5- Recognizing the Signs of Kidney Disease: What You Need to Know

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu56EawudfU

Answer: B. To filter the blood and make urine

Explanation: According to Dr. Berg, the kidneys act like filters that clean the blood and turn waste into urine.

What is the main job of the kidneys?

A. To digest food
B. To filter the blood and make urine
C. To produce red blood cells directly
D. To pump the heart

Answer: C. 180 liters

Explanation: Dr. Berg says around 180 liters (about 760 cups) of fluid move through the kidneys daily, showing how much recycling they do.

About how much fluid passes through the kidneys each day?

A. 2 liters
B. 20 liters
C. 180 liters
D. 760 liters

Answer: D. 99 %

Explanation: The kidneys re-use about 99 % of the water, keeping the body hydrated while removing wastes.

How much of the water that passes through the kidneys is normally recycled?

A. 10 %
B. 50 %
C. 75 %
D. 99 %

Answer: B. Nephrons

Explanation: Each kidney has about 1 to 1.5 million nephrons—small filters that clean and recycle the blood.

What are the tiny filters inside the kidneys called?

A. Alveoli
B. Nephrons
C. Neurons
D. Capillaries

Answer: C. Diabetes

Explanation: He explains that high blood sugar from diabetes damages the kidney filters, a condition called diabetic nephropathy.

What is the most common cause of kidney disease and kidney failure according to Dr. Berg?

A. Viral infection
B. Dehydration
C. Diabetes
D. Lack of sleep

Answer: A. Kidney disease

Explanation: “Nephro” refers to the kidney, and “-pathy” means disease.

The word nephropathy means:

A. Kidney disease
B. Liver disease
C. Heart problem
D. Nerve damage

Answer: B. Glycation

Explanation: Sugar joins with proteins in a process called glycation, forming sticky substances that harm kidney filters.

What reaction happens when high sugar levels damage proteins in the body?

A. Oxidation
B. Glycation
C. Fermentation
D. Filtration

Answer: C. Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs)

Explanation: Dr. Berg calls them AGEs—damaging compounds that clog kidney filters and make them work poorly.

The harmful products formed by glycation are called:

A. Simple sugars
B. Amino acids
C. Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs)
D. Enzymes

Answer: A. The kidney filter is damaged

Explanation: Healthy kidneys keep protein in the blood; protein in urine shows filter injury.

When protein appears in the urine, it usually means:

A. The kidney filter is damaged
B. You ate too much protein
C. You are dehydrated
D. The liver is not working

Answer: C. Edema (swelling)

Explanation: Loss of protein in blood causes fluid buildup, leading to puffiness in the face, hands, and legs.

What body symptom can appear when protein leaks into urine?

A. Weight loss
B. Fever
C. Edema (swelling)
D. Rash

Answer: B. Nocturia (urinating at night)

Explanation: He says one of the first signs is nocturia, having to urinate several times during the night.

What is the first early sign of kidney disease mentioned by Dr. Berg?

A. High fever
B. Nocturia (urinating at night)
C. Back pain
D. Dry mouth

Answer: A. The kidney can’t hold urine as well

Explanation: Damaged filters affect how the kidneys balance fluids, causing frequent nighttime urination.

Why does nocturia make sense as a kidney-disease sign?

A. The kidney can’t hold urine as well
B. The bladder is larger
C. The liver is overactive
D. You drink too little water

Answer: B. Kidney, eyes, nerves, arteries

Explanation: Dr. Berg lists these four tissues as the main targets of diabetic damage.

Diabetes often affects which four parts of the body?

A. Lungs, skin, bones, teeth
B. Kidney, eyes, nerves, arteries
C. Heart, stomach, lungs, brain
D. Liver, pancreas, intestines, muscles

Answer: B. Protein in the urine and filtration rate

Explanation: Doctors look for protein in urine and a low filtration rate to detect kidney damage.

What is measured to diagnose kidney disease?

A. Blood calcium
B. Protein in the urine and filtration rate
C. Body temperature
D. Cholesterol level

Answer: B. It develops slowly over about 10 years

Explanation: Dr. Berg says symptoms may take around 10 years to appear, making early damage hard to notice.

Why does kidney disease often go unnoticed for years?

A. It causes pain early
B. It develops slowly over about 10 years
C. It shows symptoms right away
D. It spreads by infection

Answer: C. Reduce sugar in the diet

Explanation: He teaches that lowering blood sugar—by cutting down carbohydrates—is key to kidney health.

What is the main step Dr. Berg suggests for preventing or improving kidney problems?

A. Take more salt
B. Drink more soda
C. Reduce sugar in the diet
D. Sleep longer

Answer: A. Ketogenic (low-carb, higher-fat) diet

Explanation: Dr. Berg promotes a ketogenic diet to keep blood sugar and insulin low.

Which eating plan does he recommend to lower blood sugar?

