Latest news with #CKD
Time of India
4 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
3 times makhana may be bad for you: Nutritionist cautions against the ‘guilt-free' snack
Fox nuts or makhana may seem like a miracle snack, but moderation is key. Nutritionist Nandini Agarwal highlights three scenarios where overindulgence can backfire—chronic constipation, excessive calorie intake while dieting, and complications for those with kidney ailments. Though rich in protein and antioxidants, makhana's dark side proves even healthy snacks need a balanced approach. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads The Constipation Conundrum The Calorie Trap in a Healthy Cloak Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Kidneys and Potassium: A Caution for CKD Patients A Grain of Salt with Every Superfood In the age of kale chips and quinoa bowls, makhana —those light, airy lotus seeds—have become India's answer to guilt-free snacking . Touted for their health benefits and endorsed by fitness influencers and wellness gurus alike, these fox nuts have carved a niche in the ' superfood ' club. But, as it turns out, even the healthiest of snacks come with Nandini Agarwal recently took to Instagram to drop a reel that's stirring up the wellness world. While makhana is often hailed as a nutritional powerhouse , Agarwal's reel highlighted that it's not always the best choice for everyone. Her three-point warning isn't a dismissal of makhana's benefits—it's a gentle but timely reminder that 'healthy' isn't always you've been leaning on makhana as your go-to midday snack and have also been noticing trouble in the gut, it might be time to reassess. Agarwal points out that makhana is relatively low in fiber. That means for individuals already dealing with constipation, consuming makhana regularly can worsen the issue. It's ironic, considering how makhana is often grouped with other fiber-rich snacks—but in reality, it's the texture, not the fiber, that fools many into thinking it's good for her reel, Agarwal advises, 'Under constipation, these nuts do not have too much fiber and can cause more constipation.' So, while makhana may seem light and digestible, it doesn't do much for keeping your digestive tract moving—something worth noting before your next weight loss regimes in full swing on social media, makhana has become a darling of the diet world. Roasted, spiced, and presented as a 'binge-worthy' alternative to chips, it feels harmless. But as Agarwal notes, 'If you're trying to lose weight then 100 grams of makhana is still okay—but if you're overdoing it, it is definitely not okay.' The reason? Makhana, though low in fat, contains considerable carbohydrates. Eat too much, and those calories stack up faster than you'd other words, just because it's not deep-fried doesn't mean it's diet-proof. Mindful munching is key—even with the healthiest of the most critical warning Agarwal gives is for those with kidney issues or Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). Makhana is naturally high in potassium—a mineral often restricted in low-potassium renal diets. 'If you have kidney issues or CKD and you are on a low potassium diet, then you should definitely avoid eating makhanas totally,' she third reason is a vital reminder that what's good for one body might not suit another. In such cases, consulting a healthcare professional before adopting trendy dietary habits becomes makhana remains a versatile and nutrient-rich snack—high in protein, antioxidants, and minerals—it's important to remember that even superfoods have their shadows. Nandini Agarwal's Instagram reel doesn't vilify makhana, but rather humanizes it in a world where nutrition is too often reduced to black-and-white labels.
News18
5 days ago
- Health
- News18
High Protein In Urine: Is It Time To Screen For Chronic Kidney Disease?
