Bethenny Frankel Shares Update on Chronic Kidney Disease

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Bethenny Frankel revealed that her chronic kidney disease has taken a 'step in the wrong direction,' progressing from stage 2 to stage 3A. The former 'Real Housewives of New York City' star said she felt 'sick to her stomach' over the news and is concerned about staying hydrated, as her doctor has advised that 'water is your medicine.' Frankel urged her social media followers to get tested, warning against 'supplements everyone is being pushed and sold.'

Why it matters

Frankel's openness about her health struggles sheds light on the challenges of managing chronic kidney disease, a condition that affects millions of Americans. Her story highlights the importance of regular check-ups and the need for patients to be proactive in their care, especially when it comes to monitoring medication and supplement use.

The details

According to Frankel, her kidney function has been 'coming up low' for months, and her doctor has now determined she has progressed to stage 3A of the disease. While this is 'not quite at medication point,' Frankel said her doctor has emphasized the importance of staying hydrated, which has caused her 'anxiety' as she is 'always dehydrated.' Frankel also revealed that a recent sonogram detected a 'liver nodule,' underscoring the need for comprehensive health monitoring.

• Frankel first shared her kidney disease diagnosis in January 2026.
• On February 19, 2026, Frankel updated her followers that her condition had progressed to stage 3A.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Frankel said she will 'come back and get tested in a couple months' to monitor the progression of her chronic kidney disease.