American entrepreneur and television personality Bethenny Frankel has disclosed that she has been diagnosed with stage 2 chronic kidney disease. The revelation follows a routine blood test that raised concerns about her kidney function, prompting further medical evaluation. Frankel shared this significant update on social media, where she reflected on past health issues that she believes may have contributed to her current condition.
Health professionals identified the kidney disease after standard blood work revealed abnormal markers. Following this, she was referred to a specialist who confirmed the diagnosis. At this stage, kidney damage is considered mild but measurable, leading doctors to focus on monitoring kidney function and preventing further decline. Frankel emphasized that she had not noticed any obvious symptoms before the tests, underscoring the crucial role of early screening.
In discussing the potential causes of her kidney issues, Frankel mentioned a traumatic allergic reaction she experienced years ago, during which she stated she “almost died.” Medical experts have suggested that the kidney damage could be autoimmune or linked to that previous reaction. Frankel explained that severe allergic responses can exert significant stress on the body, potentially affecting vital organs, including the kidneys.
While she has not provided detailed information about her current health status since the diagnosis, Frankel is determined to make necessary changes to her lifestyle. She has been advised to increase her water intake and improve her hydration, acknowledging that she had not consistently prioritized this aspect of her health. Furthermore, dietary modifications are part of her new regimen, as she plans to reduce her consumption of certain foods she enjoys. Adjusting her habits may prove challenging, but she recognizes the importance of these changes in light of her diagnosis.
The kidney diagnosis comes on the heels of a difficult start to 2026 for Frankel. Earlier this year, she revealed in a TikTok video that she developed a bacterial infection while vacationing in St Barts, which she attributed to hotel towels. This infection added to her health concerns and preceded the discovery of her kidney function issues. Although the two events have not been officially linked, Frankel described the period as physically draining.
Frankel chose to share her diagnosis to raise awareness about health issues and the importance of routine blood work. She urged others not to overlook abnormal test results or postpone follow-up appointments. Her emphasis on prevention and awareness aims to encourage people to take their health seriously, highlighting that early detection can significantly impact the management of chronic conditions like kidney disease.
Moving forward, Frankel will continue to see specialists to monitor her kidney function and assess any progression of the disease. To date, she has not indicated that her condition has advanced beyond stage 2. For now, her focus remains on staying hydrated, adhering to medical advice, and making lifestyle adjustments to support her health as she navigates living with a chronic kidney condition.
