Reality TV star Bethenny Frankel just shared some scary health news with her millions of followers—and she’s hoping it’ll be a wake-up call for everyone else.
The 55-year-old Real Housewives of New York alum revealed she’s been diagnosed with stage two chronic kidney disease.
But she’s not asking for sympathy. She’s asking people to get their bloodwork done.
Here’s what happened, what she’s changing, and why doctors say her message matters.
Frankel’s Diagnosis Came After Routine Blood Tests
Frankel took to Instagram on Thursday to share news that a specialist had just diagnosed her earlier that day. Blood tests had flagged something concerning, prompting further investigation.
I have a medical announcement, not because I want you to worry, but because I want you to take precautions in your own life.
According to Frankel, doctors told her several factors could have contributed to kidney damage. Possibilities include an autoimmune condition or lingering effects from a near-fatal allergic reaction she experienced years ago.
But there was another culprit that might surprise you: not drinking enough water.
What Is Stage Two Chronic Kidney Disease?
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) progresses through five stages, with stage two indicating mild damage and slightly reduced kidney function. At this stage, kidneys still work relatively well—typically filtering between 60 and 89 percent as efficiently as healthy kidneys.
Many people with stage two CKD don’t experience noticeable symptoms, which makes routine testing critical. Left unmanaged, kidney function can continue declining, eventually leading to kidney failure.
Common risk factors include diabetes, high blood pressure, autoimmune diseases, prolonged use of certain medications, and chronic dehydration.
Frankel’s New Lifestyle Changes
Frankel didn’t just share her diagnosis—she shared her action plan. She told followers she’ll be making several adjustments moving forward to protect her kidneys.
- Avoiding ibuprofen: NSAIDs like ibuprofen can strain kidneys, especially with frequent use
- Cutting out turmeric: While generally healthy, high doses may pose risks for people with kidney issues
- Saying goodbye to ice cream: Likely related to limiting phosphorus and potassium, which kidneys struggle to filter when damaged
- Drinking significantly more water: Hydration supports kidney function and helps flush toxins
These changes might seem small, but they’re precisely what nephrologists recommend for early-stage CKD patients.
Why Dehydration Is So Dangerous for Kidneys
Frankel mentioned she doesn’t drink much water—a habit that likely contributed to her diagnosis. Chronic dehydration forces kidneys to work harder, concentrating waste products and increasing risk of damage over time.
Kidneys need adequate fluid to filter blood effectively. When you’re consistently dehydrated, waste builds up, potentially forming kidney stones and causing inflammation.
Water intake recommendations vary, but most health experts suggest aiming for at least eight 8-ounce glasses daily—more if you’re active or live in hot climates.
Frankel’s Call to Action: Get Your Bloodwork Done
Perhaps most importantly, Frankel used her platform to urge followers toward preventive care.
It’s important to go and get your blood all of your blood work done, all of it, be thorough and then do the follow-ups for anything that seems like an outlier.
Regular comprehensive metabolic panels can detect early kidney problems before symptoms appear. Key markers include creatinine levels, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and blood urea nitrogen (BUN).
Early detection makes all the difference. Catching kidney disease in stages one or two allows for interventions that can slow or even halt progression.
Frankel’s Rocky Start to 2025
This diagnosis caps off a difficult few weeks for the entrepreneur and media personality. Frankel had to cut short a New Year’s getaway to St. Barts after developing a bacterial infection on her face.
Between the infection and now the kidney disease diagnosis, Frankel’s health has taken center stage—though she’s handling it with characteristic transparency and determination.
What You Can Do Today
Frankel’s message resonates because kidney disease often develops silently. By the time symptoms appear, significant damage may have already occurred.
Take these steps now:
- Schedule comprehensive bloodwork if you haven’t had it done recently
- Increase daily water intake gradually
- Limit NSAID use unless medically necessary
- Monitor blood pressure regularly
- Maintain healthy blood sugar levels
- Follow up on any abnormal test results immediately
Frankel’s willingness to share her diagnosis publicly serves an important purpose. It normalizes health struggles and emphasizes preventive care—something far too many people neglect until problems become serious.
Her transparency might just save someone else’s kidneys.