Bethenny Frankel is no stranger to sharing her honest thoughts. Throughout her career, she’s spoken candidly about the good, the bad, the laughable and everything in between. Now, she’s sharing something far more personal: she’s been diagnosed with stage 2 chronic kidney disease.
Fans have come to know Frankel for her quippy TikTok chats, but her latest post struck a more somber tone. The former Real Housewives of New York star shared that after routine bloodwork and medical testing, she learned her kidney function was lower than normal.
Upon hearing the news, Frankel admits she was hesitant to pursue further testing, a feeling many can relate to. “I was told I had a doctor’s appointment with a kidney specialist and I didn’t want to go,” she says. But her team urged her to go and learn more. “When I went, he [the doctor] said to me, ‘You have stage 2 chronic kidney disease,’” she recounts. During the appointment, the specialist explained that her condition could stem from a range of factors, including a previous allergic reaction, urinary tract issues or an autoimmune disorder.
According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease, the kidneys filter the blood and remove waste, and staying adequately hydrated helps support that process. Frankel says her doctor echoed that guidance. “Water is your medicine. You have to drink about a liter and a half a day,” she explains.
True to form, Frankel kept it real, admitting that while she’s often spotted with a water bottle and hydration packets, she doesn’t actually drink much water. She also shared that she’s had urinary tract infections in the past, though not as frequently now—an important detail given the kidneys’ role in the urinary system.
By sharing her diagnosis, the Skinnygirl founder says her goal isn’t to alarm fans, but to encourage them to stay on top of their own health. “I want you to take precautions in your own life and be mindful,” she says. “Maybe this is something I’ll have to deal with my whole life. But I wanted to share because I think it’s important to go get all of your bloodwork done.”
