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CKD stage 3 diet
Hello! My husband was diagnosed with CKD stage 3 about 6 weeks ago. I have lists of sodium and potassium values for most common foods, also got some renal diet cookbooks from the library, as well as from Amazon, and do a lot of checking out recipes online.
I tried to find a renal dietician, but there isn't one. Physician(s) nor hospital outpatient services have anyone to recommend, either. Of course, once you progress to the dialysis stage, there's a personal dietician available. But not before, at least here.
So: muddling through. Most, if not all recipes I''ve seen are heavy on boiling stuff, especially vegetables. I get that for carrots, beans, etc., but I've yet to find a reason why I shouldn't roast them in the oven, with olive oil, garlic, etc. Does the cooking method really make a difference?
Also: almost every recipe for CKD diet is super low in calories. Great for someone overweight, but with a BMI of 21.6 my husband does not need to lose weight. But instead of bulking up with healthy vegetables I'm stuck with increasing carbs (rice, pasta), since vegetables contain quite a lot of potassium.
Lastly: leaching potassium out of potatoes: online recommendation is small pieces, lots of warm water, rinse and replace frequently, room temperature. Specially bought cook book by renal dietician says cold water, fridge, overnight (which internet says is the least effective method). Any comment? This is for potatoes destined to be roasted, not mashed.
Sorry to carry on, but there's so much conflicting information going on. Perhaps someone who has dealt with this for a while has some hints or advice.
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My nephrologist wants me to do more salt and protein, and hydrate. So check with your doctor on diet.
I appreciate your comments, especially about Mother Earth and the Ancestors for their help. I take walks in nature, and trails, and visit the Eagle's nest near our home. I eat very little meat but am concerned about beans and rice. Edamame is very good for protein as is tofu but we have to watch potassium intake as well. I eat fruits, nuts, and veggies. I am concerned about muscle mass decline. I used to work out, swim and tread water, lift weights, and run. All that increases creatinine. Kidney health articles encourage exercise, but how much? I'm 66 years old and my eGFR is 27. I'm getting my 3 months bloodwork today and requested a Cystatin GFR test.
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2 ReactionsHello, my husband has diagnosed with CKD stage 3 too. I have had some research as well .unfortunately, most of healthy food contains Potassium and magnesium. We can share our experiences about managing the restriction of food dietary together for our beloved one and others . My husband used to exercise every day but his physician insists that he should not because more muscle activity cause more toxins to be eliminate which needs go through the kidneys.
You will see varying information on diets from various sources. Sources from This site, physicians, colleagues and friends. All our helpful in our search for what could be best for us. Challenges confront the doctor, renal dietitians and us as patients in knowing what to do. I had my right kidney removed on January 12, have stage 3 kidney disease, and in the pre-diabetic stage. Therefore, I should not eat anything or so it seems. I have read, researched and web site at University of Michigan has been very helpful. I am 69, have been vegetarian since I was 25 years old and have still ended up with my current situation. I try to do my best each day. However, Saturdays are mine and I cheat like crazy, Haha. Gather information, keep anxiety low and do your best. I have attached web site for University of Michigan. Hopefully I have not over stepped any boundary by listing a web site that may be of help. Blessings.
https://medicine.umich.edu/sites/default/files/content/downloads/Holewinski.pdf
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2 ReactionsUseful information, I will appreciate.
Thank you for posting. That link is amazing and really appreciate it. Don't think I have kidney disease....yet, but since taking NSAIDs for the last month or so, a statin forever, etc., it never hurts to be informed!
I didn't see anything about medications. I guess that was all about diet.
Take good care and keep that sense of humor and relaxed outlook on life. There is nothing that can help more. Hugs to you.
I think it is important to focus on the word "individualized."
My nephrologist wants me to increase both salt and protein, with the idea that low blood pressure and muscle mass loss might be driving my lower eGFR.
I was also surprised that the site only mentions the creatinine-based eGFR. The Cystatin- based eGFR is much steadier and less influenced by dehydration or muscle loss.
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1 ReactionAfter reading the posts about c cystatin being more a more accurate kidney function test, I received the results yesterday. 🙂 Rather than eGFR 27 and 4 stage, I’m GFR 35, 3rd stage. That may seem small, but it’s huge for me. My nephrologist encouraged me to eat normally, I rarely eat processed food. She said don’t be afraid of potassium and my salt level was below normal on my results. Albumin is normal. My protein comes from beans/rice, vegetables, nuts and seeds and dairy. I’m not a vegetarian but I rarely eat meat. My healthcare system does not do c cystatin tests. They had to send it out, CA I think. Why is c cystatin such a difficult test? I’m not sure it’s covered by Medicare.
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1 ReactionIt's covered by my Medicare Advantage. The Cystatin C does not jump around like the creatinine based eGFR which for me bounces around from 36 to 53!
Thanks to everybody for their comments and helpful hints. I've been over-stressed and short of time the last week or so, but will respond with more details, and possibly more questions, in the next days. Your posts are being read and appreciated, definitely!
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