A. Ketogenic (low-carb, higher-fat) diet
B. Low-protein diet
C. High-carb diet
D. Juice-only diet

Answer: B. One and a half meals a day

Explanation: He says he eats one main meal around noon and a lighter vegetable meal later, giving long fasting hours.

What fasting style does he personally follow?

A. Eating every two hours
B. One and a half meals a day
C. Skipping food for three days
D. Drinking only water

Answer: A. Mainly greens with olive oil or vinegar, nuts, and seeds

Explanation: His “big salad” provides vegetables, healthy fats, and phytonutrients for kidney protection.

What does he include in his large salad?

A. Mainly greens with olive oil or vinegar, nuts, and seeds
B. Only fruit and sugar
C. Fried foods
D. Meat and cheese

Answer: B. Protecting the kidneys from damage

Explanation: He explains that phytonutrients have antioxidant power and protect kidneys from high-sugar damage.

What do phytonutrients from plants help with?

A. Adding sugar to blood
B. Protecting the kidneys from damage
C. Causing swelling
D. Increasing salt levels

Answer: B. Magnesium, potassium, and vitamin C

Explanation: Dr. Berg says these nutrients in vegetables support kidney health and help lower the risk of damage.

What important minerals in vegetables help protect the kidneys?

A. Sodium and chlorine
B. Magnesium, potassium, and vitamin C
C. Iron and zinc
D. Calcium and copper

Answer: B. When they have end-stage kidney disease

Explanation: He warns that people with advanced kidney disease must talk to their doctor before eating a lot of potassium.

When should a person be careful with potassium-rich foods?

A. When they exercise
B. When they have end-stage kidney disease
C. When they eat too little salt
D. When they sleep too much

Answer: B. Benfotiamine (fat-soluble B1)

Explanation: Benfotiamine is described as a special form of vitamin B1 that may protect cells from sugar damage.

What kind of vitamin B1 does Dr. Berg mention as helpful?

A. Regular thiamine
B. Benfotiamine (fat-soluble B1)
C. Vitamin B12
D. Niacin (B3)

Answer: C. Nerve and kidney problems

Explanation: He says it supports the nerves and kidneys by lowering the effects of high blood sugar and glycation.

What diabetic problem can benfotiamine help with, according to him?

A. Vision only
B. Hearing loss
C. Nerve and kidney problems
D. Hair loss

Answer: A. Alpha-lipoic acid

Explanation: Alpha-lipoic acid is mentioned as another strong antioxidant that lessens sugar damage.

What other nutrient does he say can reduce sugar-related stress in the body?

A. Alpha-lipoic acid
B. Vitamin A
C. Iron
D. Sodium

Answer: B. Turmeric

Explanation: Curcumin from turmeric is said to calm inflammation and protect organs, including the kidneys.

What spice contains curcumin, which may lower diabetic complications?

A. Cinnamon
B. Turmeric
C. Black pepper
D. Ginger

Answer: B. Lowering sugar and refined carbohydrates

Explanation: His core message is to reduce carbs and sugar to improve blood sugar and kidney function.

What is the main lifestyle change Dr. Berg says can “turn things around”?

A. Exercising at night
B. Lowering sugar and refined carbohydrates
C. Drinking more fruit juice
D. Taking more salt

Answer: C. One large meal and one smaller vegetable meal

Explanation: He describes eating one big meal with protein and fat, then a later light salad-type meal.

Which meals does he recommend eating during the day?

A. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks
B. Only breakfast and dinner
C. One large meal and one smaller vegetable meal
D. Three heavy meals

Answer: C. 7 to 10 cups

Explanation: He says his salad contains about 7–10 cups of leafy greens for plenty of nutrients and phytonutrients.

How many cups of salad greens does he usually eat daily?

A. 1 cup
B. 3 cups
C. 7 to 10 cups
D. 20 cups

Answer: A. Olive oil and vinegar

Explanation: He mentions olive oil, apple-cider vinegar, or balsamic vinaigrette as healthy salad dressings.

What dressing ingredients does he often use?

A. Olive oil and vinegar
B. Sugar and cream
C. Butter and salt
D. Mayonnaise only

Answer: B. Protect the kidney against oxidation

Explanation: He says phytonutrients act as antioxidants that protect kidney cells from sugar-related stress.

What do phytonutrients mainly do, according to Dr. Berg?

A. Increase blood sugar
B. Protect the kidney against oxidation
C. Store fat
D. Cause inflammation

Answer: B. They reduce complications even if diabetes is still present

Explanation: Even if blood sugar remains high, a diet rich in plant nutrients may lower diabetic complications.

Why does he believe phytonutrients are so important for diabetics?

A. They raise insulin
B. They reduce complications even if diabetes is still present
C. They replace protein
D. They add extra sugar

Answer: B. Controlling blood sugar

Explanation: He links nocturia to high blood sugar and recommends balancing it through diet and fasting.

What does Dr. Berg say is the best way to fix nocturia (urinating at night)?

