California transplant recipient’s journey inspires career in nutrition

When Cristal Chora learned her kidneys had failed, she was shocked. Yet, Chora’s situation isn’t unique. Nearly half of people with severely reduced kidney function have no idea, meaning they may “crash” into end stage kidney disease (ESKD), only learning about their declining kidney function when they’re seriously ill and in the hospital. This unexpected health care journey inspired healthier choices for Chora and sparked a new career for her as a dietitian supporting kidney care patients.

Chora’s care journey began while she was attending college in Long Beach and found she couldn’t walk. Bacterial meningitis led her to a month-long stay at the hospital. She experienced a range of symptoms, including rapid weight gain, gaining 40 pounds in just weeks. Chora was diagnosed with ESKD, caused by the auto-immune disease lupus. 

To replace the life-sustaining function of her kidneys, Chora immediately began exploring her options to receive a kidney transplant. However, the biggest hurdle that patients face when pursuing a kidney transplant is a lack of available organs.

While on the waitlist for a transplant, she began dialysis treatments at a DaVita® care center in Riverside County. From the very start, Chora’s care team was friendly, encouraging and committed to her wellbeing. She quickly befriended the renal dietitian, who motivated her to adopt healthier eating habits and encouraged her on difficult days.

“My dietitian was full of life when I didn’t feel well,” said Chora. “That helped me stay committed to my careful diet and healthy habits.”

According to the National Kidney Foundation, it is important for most people with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) to limit the amount of sodium, phosphorous and potassium in their diet. This means limiting foods like oranges, bananas and beans. Without kidney function, bodies are unable to remove buildup caused by these minerals, which can lead to problems for the bones and heart. CKD patients should work with their doctor and dietitian to determine the level of sodium, phosphorus and potassium that is appropriate for their diet. 

After nearly two years of dialysis treatment and following a kidney-friendly diet, Chora received a kidney transplant. During this time, she’d formed a close bond with her dietitian, who ultimately inspired her to switch her major from accounting to dietetics — setting her on a career path to becoming a dietitian.

Today, Chora is a dietitian for kidney patients at DaVita, where she works to motivate people and help them feel empowered to manage their own health.  

“There’s a shared connection when I share my story with patients,” said Chora. “Knowing and experiencing the renal diet first-hand makes me an even better clinician for others with kidney failure.”

Chora feels that her experience not only shaped her life but profoundly impacted the lives of those around her.

“I have an increased risk of diabetes due to my family history,” Chora said. “When I started dialysis, my parents and sister changed their diets with me.”

Both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes can cause kidney disease, and approximately 1 in 3 adults with diabetes has CKD. With an early diagnosis of diabetes, steps can be taken to help prevent kidney damage.

Chora believes that her experience prevented diabetes in her father, who learned that he was in the prediabetic range from bloodwork done in a routine visit with his doctor. Chora provided him with education about changing his diet and increasing his physical activity. On his follow-up appointment, Chora’s father learned that he was no longer in the prediabetic range.

Fourteen years after her kidney transplant, Chora continues to follow a careful diet. As a renal dietitian living with kidney failure, Chora encourages those around her to practice healthy eating habits.  

Like Chora and her family, we can all incorporate healthy eating and healthy habits into our daily routine. Here are a few tips from Chora on healthy eating for individuals living with CKD.  

Kidney-friendly foods  

Studies show that individuals living with CKD should limit their sodium, phosphorus and potassium intake. However, there are many healthy food options for individuals following a kidney-friendly diet. Experts recommend incorporating foods like red bell peppers, cabbage, blueberries, fish and egg whites into your daily diet.  

Portion control 

“Everything in moderation” is a helpful mantra to live by. Chora and other experts at DaVita recommend keeping a close eye on your serving sizes. Being mindful of portion control will allow you to consume the foods you enjoy. 

Lower blood sugar 

Individuals living with CKD have an increased risk of experiencing low blood sugar due to changes in appetite and eating habits (skipping meals, decreasing appetite). It is important to maintain healthy blood sugar levels and learn the symptoms of low blood sugar. Symptoms could include confusion, sweating and lack of energy.   

For resources on diet and nutrition, visit www.davita.com.

DaVita.com is for informational purposes only and is not intended to substitute for medical advice from a medical provider. 

Members of the editorial and news staff of Paste BN Network were not involved in the creation of this content.