Stage 3 Kidney Disease and Diet: What can I eat?

@lb0530 There are literally hundreds of kidney kind cook books. I recently purchased a Lee Hull cookbook titled Stopping Kidney Disease Food Guide. It is popular enough that there were no copies at Half Price Books, so I purchased one off of Amazon. Much of the book is informational and not just recipes. I believe that following one person makes more sense than trying to integrate the teachings of several experts. His recipes seem reasonably easy to follow and adjustable as needed. I have only been using it for about 2 weeks, so not a lot of experience with it.

Just found out last week that I have stage 3BCKD doing some research on it and dieting anybody has any tips on dieting or vitamins. The doctor put me on calcium and D3. I also have biosis and very bad back problems and help or concerns or advice On the diet part would be helpful thank you Carol

@hatetocook when I got colon cancer, my diets were all over the place, trying to deal with what my system could handle…appetite went way down, weight followed…then docs were on me to eat anything to gain weight, including heavy sugar/fat options…then the long slow slog with post-surgery low fiber diet….then a bit more normal as I very slowly added veggies/fruits….then the osteoporosis diet—high protein, high dairy…blood test #s all over the place….finally figuring out a kidney friendly diet to get those #s better…and normalizing my diet for overall health and blood #s—that feels like such a ‘’win’’ at last…took trial and error, research, patience—the lesson is that we can help ourselves to better health even with multiple conditions. didn’t require drugs so far…due to frequent cancer surveillance blood testing, I could monitor my numbers..hang in there and be proactive !

@nycmusic I'm so sorry about your colon cancer. Hope you're cancer-free now! Thanks for explaining the process to me. It's very helpful. When I was diagnosed in 2023, I still was exhausted from taking care of my late husband for the last five years of his life. I recently realized, that all I wanted at the time was "freedom and no responsibility--even for myself," although I did purposely lose 30 pounds in nine months, and deal with three kidney stone laser lithotripsy procedures.

Unfortunately, I still didn't do the research I should have, until after my recent hospitalization. And, the combination of recovery (I lost 10 pounds in the hospital and didn't eat at all) and fear was paralyzing.

While I thought a lot about my life, and how I want to live it, I didn't take action until just a few weeks ago. First, I fired a nephrologist I only saw once because I need doctors who will work with me, and are prepared for appointments. He said he'd read all my tests (it wasn't true), and he had no plan or goals for me. He didn't discuss any of the specific tests you mentioned, when I asked you what you and your doctor do. He truly just wasted my time, and then told that he'd see me in three months. I'm replacing my PCP next, for a similar reason.

I'm very clear about the kind of doctors I want on my wellness team, and for the time being, my cardiologist is taking the leading role. Since my meeting with the nephrologist he recommended isn't until Dec 10, I decided finding the right diet is critical.

So, I truly am ready "to undergo trial and error, as I continue doing my research." Even the nutritionist--who has a great reputation, and works with my cardiologist and the nephrologist I'll be seeing--wasn't as organized as I hoped she'd be." I realize that each patient is different, but I expected more of an outline on how to proceed...with sources, rather than a list of foods--not segmented into the five meals a day she recommended--and some recipes.

The next day I realized that if I have to market for, and then prepare five meals a day, and since I'm a lousy cook, and don't enjoy it, that's all I'll be doing all day long. If you have any advice on that, I'd truly appreciate it!

Thanks,
Susan
P.S. What does "nycmusic" mean? I meant to ask before.

I'm having difficulty finding recipes for kidney disease. The several I've looked at on DaVita seem to have a lot of protein. I've had only 1 visit with my nutrionist and she recommended 1/4 of my diet should be protein. Suggestions for recipes or eating out anyone?

Looking specifically for casseroles right now.

@hatetocook hi Susan, you have been through a lot, no question…you are a true survivor..count your wins ! just so you know, I’m a New York City musician, now cancer-free for 21 months…well, smaller meals don’t have to take so much work..i even manage it without a stove, just use my micro and my electric teapot…I have easy access to great prepared foods (the simple kind I must eat) and pre-washed pre-cut veggies to help me along… I have back pain so have to keep kitchen time short….due to small portions I can make everything last for more meals..my diet is a modified kidney diet, so I can have some salmon or grilled chicken…our market makes great meal combos using tofu, a plant protein that’s okay for me. Breakfast is oat cereal/oatmeal with almond milk and lots of berries..Lunch is always soft lettuce salads with a few veggies thrown in plus my daily apple…I have just enough carbs for balanced diet….now that it’s cooler, more soups… I allow for treats, just fewer and tiny..my doc is all in about eating for overall health, and advises avoiding extreme diets…i don’t know if this helps at all but it helps me keep my numbers in a better place, a good feeling. I hope you find ways to better days, including docs who are true partners in healing !

