Newly diagnosed with CKD (Chronic Kidney Disease) and terrified

I'm curious as to why your nephrologist pushes salt and protein. What's her reasoning since, like you say, it goes against conventional recommendations? I currently try to limit both.

@my44 the salt is for low blood pressure, which could slow filtration in the kidneys. The protein I believe is for muscles, since muscle loss can affect eGFR. But I am going to ask to make certain.

Thanks, @windyshores. let me know what you find out. Meanwhile, the explanations you listed so far sound feasible to me. I don't have a problem with low blood pressure so I would continue limiting salt. But I do worry about muscle loss because I don't think I consume enough protein, as I've been on a vegetarian diet. I have consulted with a dietician, but I haven't been able to incorporate them...things like soy and tofu. She also mentioned Greek yogurt which I used to eat years ago. I went out and bought some but never ate it. Not sure why. Right now, my main source of protein seems to be nuts, and to a lesser extent cheese. But I have to limit how much I consume of both of those. Any suggestions?

I believe most people with CKD avoid salt and protein so you should talk about this with your doctor! I will let folks know the reason I am told to "push protein" because honestly I was only guessing.

@my44 I recently read a Member Spotlight interview on you by @rosemarya. I was inspired by your kidney transplant story. You said that of all your health issues your kidney health was a top priority (not a direct quote). I understand this. I had a pancreas transplant going on 20 years ago for the purpose of saving my kidneys. When you have been blessed to receive a transplant everything else must focus on protecting and preserving that organ. That includes immune suppression & other medications, dietary considerations (protein, salt, vitamins, minerals, supplements, hydration, masking & hand washing ….. plus many other factors. Congratulations on your transplant.

I’m so sorry you are feeling this way. I felt the same panic when diagnosed last year at stage My Dr wasn’t concerned at all… told me “ well it’s not like it’s stage 3 cancer!” Stage 3 as it turns out is the first stage they will even mention it to you. That’s the first stage that shows up as “ out of range” on blood tests. The tests can be greatly influenced by many things such as hydration so follow testing trends over time not individual tests for the best picture of what’s happening. What finally calmed my fears was doing hours of research about CKD, online. While it’s true kidneys don’t repair themselves, you can greatly slow the progress of CKD with proper diet and lifestyle and addressing any possible underlying contributing conditions such as high blood pressure etc. The American Kidney Foundation is a great source of information. Certified nutrtionists are a great resource as well. I haven’t found a general MD who has any in depth knowledge of the disease and nephrologists won’t see me at stage 3 as it’s considered mild and they are swamped with folks at later stages. CKD is reaching epidemic proportions in our society. I believe not mentioning it until stage 3 is one reason! Arm yourself with information and reach out as you’ve done. Try to breathe…. Peace

What foods do you stay away from?

@marylan9 Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! As you wander through the different threads here in the Kidney and Bladder Support Group you will see there are different diet discussions already ongoing:
- https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/3rd-stage-kidney-disease/
- https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/renal-nutritionist/

The National Kidney Foundation has information for diets to follow: https://www.kidney.org/nutrition

Basically, what you want to do is limit salt, calcium, phosphorous, potassium, red meat, and watch protein intake and hydration. Avoid NSAIDS, manage stress, get moderate exercise. And if you are dealing with either of the two acknowledged main causes of Chronic Kidney Disease - high blood pressure and diabetes - you want to be getting those under control.

What stage are you? Do you have any contributing factors to your kidney disease?
Ginger

@marylan9 Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! As you wander through the different threads here in the Kidney and Bladder Support Group you will see there are different diet discussions already ongoing:
- https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/3rd-stage-kidney-disease/
- https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/renal-nutritionist/

The National Kidney Foundation has information for diets to follow: https://www.kidney.org/nutrition

Basically, what you want to do is limit salt, calcium, phosphorous, potassium, red meat, and watch protein intake and hydration. Avoid NSAIDS, manage stress, get moderate exercise. And if you are dealing with either of the two acknowledged main causes of Chronic Kidney Disease - high blood pressure and diabetes - you want to be getting those under control.

What stage are you? Do you have any contributing factors to your kidney disease?
Ginger