I thought I’d jump in here. I am not nearly as kind, diplomatic and thoughtful as Ginger is. I have trouble relating to folks who have eGFR (s) in the 40’s and 50’s when mine has been down in the teens, but I will give it a try. Since this discussion is mainly about protein (in the diet) I will try to focus on that.

For a long time now I have had high amounts of protein in my system. I am also diabetic and have had to limit and count carbohydrates for so long that I pretty much feasted on proteins unlimited. Then I learned that diabetes and high blood pressure are the two most common causes of kidney disease. I learned to limit sodium (salt) intake to improve blood pressure and learned about protein intake.

Protein is a key nutrient for building muscles and growing so it is important for babies, children and teenagers who are still growing. But it is also important for renewing all the cells in the body. Once you are grown your provider can help you determine how much you need based on factors like height, weight, gender, medical conditions that you have ….. etc. They can put this in terms using kilograms / pounds, grams / ounces, milligrams …..etc. regarding the units you are familiar with depending on where you live.

What I learned about protein is that red meat (beef) is hard on kidneys to process. So I rely on poultry, fish, some pork, eggs and some dairy products for protein. (I especially like Greek yogurt - high in protein, fairly low in carbohydrates.) I say this with caution because there are other nutrients you may need to be careful of depending on your situation and labs. This includes calcium, oxalates, phosphorus, potassium…..etc. Each person is different.

A renal nutritionist can communicate with your Dr. to learn your specific situation then work with you to develop an eating plan based on your needs, likes and dislikes. I think this is important because most doctors only get a little training in nutrition. Dieticians don’t necessarily have training in particular diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease…..etc. I was blessed to find one who was diabetic herself and was committed to preventing &/or improving kidney disease. She also took an interest in my personal likes and dislikes. This was helpful because if a person really detests something, they won’t eat it no matter how healthy it is. Also if a person really likes or craves something that is unhealthy a good dietician can suggest alternatives to try (substitutions) that won’t be as harmful.

I’ve been working with a nephrologist / kidney specialist and a nutritionist since about 2008. (A urologist deals with your bladder.) My nephrologist measures the protein in my urine. It used to be sky high and now is normal or negative. My eGFR was in the teens (14) at one point. It is in the 30’s now. My nephrologist says my kidney function is stable. Thank God!