@nycmusic I thought you might be a NYC musician. I won't ask where, but just wonder what instrument you play. When I turned 60, I took up a lot of different instruments, just for fun, because I just wanted to try them.

Thank you for your support, and for all the information. Congrats on being cancer-free for almost two years. That's great news! I also genuinely appreciate knowing about your diet. That's really helpful. I think your breakfast is something I would like. I also like lettuce with veggies. and already eat an apple daily. For the last month or so, I've only been eating fresh salmon and chicken But, if I eat oatmeal for breakfast, I would need to eat half of my protein for lunch. Otherwise, I don't have enough energy.

And, I also like soup in the winter--and summer as well, and could put some of the protein and vegetables in the soup. For dinner, I could eat the rest. There's a place that's not far away, where they make the best fresh tofu, which I love, but I don't like packaged stuff from the markets. I also eat vegetables for dinner. But, I also really like rice and pasta, and I'm trying not to overdo it.

The problem with all the lists of food that the nutritionist emailed me is that it's felt like it's too much. I would like to add some other options, because my menu is too limited for me. The nutritionist suggested I have been too restrictive. I don't disagree, but I'm concerned about some of her recommendations.

After struggling to eat anything for four months (I had a kidney stone removed on April 30, and got very sick afterwards and also could barely eat then), suddenly I've been hungry again. And while my weight is fine for my height, the fact that I lost 10 pounds in the hospital and five more at home in such a relatively short time, considerably weakened me, although I've finally gained back a few pounds.

And while I've started walking my little 7-pound dog Winnie again, I also have a Home Health physical therapist two days a week. And, we're going to start upping the amount of exercise I'm doing, because I'm now done with the walker and cane, and finally should be able to do more. I actually dislike exercise, but love walking, and sports--most of which I can't play any more, but I'm thinking of playing table tennis (there's a place that's not far away), and possibly badminton, although that might be too fast-paced for me now.

A few foods she recommended happen to be foods I like, including peanut butter (she said to buy a brand that is only composed of peanuts), and I can eat it on sourdough bread. I don't need more than two tablespoons, and sometimes drizzle some agave on it. I also like avocado, and cottage cheese. She said I could eat mozzarella cheese (and one other kind that I can't remember right now, as well as nuts (if I limit the amount.) She asked me if I like beans and chick-peas. I'm not really big on either, and I'm not sure if I should be eating them or not. I need to do more research.

What impressed me about your diet is that you raised your eGFR, and I'd like to raise mine, or at least stabilize it. Anyway, your diet has given me a lot to think about. And, I so appreciate it.

Best,
Susan

@hatetocook hi Susan, reading your post, it appears you are off to a good start, trying to incorporate as much of what you like into your diet…PB is my am go to….hummus is great plant protein and comes in a variety of flavors, a good veggie dip…. I do use 2% Greek yogurt as a dip for apple slices….couscous with veggies of your choice is another delicious option… some things must be done in greater moderation…i view all this as a good challenge… I believe you will find your way successfully, no question—and wish you a happy and healthy life. PS pianist, harpsichordist, founder of an orchestra and a touring chamber group—now an editor and arranger.

@nycmusic @hatetocook The both of you have spurred several members to take a good look at what they are eating, I bet! That's a great thing. Sometimes we forget the small things we can do to make a difference. We don't need to go to extremes or "whole hog" as the old saying goes. Yep, just dated myself!

Hummus and apple slices is a good snack, or pair it with a couple of celery sticks. When I was working, that was my usual breakfast, if I didn't have oatmeal. Careful of the dairy and calcium; most renal diets advise only a quarter to half cup per day maximum.

There is a simple protein shake to make, using greek yogurt, almond milk, pea protein powder, and fruit. Blend together and it will help you stay full. I like to make homemade applesauce so that really is good in the shake. Also, I will cook enough chicken to have some available to snack on during the day.
Ginger