Confused About Diet for Stage 3 or 4 Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

kamama94, I am curious - Is there any variation between different brands/manufacturers?
While I am not a diabetic patient, I do try to comparison shop and sometimes see variations between brands.

@rosemarya Yes, different brands have different amounts of potassium, for instance, or phosphorus.

One of the things I look for, especially if the nutrition label doesn't list potassium or phosphorus, are things like phosphates and/or potassium as preservatives.

The SELF nutrition data site lists some brands and so does the USDA site.

And I personally have contacted Healthy Life bread company, Daiya Foods, Go Veggie company, and others to ask for additional nutrient data and those companies in particular have been very cooperative. Some non-dairy items contain coconut or coconut milk so I always check an item's ingredients list since coconut milk contains oxalates as well as potassium and a little goes a long way. My local grocer also has been very willing to contact his store brand manufacturers for me in regard to ingredients and per cents.

I have worked for months developing a list of minerals such as sodium, potassium, and phosphorus in various food items and it's been quite an adventure, very labor intensive.

One of the things I've learned is that if a product lists a per cent of daily value, that's for "normal" people who can metabolize potassium and phosphorus more efficiently than someone with CKD. I go by mg and divide by 2000 2000 daily mg allowed for stage 3 CKD) to get the per cent for a renal patient and divide the mg of phosphorus by 1000 (1000 mg for stage 3.

TMI, sorry. I get started on one of my favorite subjects and don't know when to stop.

It can get really complicated which is why the websites I've listed previously are such a useful tool.

A new problem has arisen. While I know that my osteoporosis is a serious problem, I also have to balance whatever I do with the health of my remaining kidney. My rheumatologist wishes to start me on Prolia (denosumab). I'm delighted that Blythe Danner is happy with the product, but is it right for my kidney. I've read some negative comments about Prolia under the discussion on osteoporosis, but right now, it's my kidney that I'm concerned about. So, if anyone has any comments, I'd be most interested.

@trishanna I’m diabetic, have CKD stage 3-4 and osteoporosis too. My endocrinologist put me on Prolia because it is the least problematic for kidneys. That is what my doctor said and my nephrologist agreed. My new problem is that my insurance doesn’t cover it anymore. For the past 6 years they have but next year they won’t. My next injection is due in January. I also have a diabetes medication that isn’t covered. Their suggested alternatives are not supposed to be used by people with the GFR that I have. ☹️

Oh crap...I’m stage 4 and seeing a doc in February for osteoporosis...I’ve been thinking about the same thing as you...I’m way more concerned about my kidneys than I am about my old bones! I’ll be keeping an eye on your post....good luck! Dang insurance!

Hey, everyone, osteoporosis and stage 3-4 CKD also. I have Part D Medicare but the co-pays on my insulin and other meds are horrendous. Never thought I'd say this but being in a wheelchair might be an advantage for me now, less chance of stress fracture. (Forgive my awful sense of humor.)

@kamama94 My doctor and diabetic nurse switched me to an insulin pump in August. When you are on the pump, your insulin is covered by Part B instead of Part D. It might be worth checking into.

@marvinjsturing, Thank you, good idea. A friend has one but I was under the impression there were co-pays for the pump. Will ask primary about this.

@cehunt57. You mentioned no side effects for the six Years you've been on Prolia. I shall take that as good news. The insurance bit is really beyond my understanding - it makes no sense. Hope there's a solution for you. @sissieann. I feel exactly the same as you do - I'll take a chance on breaking a bone, but am not prepared to risk my kidney!!!

Kamama94, my husband has had CKD for 20 years and it is a struggle to keep up with current nutrition guidelines. We were also told to stay away from whole grain breads, sourdough bread was recommended by our nutritionist and that is where we are now, spinach is ok raw but not cooked, sweet potatoes and Irish potatoes are better if leeched (boiling then soak, pour water off and repeat) my husband loves potatoes. We have switched to light salt for years and seem to be working. Our problem now he was in ICU and has lost a good bit of lean body mass, to regain muscle he has to up his protien intake as well as exercise to regain his LBM and strength, I’m wondering if vegan protein supplement would be better than the whey protein. We have increased his meat consumption also