Medically Reviewed and Compiled by Dr. Adam N. Khan, MD.
Bethenny Frankel’s Health Update
In January 2026, Bethenny Frankel announced she has been diagnosed with Stage 2 Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). The former Real Housewives star shared that after several blood tests showed low kidney function, a specialist confirmed the diagnosis.
While he
Medically Reviewed and Compiled by Dr. Adam N. Khan, MD.
Bethenny Frankel’s Health Update
In January 2026, Bethenny Frankel announced she has been diagnosed with Stage 2 Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). The former Real Housewives star shared that after several blood tests showed low kidney function, a specialist confirmed the diagnosis.
While her condition is currently in a mild stage, her doctors suggest it may have been caused by a severe allergic reaction years ago, an autoimmune issue, or chronic dehydration. She is now focused on staying hydrated and avoiding certain medications like ibuprofen to prevent the disease from getting worse.
Bethenny Frankel and Kidney Disease: What You Need to Know
Bethenny Frankel, the powerhouse entrepreneur behind the Skinnygirl empire, recently gave her fans a serious “medical cautionary tale.” In a personal video shared with her millions of followers, the 55-year-old revealed she is facing a new health battle: Stage 2 Chronic Kidney Disease.
This news came as a shock to many, but Bethenny is using her story to remind everyone why routine check-ups are so important. Even if you feel healthy on the outside, your blood work can tell a very different story on the inside.
How the Diagnosis Happened
Bethenny didn’t find out about her kidney issues because she felt sick. In fact, she was trying to be proactive about her health by getting regular blood tests and bone density scans. Over a few months, she noticed a trend: her kidney function numbers were consistently coming up low.
Despite being a bit nervous to see a specialist, she followed through with an appointment. That is where her doctor gave her the news. “You have stage 2 chronic kidney disease,” he told her. While the news was scary, catching it at Stage 2 is actually a positive sign because it allows for early intervention.
What is Stage 2 Chronic Kidney Disease?
To understand Bethenny’s health, it helps to know what Stage 2 CKD actually means. The kidneys are like the body’s filter system. They clean your blood and turn waste into urine.
In Stage 2, there is a mild loss of kidney function. Your kidneys are still doing their job, but they aren’t working at 100 percent. At this stage, most people don’t have obvious symptoms like pain or swelling. That is why it is often called a “silent” condition. The goal of treatment at this level is simple: stop the damage from getting any worse.
Possible Causes: Looking Back at the Past
Many fans have wondered how a fitness-conscious person like Bethenny ended up with kidney damage. Her doctors have pointed to a few possibilities:
- A Near-Fatal Allergy Attack: In 2018, Bethenny had a traumatic allergic reaction to fish that nearly took her life. Doctors believe the intense stress and trauma of that event may have caused lasting damage to her organs.
- Chronic Dehydration: Bethenny admitted that she has struggled to drink enough water for years. Even though she often carries a water bottle, she wasn’t actually drinking it.+1
- Autoimmune Factors: There is a possibility that an underlying autoimmune issue could be attacking her kidneys.
- Past Health Struggles: Bethenny has also dealt with POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) and long COVID, which can put extra strain on the body’s systems.
The Path Forward: “Water is Your Medicine”
The most important takeaway from Bethenny’s doctor was a simple one: Hydration is key. Her specialist told her she needs to drink roughly 1.5 gallons of water every day. He famously told her, “Water is your medicine.”
Besides drinking more water, she has to make other lifestyle shifts:
- Cutting out NSAIDs: Common pain relievers like ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen (Aleve) can be hard on the kidneys.
- Limiting certain supplements: Even natural items like turmeric were on the list of things to avoid.
- Dietary Tweaks: She mentioned needing to be careful with things like ice cream and certain processed foods that can tax the renal system.
A Message of Awareness
Bethenny isn’t sharing her story for sympathy. She wants people to “be thorough” with their own medical care. Her advice is to get blood work done every six months if you can. If you see a number that looks like an “outlier”—meaning it’s not in the normal range—don’t ignore it.
By being open about her Stage 2 diagnosis, she is shining a light on a condition that affects millions of people who may not even know they have it. Early detection means you can make changes now to avoid serious problems, like dialysis or kidney failure, later in life.
Medical Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read here.
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