of a medical practitioner or nutritionist is recommended. However, calcium consumed from calcium-rich food sources does not seem to contribute to the formation of stones.

There is some indication that fluoride in drinking water may also be a factor, but this seems inconclusive at this time.

Diets high in animal protein can contribute to the formation of kidney stones due to the excess of certain amino acids, uric acid and other properties of animal protein that acidify the urine. With increased urine acidity, the body will remove calcium from the bone tissue to fight this rising acidity, and kidney stone formation can result.

Dehydration is a common cause of kidney stone formation. Visitors to very dry climates such as the desert, for instance, must be cautious about increasing their intake of water and clear fluids in order to prevent the development of kidney stones.

Who Is Most At Risk?

Approximately 80% of the individuals experiencing a kidney stone are men, and it is very common between the ages of 30 and 40. Genetics is also a factor, as well as the dietary practices mentioned above. Ten percent of all men are likely to experience this condition in their lifetime, although Caucasian men are five times more likely to develop kidney stones than African American men.

After undergoing successful treatment, the America’s Got Talent host was released from Los Angeles’ Cedars-Sinai Medical Center over the weekend and is already plotting his return to the airwaves.

The entertainer was hospitalized in Aspen, Colo., last week after he fell ill while the couple was on vacation there. He was transferred to a Los Angeles hospital a few days later.

In a statement Monday, Cannon’s publicist Tracy Nguyen said he “was released over the weekend to be with his family. He is resting and recovering at home and would like to thank everyone who has expressed concern, well wishes and prayers. He plans to return to his live morning radio show broadcast Rollin’ with Nick Cannon on 92.3 NOW FM on January 17th, 6-10am EST.”

Cannon was first hospitalized with “mild kidney failure” early last week while he and Carey were vacationing in Aspen. He was transferred to Cedars, where he received a haircut and underwent surgery.

“Recovering… about to be stronger than ever! #Ncredible!” Nick Cannon tweeted Friday.

Carey wrote yesterday, apparently from home: “Up w/NC watching @BishopJakes -a true inspiration as always. Nick is getting better+we love+appreciate all the ongoing kind words!”

Basic Kidney Health Tips

She asked fans to “please pray for Nick…because it’s a serious moment that’s very tough on all of us,” but did not explain the background of his condition, or how long he will be hospitalized.

Blacks & Kidney Disease: The Outlook Today…

• Approximately 20 million Americans have kidney disease. The number of
people diagnosed with kidney disease has doubled each decade for the
last two decades. African Americans make up 12 percent of the
population, but account for 30 percent of people with kidney failure.

• African American males ages 22 – 44 are 20 times more likely to
develop kidney failure due to high blood pressure than Caucasian males
in the same age group.

According to the Associated Press, the team reviewed data from over 1.3 million patients with end-stage kidney disease and found a surprising trend: African-Americans aged 18 to 30 were twice as likely to die as their white counterparts, while African-Americans aged 31 to 40 had a 1.5 times higher chance.

“As a medical community, we have been advising young Black patients of treatment options for kidney failure based on the notion that they do better on dialysis than their white counterparts,” said the study’s lead author, Dorry Segev. “This new study shows that, actually, young blacks have a substantially higher risk of dying on dialysis, and we should instead be counseling them based on this surprising new evidence.”