Bethenny Frankel Shares New Health Update at 55: 'I Have a Medical Announcement'

The founder of the Skinnygirl brand revealed this week that she has been diagnosed with a chronic health condition, sharing the update directly with fans after a series of medical tests raised concerns.

Bethenny Frankel shared the diagnosis in a January 22, 2026, Instagram video, explaining that the update was intended as a cautionary message for others to pay closer attention to their own health.

What Prompted the Update

The "Real Housewives of New York" alum, 55, explained that she has long tried to stay ahead of potential health issues. Frankel said that she has been "proactive about blood tests," but repeated lab work revealed a concerning trend.

In the video, shared on her official account, signaling that the update was as much about awareness as it was about her own health, Frankel said:

"I have a medical announcement. Not because I want you to worry, but because I want you to take precautions in your own life. Be mindful because months ago, I decided that I was going to be very proactive about blood tests, bone density, all the things I had heard people talking about."

The Diagnosis

"I started to take a series of blood tests, and each time my kidney function was coming up low, and then today I was told I had an appointment with a kidney specialist, and I didn't want to go," she added.

Despite initial reluctance, she ultimately attended the appointment earlier that day because her team of doctors said it would be beneficial. That visit, she noted, changed the course of the conversation.

"When I went, he said to me, 'You have stage 2 chronic kidney disease,'" she revealed.

Why the Diagnosis Matters

Bethenny said her doctor explained that the condition could be autoimmune in nature or possibly linked to a traumatic allergic reaction she experienced years ago.

"He said it could be a function of this traumatic experience I had years ago when I almost died from an allergy attack," she said, noting that it "could have done damage to the kidney."

She also shared that the condition may explain recurring infections she has dealt with over time. " It could be autoimmune. It's connected to urinary, which I do get UTIs, not as much anymore," she continued.

How She Was Advised to Manage It

According to Bethenny, the first line of treatment was surprisingly challenging but straightforward for her personally: hydration.

"I don't drink a lot of water, you guys know that I always have an hydration packet, I'm holding a bottle, but I'm not usually drinking it," she admitted.

When she mentioned to her doctor that she drinks kombucha, she clearly recalled his response. "Water is your medicine. You have to drink a giant. I think he said a liter and a half a day," she said, promising to show the fans the bottle while estimating he recommended adding hydration packets.

The specialist also advised her to avoid certain medications and supplements, including ibuprofen, Aleve, Advil, and turmeric, among others, which she could not recall at the moment. However, she was allowed to take Tylenol.

One restriction stood out humorously, as she was eating it on camera. "I remembered after," she said, referencing ice cream.

What Chronic Kidney Disease Means

According to the American Kidney Fund, Stage 2 chronic kidney disease (CKD) is defined by an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) between 60 and 89, indicating mildly decreased kidney function.

At this stage, the kidneys are still able to filter blood effectively, which is why many people experience few or no noticeable symptoms. While existing kidney damage is often not reversible, lifestyle changes and medical management can help slow progression and reduce the risk of advancing to later stages of CKD.

Frankel emphasized that her reason for sharing the diagnosis publicly was not to cause concern, but to encourage others to stay vigilant about their own health, especially when early signs can be easy to dismiss.

Recent Health Issues While Traveling

The kidney diagnosis comes after a series of health-related disclosures earlier this month. In separate TikTok videos, Frankel revealed that she contracted a bacterial infection while vacationing in St. Barth's in early January.

In another post, she addressed online speculation surrounding the infection and clarified its cause.

"A doctor had to come on here and clarify the facial chlamydia, which I became the unpaid spokesperson for, does not exist. So, I had a bacterial infection from towels," she said, explaining that the infection was bacterial and likely contracted through contaminated towels.

She added that her daughter was the first to recognize the symptoms, having experienced something similar in the past.

"Towels hold bacteria, so do sheets," the TV personality said, describing how hotel linens and towels can harbor germs even in high-end accommodations.

"Even in the best of hotels, if they are washing it, like, the towel fairy takes it off, and it gets washed, it sits in these bins with food, and beverage, and heat," she explained, adding that:

"It just is not sanitary in any situation. Like, even a well-cleaned towel still holds bacteria. A face cloth holds bacteria."

Previous Autoimmune Diagnosis

In 2023, Frankel also disclosed that she had been diagnosed with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), an autoimmune disorder that affects blood flow and heart rate.

In an Instagram post at the time, she described the condition as a "serious battle," noting that it had worsened following COVID-19.

"I suffer from chronic severe dehydration," she wrote, explaining that she experiences extremely low blood pressure and fluid retention. She said she manages the condition through hydration, IV treatments, and lifestyle changes, including avoiding alcohol.

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, POTS is a form of orthostatic intolerance that causes symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, fatigue, and rapid heartbeat when standing, and can significantly affect daily activity levels.

Taken together, Frankel framed the latest diagnosis as part of a longer, ongoing effort to better understand her body and manage complex health challenges rather than a single, isolated setback. While she acknowledged the adjustments ahead, she said her focus remains on prevention, awareness, and consistency, a message she hopes resonates beyond her own experience.

By speaking openly, Frankel underscored the importance of listening to warning signs, keeping routine appointments, and treating everyday habits, such as hydration, as essential, not optional, for long-term health.