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Stage 3 Kidney Disease and Diet: What can I eat?
Kidney & Bladder | Last Active: Aug 26 12:20pm | Replies (800)Comment receiving replies
My mom passed in December from COPD, so for both of my parents, I always thought smoking was part of what caused their kidney problems. Also, my mom had very high BP that was often neglected. So honestly, I’m not completely sure what caused their kidney issues. My dad has one that was dead removed about 15 years ago, but on my ultrasound mine looked fine. Hopefully I’ll know more in a month when I see a nephrologist. I have two appointments set up here in the Chicago area. My goal is to get one at Mayo next summer. I’m a teacher and I’ll be off again. It’s very hard to get appointments, I’m assuming because stage three is still considered “good”. I’m trying to eat more vegan, but I’m having trouble getting enough calories unless I have an English muffin and some peanut butter, which I see is often on the bad food lists. Also, the ranges I’m using for nutrients are guesses from all the various sources. Doc said watch potassium and sodium, but they were normal in my labs. Until I know more I’m a little afraid of protein. Plant based M-F, and I’ve allowed fish on the weekend.
Replies to "My mom passed in December from COPD, so for both of my parents, I always thought..."
High BP will sure do it. I also agree smoking probably does not help. Regarding visiting an expert at Mayo, I have never been. But, I did make plans to go about a year ago and had to cancel. I found it to be very easy and quick. I am working on that again, but this time with a different purpose. It's good you will be seen in a few weeks. Sometimes kidney issues can move very quickly and most often they are not reversible. So, you do want to have it looked at. Regarding your food list, I'm not sure where you are getting your information. Often times renal diets are for those who are on dialysis and have little to no renal function. That does not apply to those who have renal function and just want to keep it. Regarding calories and nutrition, I use an app called "Lose It." It does an excellent job of tracking your nutrition intake with a very extensive database of foods. It makes it very easy to stay on plan. Peanut butter is very high in protein -- but it is not animal-based. As you probably know, your body needs protein. It is a double-edged sword, though -- you just don't need to exceed your target if you are working on helping your kidneys. As for english muffin, I don't know why that would be on the list you are reading. Maybe sodium. But, if your labs show your sodium to be in range, then I'm not sure I would worry about that. Regarding calories, as I mentioned, I have been on a 1000 calorie a day diet for well over two years. Except for my kidney issues, my labs are perfect. So, I'm not putting myself into malnutrition and I do believe the lightened load has helped my kidneys. I do eat lots of nuts and salads. Good luck.
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@teachaero Blood pressure issues and diabetes seem to be the 2 major causes for kidney diseases as far as non-hereditary. My kidney disorder is a very rare autoimmune disease. I think as far as diet, if you make subtle changes not a dramatic change that your body acclimates better. That's just my been my own personal experience. And you will find what works for you. Personally I cannot go vegan I have to have my chicken, turkey and fish. But I rarely eat red meat. Watch banana, tomato, potato consumption. Use salt-free seasonings. You can keep a decline at bay; I have. Since retiring 4 yrs ago due to medical issues, my GFR has only decreased 6 points. Keeping yourself as stress free as possible also helps.
Ginger