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Diet is an integral part of our lives, since the food we eat fuels our bodies and minds, allowing us to think clearly and execute daily tasks. It affects our body weight, how we feel, how we sleep, and even how we mentally process events and ideas. Because of nutrition’s pivotal influence, it makes sense to have regular check-ups with a dietitian to ensure that your diet is in the best condition it can be.
This logic applies to everyone, but when you have a chronic illness such as kidney disease, it’s even more vital to watch what you eat, since medical nutritional therapy can dramatically influence your condition. Here’s what you need to know.
What Is Medical Nutritional Therapy?
Medical Nutrition Therapy, which is often abbreviated as MNT, is an evidence-based medical approach to treating certain chronic conditions. It uses a nutrition plan which is individually tailored to the individual. Each nutrition plan is ordered and approved by a primary care physician and implemented by a Registered Dietitian.
Research shows 78.6% of patients with CKD agree that MNT is essential, however, only half felt confident in their knowledge of their own nutritional needs concerning CKD. So while medical nutritional therapy is recognized by doctors and patients as an important way to treat the disease, it still isn’t being utilized enough.
Why MNT Matters for CKD Patients
Chronic kidney disease is a progressive syndrome in which the kidneys lose their ability to filter blood, concentrate urine, excrete wastes, and maintain electrolyte balance. On top of the issues that come with these symptoms, CKD is also a significant independent risk factor for cardiovascular mortality.
More severe forms of chronic kidney disease are equivalent to existing coronary artery disease in their ability to predict death due to heart failure. Cardiovascular death is the most common cause of death in CKD patients; they are more likely to die from cardiovascular disease than to progress to end-stage renal disease.
Medical nutrition therapy for chronic kidney disease patients may improve health outcomes, enhance their quality of life and help delay kidney disease progression. Additionally, MNT may help prevent or treat complications, including malnutrition, metabolic acidosis, hyperkalemia, mineral imbalances, bone disorders, anemia, and cardiovascular disease.
Steps to Help More Patients Receive MNT
We need to focus on finding effective ways to increase awareness and use of MNT so patients get the nutrition-based approaches they need and want. You can work with a Texas Kidney Institute doctor or contact your local healthcare provider for more information about CKD nutrition counseling and what you can do to improve your overall health.
Many patients are unaware of Medicare benefits affecting MNT for CKD patients. Medicare provides three hours of coverage for nutrition therapy in the first year of treatment and up to two hours of MNT each year after.
But as of 2008, only 9,486 RD Medicare providers registered for this coverage, and fewer than 4% of CKD patients were able to receive 12 months of MNT before they developed a late stage of renal disease. If you hesitate to seek nutrition therapy because of the cost, it is worth looking into your health insurance to see what benefits may be available.
Patients need to be made aware of options regarding this treatment and of opportunities that can help, such as receiving MNT through Medicare.
To help patients receive medical nutrition therapy, more doctors need to refer early-stage patients for MNT, as well. Currently, almost two-thirds of medical providers report that they rarely refer patients with early-stage chronic kidney disease to a registered dietitian nutritionist for MNT.
Taking these steps to increase access to medical nutrition therapy for CKD patients through education, taking advantage of insurance benefits, and doctor referrals can help patients with chronic kidney disease maintain a healthier and happier lifestyle.
