Patient Education & Awareness

Empowering You to Take Control of Your Kidney Health

With Dr. Debabrata Mukherjee, Senior Nephrologist, Max Hospital, Gurugram

Why Patient Education Matters

Understanding your kidney condition is the first step toward effective management. Whether you are newly diagnosed with CKD, undergoing dialysis, or preparing for a transplant, knowledge empowers better decisions. Dr. Debabrata Mukherjee shares simplified, evidence-based insights to guide you and your loved ones.

What You’ll Learn Here

• The Role of Kidneys: Filter waste, balance fluids, control blood pressure, produce key hormones.
• Symptoms: Fatigue, swelling, frothy urine, high BP, nausea, poor appetite.
• Understanding Tests: eGFR (kidney function), Creatinine (waste), Proteinuria (damage indicator).
• CKD Stages: 5 stages from mild (1) to severe (5). Early detection = better outcomes.
• Dialysis Options: Hemodialysis (center-based), Peritoneal (home-based).
• Online HDF: Advanced dialysis removing small & large toxins, with better patient outcomes.
• Kidney Transplant: A solution for end-stage kidney failure. Life-changing with proper care.
• Diet & Lifestyle: Eat fresh, limit salt/protein/potassium, stay active, avoid painkillers.
• Manage BP & Diabetes: Crucial to reduce stress on kidneys. Monitor & medicate regularly.
• Mental Health Support: Family involvement, counseling, and peer support aid emotional wellbeing.

Key Educational Resources

• Understanding CKD: Learn progression patterns and how to delay dialysis.
• Dialysis Demystified: HDF vs conventional dialysis and when each is needed.
• Transplant Basics: Eligibility, testing, and recovery explained clearly.
• Diet & Lifestyle:

Kidney-Friendly Diet Plan

General Guidelines:

• Limit sodium: < 2,000 mg/day
• Moderate protein intake
• Limit potassium and phosphorus (based on labs)
• Stay hydrated per medical advice
• Avoid processed/salty foods

Sample Daily Plan:

• Breakfast: Oats with apple, 1 boiled egg, herbal tea, low-sodium toast
• Snack: Small pear, puffed rice
• Lunch: Rice/roti, lauki sabzi, moong dal, cucumber salad
• Afternoon: Unsalted popcorn, coconut water (if safe)
• Dinner: Grilled paneer, steamed veggies, khichdi/chapati, lemon water
• Before Bed: Almond milk, 2 Marie biscuits

Foods to Avoid: Bananas, oranges, potatoes, nuts, processed meats, pickles, chocolates

Tools & Tests Explained

• Serum Creatinine
• Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)
• eGFR
• Calcium, Phosphorus, PTH
• Urine Protein Tests