Last Updated: Chronic Kidney Disease can move silently with little to no symptoms until months or even years One of the most common red flag that doctors look out for is the presence of protein in the urine, as this could significantly deteriorate the kidneys. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a progressive illness that frequently goes unrecognized until significant kidney damage has already occurred. The Lancet states that CKD is present in approximately 10% of the adult population globally. Moreover, its incidence is on the rise due to the increasing rates of diabetes, hypertension, and unhealthy lifestyle habits. The effective way to manage CKD is through early detection and intervention. Dr Nitin Shrivastava, Lead Consultant, Urologist, Manipal Hospital, Gurugram shares all you need to know: What does protein in the urine indicate? The presence of high levels of protein in the urine indicates the chances are that the kidneys are not functioning as well as they should. This is because protein and other important nutrients are easily able to pass through healthy kidneys and ultimately return to the blood. On the other hand, proteins like albumin leak through the kidney's filters and into the urine in case of dysfunction which is referred to as proteinuria or albuminuria and is among the first and most common signs of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). Other symptoms that may imply that the kidneys are not functioning properly include: ● Loss of appetite: Sudden or rapid weight loss without explanation can be attributed to the buildup of toxins in the body that the kidneys can no longer filter. ● Fatigue: Patients may experience a high level of fatigue or weakness and may even have difficulty sleeping. Cramping of muscles is also a common symptom. ● Changes in urination: Frequent urination or a reduced urge to urinate can both be pointing towards damaged kidney function and are often the earliest signs of trouble. It is typically at this stage that individuals decide to go for CKD screening. ● High blood pressure: Chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes put individuals more at risk of developing kidney disorders. Additionally, impaired kidney function can make it difficult to keep blood pressure under control. ● Swelling in feet and ankles: The inability of kidneys to filter out excess fluid leads to retention, which develops as visible puffiness in the lower limbs. Why does early screening matter? Chronic Kidney Disease can move silently with little to no symptoms until months or even years. When individuals finally get tested, the kidneys have already been damaged significantly. In advanced stages, dialysis or a complete kidney transplantation (KTP) are needed to restore function. This involves surgically placing a healthy kidney from a living or deceased donor into the patient's body, offering a more permanent and effective solution in case of kidney failure. The presence of protein in urine should never be ignored, as it may be the body's earliest warning of silent but progressive kidney damage. However, Regular screening is even more important for individuals with obesity, diabetes, hypertension, or a family history of kidney disease. A simple urine testing can become a life-saving intervention if timely action is taken to prevent further complications. view comments First Published: July 17, 2025, 18:11 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
This Biotech Stock Jumped Over 600% in Just Days After Releasing Promising Clinical Trial Data. And Its Market Cap Is Still Only $2 Billion. But Is It a Buy?
Key Points Shares of ProKidney surged last week after the company reported encouraging phase 2 trial data. Rilparencel is a cell therapy that could generate up to $900 million in revenue per year for the business. However, it could still be more than a year before phase 3 trial data comes out. 10 stocks we like better than ProKidney › Biotech stocks can be risky but exciting investments because they can soar quickly on positive news, such as a drug approval or simply the hope that they may soon have an approved treatment. They can drop just as quickly on negative news. One stock that has recently skyrocketed is ProKidney (NASDAQ: PROK). At the start of the month, it was firmly in penny stock territory, with a price of less than $0.60. But as of the end of last week, it was up over $4.50, having taken off in value on some encouraging developments. And yet, even despite soaring well over 600% in less than a week, its market cap remains at around $2 billion as I write this. What's behind the healthcare stock's impressive rally, and should you consider investing in ProKidney today? The catalyst behind ProKidney's surge On July 8, shares of ProKidney rose by 515%, and trading volumes also spiked, from 820,000 shares the previous day to more than 343 million. The reason for the bullishness is that the company released phase 2 trial results for rilparencel, a promising cell therapy it is developing as a treatment for chronic kidney disease (CKD) and diabetes. There were no serious adverse events noted in the trial, and the data showed that the treatment has potential in helping preserve kidney function for people with CKD and diabetes. At its peak, analysts believe that rilparencel could generate $900 million in annual revenue. That may put the company on a path toward profitability, but it's by no means a sure thing since it first needs to obtain approval. And phase 3 trial data, which often can determine