A. Sleeping longer
B. Controlling blood sugar
C. Drinking more water at night
D. Taking painkillers

Answer: A. Peeing during the night

Explanation: “Nocturia” simply means waking up to urinate several times during the night.

What does the word nocturia mean?

A. Peeing during the night
B. Feeling tired in the morning
C. Pain in the kidney
D. Dry mouth at night

Answer: B. Keeps insulin and blood sugar lower

Explanation: He says eating less often reduces insulin spikes and helps prevent diabetes and kidney damage.

How does intermittent fasting help, according to him?

A. Raises insulin
B. Keeps insulin and blood sugar lower
C. Increases hunger
D. Builds more fat

Answer: C. Kidney

Explanation: Dr. Berg explains that the kidneys activate vitamin D, which is important for many body functions.

What organ converts vitamin D to its active form?

A. Liver
B. Stomach
C. Kidney
D. Heart

Answer: A. Blood pressure and hydration

Explanation: The kidneys adjust fluid levels and help regulate blood pressure.

What else do the kidneys help control besides filtering blood?

A. Blood pressure and hydration
B. Sleep cycles
C. Heart rate
D. Lung capacity

Answer: C. They lose filtering ability and waste builds up

Explanation: Fewer working nephrons mean less filtration and more toxins staying in the body.

What happens when kidneys lose many nephrons?

A. They filter blood faster
B. They become stronger
C. They lose filtering ability and waste builds up
D. They make more urine

Answer: B. HOMA-IR test

Explanation: He recommends a HOMA-IR test, which can show insulin resistance before diabetes develops.

What test can measure insulin resistance early?

A. Blood calcium
B. HOMA-IR test
C. Eye exam
D. Chest X-ray

Answer: B. It only controls symptoms

Explanation: He criticizes focusing only on symptom management instead of fixing high sugar intake.

What does Dr. Berg say about “managing” diabetes with drugs alone?

A. It corrects the root cause
B. It only controls symptoms
C. It has no effect
D. It removes sugar from the body completely

Answer: B. It turns into fat in the body

Explanation: Dr. Berg explains that excess sugar moves into fat storage around organs rather than vanishing.

According to him, what happens to sugar when drugs “remove” it from the blood?

A. It disappears
B. It turns into fat in the body
C. It changes into protein
D. It evaporates

Answer: A. Edema, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure

Explanation: He lists these conditions as results of high blood sugar that medicine often manages separately.

What common health problems are treated as diabetes “complications”?

A. Edema, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure
B. Low blood pressure and fever
C. Bone weakness and cough
D. Hair loss and tooth decay

Answer: B. Too much carbohydrate and sugar intake

Explanation: He blames the high-carb diet full of breads, pasta, cereals, and snacks.

What is the main cause of having so many diabetics, according to Dr. Berg?

A. Too much exercise
B. Too much carbohydrate and sugar intake
C. Not enough vitamins
D. Low sleep hours

Answer: B. American Diabetes Association

Explanation: He says the ADA knows carbs raise sugar but doesn’t clearly limit them enough.

Which group still allows high carbohydrate intake, as he mentions critically?

A. Heart Association
B. American Diabetes Association
C. Nutrition Society
D. World Health Organization

Answer: A. Protein builds up in urine

Explanation: Poor recycling makes protein leak into urine—a key sign of kidney filter damage.

What can happen when kidneys can’t recycle protein properly?

A. Protein builds up in urine
B. Muscles grow faster
C. Blood sugar goes up
D. The skin dries

Answer: B. Puffy face and swelling

Explanation: Low protein lets fluid leak into tissues, causing edema (swelling).

What visible sign appears when protein in blood drops too low?

A. Dry hair
B. Puffy face and swelling
C. Weight loss
D. Red eyes

Answer: B. They supply phytonutrients and minerals

Explanation: Salads provide plant nutrients that protect kidneys and help control sugar.

Why are salads considered important in his plan?

A. They are low in nutrients
B. They supply phytonutrients and minerals
C. They replace water
D. They cause bloating

Answer: B. A magical recycler with sensors

Explanation: He calls the kidney a “magical recycler” that senses and regulates fluid and nutrients.

How does he describe the kidney overall?

A. A simple passive filter
B. A magical recycler with sensors
C. A weak organ
D. A small muscle

Answer: B. Diabetes often leads to kidney damage over time

Explanation: High blood sugar over many years harms the nephrons and leads to diabetic nephropathy.

What is the connection between diabetes and kidney disease in his view?

A. They are unrelated
B. Diabetes often leads to kidney damage over time
C. Kidney disease causes diabetes
D. Only infections cause both

Answer: B. Focus on diet, reduce sugar, and protect the kidneys naturally

Explanation: His talk encourages lifestyle and dietary changes—especially cutting sugar—to keep kidneys healthy.

What is Dr. Berg’s overall message about preventing kidney problems?

A. Use many drugs
B. Focus on diet, reduce sugar, and protect the kidneys naturally
C. Avoid water
D. Sleep less