By Avegail A. De Vera
MANILA, (PNA) — Some 120 Filipinos are diagnosed to have kidney failure every hour, which makes kidney disease the seventh cause of non-communicable diseases,” according to Dr. Josephine Valdez, a kidney expert and member of Philippine Medical Association.
In line with this, the first Patient Day, with the theme “Bato Bato Pik, Pangalagaan at Ingatan ang Inyong Kidney” was organized for patients with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD).
On Saturday at Century Hall of Quezon City Memorial Circle, patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) gathered for a half-day program to advocate preventive nephrology and promote the importance of taking care of the kidneys through proper diet management.
“Kidney disease is not just epidemic but pandemic” Dr. Valdez said.
Faith Nacional, Dietician at St. Luke’s Global City, talked about low protein diet that addresses the protein needs of patients with CKD.
Low protein intake and proper medication, like Ketosteril that balances nitrogen and other protein substance, can help deal with CKD.
Low protein diet is mainly a vegetarian diet because fruit and vegetables contain low protein, according to Faith Nacional.
Faith also shared her expertise as dietitian by giving tips on how to measure protein in the food a person eats. For example, 2 cups of rice and a slice of fish both contain 8 grams of protein.
On the other hand, the patients were also informed of the food that must be taken at a minimal amount such as rice, noodles and other starchy foods.
Dr. Florencio Pine of the National Kidney Transplant Institute (NKTI) provided some information on preventive nephrology, symptoms and care management of the kidneys.
Free consultation was also provided by the kidney experts.
The Patient Day for Chronic Kidney Disease patients was initiated by Fresenius Kabi, an international health care company focusing on products for the therapy and care of critically and chronically ill patients.