The problem RenalCare solves

In India, there are more than 1,710,000 patients suffering from weakened kidney function. Managing a proper diet for dialysis patients is difficult due to the diverse nature of Indian Cuisine. It requires personalized plans considering CKD (Chronic Kidney Disease) levels and nutrient restrictions like Phosphorus, Potassium, Protein, Sodium, and Water. Phosphorus control is vital due to its link to bone disease and cardiovascular issues. Patients must limit phosphorus-rich foods like dairy and processed items.

Potassium regulation is crucial to prevent cardiac complications; thus, patients often avoid high-potassium foods like bananas and potatoes. Protein intake needs moderation to prevent uremic toxicity without overburdening the kidneys. Sodium restriction aids in managing fluid balance and blood pressure. Patients are advised to limit processed and salty foods. Water intake is closely monitored to avoid fluid overload.

Collaborating with dietitians and healthcare teams is essential for ongoing support and adjustments to dietary plans, considering evolving needs due to changing kidney function. By adhering to personalized dietary guidelines, dialysis patients can enhance their health outcomes and quality of life.

Challenges we ran into

Building RenalCare marked our first venture into app development. The learning curve was steep, and understanding the intricacies of creating a user-friendly interface while ensuring robust functionality posed a significant challenge. We overcame this by investing time in comprehensive research, tutorials, and seeking guidance from experienced developers.

Connecting RenalCare to Firebase for data storage and real-time updates presented a complex challenge. Understanding Firebase's intricacies, such as real-time databases, and cloud functions, required dedicated effort. We successfully tackled this by breaking down the integration process into smaller tasks, leveraging online resources, and seeking support from Firebase community forums.

Accurately collecting nutrient content data for various foods, especially considering phosphorus, potassium, protein, sodium, and water content, was a formidable challenge. It involved sourcing reliable databases, dealing with inconsistent data formats, and ensuring real-time updates. To address this, we collaborated with nutritionists, utilized reputable nutritional databases, and implemented robust data validation mechanisms to ensure accuracy.