a treatment's likelihood of approval, is still likely more than a year away. The stock has dropped a bit since the July 8 surge. ProKidney is in good position to handle its ongoing cash burn The name of the game for biotech companies that are in the midst of developing drugs and treatments is to keep their costs down as low as possible, and to minimize the need for cash infusions. With minimal revenue, ProKidney is a cash-burning machine right now, and its expenses may rise, especially as it progresses in later-stage trials, which are larger and more costly to run. Through the first three months of the year, the company used up just under $30 million in cash for its day-to-day operating activities. The good news is that with cash and marketable securities totaling $328 million, the business appears to be well funded and in good shape to continue investing in its research and development without needing to issue shares anytime soon. Given its current resources, it has some runway. Is ProKidney stock a buy? Shares are up big of late, but a few years ago ProKidney reached highs of over $13 per share. (It closed Tuesday at $3.37.) Biotech stocks can go on roller-coaster rides as they struggle with burning cash. And while encouraging clinical trial results can have positive effects, they may not be enough reason for a stock's value to remain high. In the case of ProKidney, until and unless rilparencel obtains approval from regulators, this is going to remain a risky and volatile stock. And given its recent surge, some investors may be tempted to cash out on the excitement, especially since there's still plenty of risk. At a near $2 billion valuation, I would hold off on buying the stock right now since there could still be a lot of room for it to fall back down. The phase 2 results may have been encouraging, but that doesn't guarantee that phase 3 will also be positive and that approval for rilparencel is inevitable. It could still be a long road ahead for ProKidney before it proves to be a good growth stock. Unless you have a high risk tolerance, you may be better off simply waiting on the sidelines. Should you invest $1,000 in ProKidney right now? Before you buy stock in ProKidney, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the for investors to buy now… and ProKidney wasn't one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $679,653!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $1,046,308!* Now, it's worth noting Stock Advisor's total average return is 1,060% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 179% for the S&P 500. Don't miss out on the latest top 10 list, available when you join Stock Advisor. See the 10 stocks » *Stock Advisor returns as of July 15, 2025 David Jagielski has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This Biotech Stock Jumped Over 600% in Just Days After Releasing Promising Clinical Trial Data. And Its Market Cap Is Still Only $2 Billion. But Is It a Buy? was originally published by The Motley Fool
Business Wire
6 days ago
- Business
- Business Wire
Revelation Biosciences Inc. Completes Dosing of Patients in PRIME Study
SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Revelation Biosciences, Inc. (NASDAQ: REVB) (the 'Company' or 'Revelation'), a clinical-stage life sciences company focused on rebalancing inflammation to optimize health, today announced dosing has been completed for the PRIME (PReconditioning IMmunostimulatory Evaluation) Phase 1b clinical study of escalating doses of intravenously administered Gemini in patients with Stage 3 and 4 Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). As planned, a total of 5 cohorts were enrolled at 3 clinics in the United States. Several study data sets are expected during Q3 2025: these will include safety parameters, changes in hematologic parameters, in vitro evaluation of the inflammatory response in peripheral blood mononuclear cells isolated from study participants, and multiple biomarkers of activity. 'We thank our Investigators and participants for the rapid completion of dosing,' said James Rolke, Chief Executive Officer of Revelation. 'We are looking forward to sharing the study data shortly, and engaging the FDA to discuss future clinical development and approval pathways later this year.' About Gemini Gemini is an intravenously administered, proprietary formulation of phosphorylated hexaacyl disaccharide (PHAD ®) that reduces the damage associated with inflammation by reprograming the innate immune system to respond to stress (trauma, infection, etc.) in an attenuated manner. Gemini is being developed for multiple indications including as a pretreatment to prevent or reduce the severity and duration of acute kidney injury (GEMINI-AKI program), and as pretreatment to prevent or reduce the severity and duration of post-surgical infection (GEMINI-PSI program), or infection post severe burn (GEMINI-PBI). Gemini may also be a treatment to stop or slow the progression of chronic kidney disease (GEMINI-CKD program). Revelation has conducted multiple preclinical studies demonstrating the therapeutic potential of Gemini in the target indications. Revelation previously announced positive Phase 1 clinical data for intravenous treatment with Gemini: the primary safety endpoint was met in the Phase 1 study, and results demonstrated statistically significant pharmacodynamic activity, as observed through expected changes in multiple biomarkers including upregulation of IL-10. About CKD Chronic kidney disease is a pervasive problem in the United States