Bethenny Frankel, the 55-year-old entrepreneur and former star of "The Real Housewives of New York City," has opened up about her recent health battle. She detailed the symptoms that ultimately led her to seek medical advice, which she now shares with others.

The Journey to Diagnosis

Frankel revealed to Page Six that for several years, she experienced persistent issues. These included significant dehydration, frequent dizziness, and low blood pressure. She noted that these symptoms eventually became "way more intense" over time.

Understanding Stage 3a Chronic Kidney Disease

The reality star confirmed she has been diagnosed with stage 3a chronic kidney disease. This classification means patients typically have an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) between 45 and 59 for at least three months.

Frankel confessed that receiving a formal diagnosis was emotionally taxing. "To hear a doctor give you a real diagnosis with a name and a number is, like, overwhelming. Slightly frightening," she admitted. She stated the condition makes her feel "vulnerable" and "fragile."

She emphasized her motivation to manage her health for her 15-year-old daughter, Bryn. Frankel stressed that stage 3a chronic kidney disease is manageable through specific lifestyle adjustments.

Internet Clues Led to Medical Action

Frankel credited online speculation for prompting her to finally seek professional medical evaluation. She mentioned that the internet diagnosing her with POTS inspired her to investigate further.

This investigation led to the discovery of her actual condition. She now focuses on practical changes, such as hydration. "That water is your medicine," Frankel explained, noting her water intake has become a functional necessity.

Lifestyle Management and New Partnerships

As a trained natural foods chef and founder of Skinnygirl, Frankel has always championed making healthy food choices. She reflected on navigating past food industry trends, such as "fat-free crap" and "airy frozen dessert[s]."

This commitment to quality ingredients aligns with her recent collaboration. Frankel partnered with the frozen Greek yogurt brand Yasso to promote their new line of "Spoonables."

Alignment with Yasso's 'Spoonables'

Frankel stated that the product quality, protein content, and manageable calories per container resonated with her philosophy. She looks for "good-investment foods" with ingredients people can pronounce.

"The flavors are amazing, and the product tastes incredible. It has to taste good," she remarked. Frankel added that both she and her daughter are "obsessed" with the new line, which helps combat misleading marketing aimed at younger consumers.

In a demonstration, Frankel mixed a scoop of Yasso’s coffee chocolate chip-flavored Spoonable into her iced coffee. She described this combination as a "supermodel snack" and insisted the chocolate pieces coming up the straw were "insane."

To mark April Fool’s Day, Yasso announced a giveaway of 40,001 Spoonables for those who have experienced "freezer fraud."