Here are the top five causes of kidney disease worldwide:

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➡ Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes: Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes are leading causes of CKD. Elevated blood sugar levels can damage the kidneys' filtering units, leading to diabetic nephropathy. ​(Diabetic nephropathy affects about 50% of people with CKD)

➡ Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): Chronic high blood pressure can cause arteries around the kidneys to narrow, weaken, or harden, reducing blood flow and impairing kidney function. ​

➡ Glomerulonephritis: This group of diseases causes inflammation of the kidneys' filtering units (glomeruli), leading to impaired filtering capacity.

➡ Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD): A genetic disorder characterized by the growth of numerous cysts in the kidneys, leading to enlarged kidneys and reduced function over time. ​

➡ Obstructive Nephropathy: Conditions such as kidney stones, enlarged prostate, or tumors can block the urinary tract, leading to kidney damage.​​

One of the most powerful tools for managing CKD lies in something we do every day: nutrition.

Research suggests that a properly formulated, kidney-friendly ketogenic diet can help reduce kidney stress and slow or reverse damage, support better metabolic health, improve blood pressure, and lower inflammation—all critical factors in slowing CKD progression. Unlike conventional dietary approaches that often focus solely on protein or sodium restriction, ketogenic nutrition targets the root causes of kidney disease, helping to stabilize blood sugar, reduce insulin resistance, and support long-term kidney function.

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With CKD impacting millions and often leading to a diminished quality of life, it's time to take a proactive approach. By adopting the right nutrition plan, individuals with a chronic kidney disease can take meaningful steps toward protecting their kidney health, maintaining energy levels, and improving overall well-being.

A ketogenic diet is a way of eating that focuses on low carbohydrates, moderate protein, and high healthy fats, shifting the body's main fuel source from sugar (from carbohydrates) to fats and ketones (energy molecules produced from fat).

Your body produces ketones when blood sugar levels are low enough, which happens either when you've been fasting for a time or when you're properly on a ketogenic diet. Ketones provide very clean energy to the brain, heart, and muscles. They also help regulate important cell activities, are anti-inflammatory, and protect cells from oxidative stress (damage).

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You've probably heard about all the wonderful benefits you can get from fasting. In fact, the most important difference between fasting and being on a ketogenic diet is this: on a keto diet, you get to eat! Yep - keto is like fasting, but with food.​