and world-wide. CKD is caused by chronic inflammation and can be initiated and propagated in several ways. One prevalent condition is the high blood sugar levels associated with diabetes (either Type 1 or Type 2): high blood sugar is toxic to kidney cells – it creates stress, which imitates the inflammatory process, leading to the demise of these cells with subsequent fibrosis, ultimately resulting in continuous loss of kidney function over time. High arterial blood pressure is another source of stress that initiates the inflammatory process that results in CKD. Other risk factors include heart disease, obesity, family history of CKD, or advanced age. Progression of chronic kidney damage often leads to end stage renal disease with the need for renal replacement therapy (dialysis or transplantation), resulting in significant morbidity and mortality for affected patients. Kidney disease is a leading cause of death in the United States. About AKI AKI, also known as acute renal failure, is a rapid loss of kidney function. AKI causes a build-up of waste products in the blood, making it more difficult for kidneys to maintain the correct balance of fluid in the body. AKI can also have a significant impact on other organs, such as the brain, the heart, and the lungs. About Revelation Biosciences, Inc. Revelation Biosciences, Inc. is a clinical-stage life sciences company focused on rebalancing inflammation to optimize health using its proprietary formulation, Gemini. Revelation has multiple ongoing programs to evaluate Gemini, including as a prevention for post-surgical infection, for post-severe burn infection, as a prevention for acute kidney injury, and for the treatment of chronic kidney disease. For more information on Revelation, please visit Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts. These forward-looking statements are generally identified by the words "anticipate", "believe", "expect", "estimate", "plan", "outlook", and "project" and other similar expressions. We caution investors that forward-looking statements are based on management's expectations and are only predictions or statements of current expectations and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to be materially different from those anticipated by the forward-looking statements. Revelation cautions readers not to place undue reliance on any such forward looking statements, which speak only as of the date they were made. The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in these forward-looking statements: the ability of Revelation to meet its financial and strategic goals, due to, among other things, competition; the ability of Revelation to grow and manage growth profitability and retain its key employees; the possibility that the Revelation may be adversely affected by other economic, business, and/or competitive factors; risks relating to the successful development of Revelation's product candidates; the ability to successfully complete planned clinical studies of its product candidates; the risk that we may not fully enroll our clinical studies or enrollment will take longer than expected; risks relating to the occurrence of adverse safety events and/or unexpected concerns that may arise from data or analysis from our clinical studies; changes in applicable laws or regulations; expected initiation of the clinical studies, the timing of clinical data; the outcome of the clinical data, including whether the results of such study is positive or whether it can be replicated; the outcome of data collected, including whether the results of such data and/or correlation can be replicated; the timing, costs, conduct and outcome of our other clinical studies; the anticipated treatment of future clinical data by the FDA, the EMA or other regulatory authorities, including whether such data will be sufficient for approval; the success of future development activities for its product candidates; potential indications for which product candidates may be developed; the ability of Revelation to maintain the listing of its securities on NASDAQ; the expected duration over which Revelation's balances will fund its operations; and other risks and uncertainties described herein, as well as those risks and uncertainties discussed from time to time in other reports and other public filings with the SEC by Revelation.
Health Line
7 days ago
- Health
- Health Line
Constipation and Chronic Kidney Disease
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) can lead to a variety of digestive symptoms such as loss of appetite, nausea, and diarrhea. For many people, CKD can also lead to constipation. There are a few different reasons why constipation can occur with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Common reasons include: a lack of fiber in diets intended for people with CKD fluid restrictions for people with later-stage CKD co-occurring or secondary conditions medication side effects Treatments, which include lifestyle changes such as eating more fiber and increasing exercise levels, can often help relieve symptoms. This article examines the causes and treatment of constipation in people with CKD and reviews the early symptoms of kidney disease and kidney failure. Constipation isn't typically a symptom of kidney failure. What causes constipation with chronic kidney disease? CKD can lead to constipation for some people. Common causes of constipation for people with kidney disease include: Renal diets It can be difficult enough for people eating a standard American diet to get the fiber they need. People who are on a renal diet are limited in their food choices, and many foods that are high in fiber have traditionally been excluded. However, newer recommendations for people with chronic kidney disease are less strict about fiber-rich foods such as fruits and vegetables, meaning it's safe to add these foods to a renal diet. Co-occurring conditions Many of the conditions that commonly occur alongside kidney disease, such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, and hypercalcemia, can slow down your digestive system. A slow digestive system can lead to constipation. Bacterial imbalance in the gut A bacterial imbalance in the gut, called dysbiosis, can occur when your kidney isn't working correctly. It happens because your kidneys aren't filtering bacteria. This leads to an abnormal mix of bacteria in your intestines, which can cause constipation. Medication reactions People with kidney disease may develop secondary conditions such as gout, anemia, or bone disease. Some of the medications prescribed for these secondary conditions, including blood pressure medications, iron supplements, anti-nausea medications, and calcium supplements, can cause constipation in some people. Fluid restrictions People with later-stage kidney disease may need to restrict their fluid intake, especially those undergoing dialysis. This can make it challenging to get enough hydration to avoid constipation. What's the best way to treat constipation with chronic kidney disease? Treating constipation depends on several factors, but lifestyle and diet changes can often help resolve the condition. Doctors typically recommend starting with lifestyle changes before progressing to medication. Lifestyle treatments that can help people with chronic kidney disease get relief from constipation include: Eating more fiber: Getting enough fiber in your diet is one of the best ways to combat constipation. Fiber helps carry waste through your system. It's found in a variety of foods, including whole grains, nuts, lentils, beans, oats, apples, pears, and vegetables. Increasing your activity: Fitness combats constipation. Exercise helps your blood flow and helps food move through your digestive system. You can start small; even walking a little every day will make a difference. Increasing fluids: Fluids are one of the best ways to beat constipation. People with chronic kidney disease can talk with their doctors about the best way to get enough fluid to keep their digestive systems moving. Try probiotics: Probiotics are live microorganisms that are found in fermented food that can help relieve constipation. Fermented foods included options such as yogurt, sauerkraut, miso, kimchi, tempeh, natto, and homemade pickles. Ask your doctor or dietitian about the right amount of these foods to add to your diet. Relieve symptoms with an over-the-counter (OTC) medication: If your symptoms are severe and haven't been relieved by methods such as hydration or fiber, an OTC medication can help. However, it's important not to take these medications for longer thana few days. OTC options include stool softeners, stimulant laxatives, and fiber supplements. Prescription-strength medications: Your doctor might prescribe prescription versions of any medication if lifestyle changes aren't enough. Biofeedback therapy: Biofeedback therapy is a treatment that retrains the muscles that control bowel movements. How does constipation affect the outlook for people with chronic kidney disease? Constipation can affect the quality of life and outlook for people with CKD. A 2019 study found that constipation can increase the chances of mortality and was linked to a higher risk of serious complications such as end stage renal disease, heart disease, and Parkinson's disease. The study also found that constipation in people with CKD led to a higher risk of developing coronary heart disease and stroke. Is constipation an early warning sign of kidney disease? Constipation isn't typically an early sign of kidney disease. It's more common for kidney disease to cause early symptoms such as: fatigue difficulty concentrating anemia loss of appetite insomnia unexplained muscle cramping sleep apnea red or pink urine urine that appears foamy frequent urinary urges skin that is dry and itchy puffiness around the eyes swollen feet and ankles For people with CKD, what are the symptoms of kidney failure? As kidney disease progresses, it can cause increased symptoms. Some symptoms are similar to early symptoms but are more severe. Other symptoms are unlikely to show up until chronic kidney disease has progressed to kidney failure. Symptoms of kidney failure include: fever fatigue confusion skin rash itchy skin very pale skin weakness unexplained muscle cramping bone pain no urine production or excessive urine production unusual bleeding nose bleeding back pain stomach pain a mass in the stomach diarrhea that is sometimes bloody loss of appetite bad breath a metallic taste in the mouth vomiting that is sometimes severe swelling throughout the body difficulty hearing Takeaway Chronic kidney disease doesn't always cause constipation, but there are a number of reasons why it does for many people with CKD. Renal diets, fluid restrictions, medications, co-occurring disorders, and more can all lead to constipation. Treatment can bring relief and often includes lifestyle changes such as eating more fiber, getting more exercise, and increasing fluids. When these methods aren't enough, medications, biofeedback, and surgery can be options.
