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

I do love hiking and working out. I actually teach Spin classes at the gym and have neither high BP or diabetes, but both of my parents have kidney problems. I found out that I have stage three CKD two weeks ago. It has been upsetting, but I am researching all I can. I can’t get a nephrologist appointment until mid and late August, so I’m trying to make dietary changes on my own. Given three blood tests in June, my creatinine swung from 1.3, to 1.1, back to 1.3, so my GFR also moved between 49, then 60, back to 49. I’m optimistic that with some changes I can get my levels to settle at a higher point. I go from feeling ok emotionally to overwhelmed and anxious. I was glad to find this group and everyone seems supportive.

@teachaero, both my pcp and neph tell me as we age it's normal for GFR to decrease. IDK how old you are but I'd give the Skrat from Ice Age a delectable acorn if my GFR was 60 instead of 33 at age 74!

I do love hiking and working out. I actually teach Spin classes at the gym and have neither high BP or diabetes, but both of my parents have kidney problems. I found out that I have stage three CKD two weeks ago. It has been upsetting, but I am researching all I can. I can’t get a nephrologist appointment until mid and late August, so I’m trying to make dietary changes on my own. Given three blood tests in June, my creatinine swung from 1.3, to 1.1, back to 1.3, so my GFR also moved between 49, then 60, back to 49. I’m optimistic that with some changes I can get my levels to settle at a higher point. I go from feeling ok emotionally to overwhelmed and anxious. I was glad to find this group and everyone seems supportive.

@teachaero, both my pcp and neph tell me as we age it's normal for GFR to decrease. IDK how old you are but I'd give the Skrat from Ice Age a delectable acorn if my GFR was 60 instead of 33 at age 74!

@teachaero From experience I know that lab values can show "wonky" [My favorite word today!] values at times. What you have been eating or not eating, your hydration levels at time of the test, even the time of day labs are pulled, can affect the results. A good Dr will look at the values over a range of time. And, I second what @maxwell123 and @kamama94 say about kidney function having a natural decrease as we mature into senior years, and a kidney disease will hasten the decrease in function. Have the Dr's given you any indication for the reason for decline?
Ginger

My mom and dad both have had kidney problems and I took some meds for incessant acne over the years that could have contributed to the problem. I’m working hard to change my diet to lower protein while monitoring potassium, phosphorus and sodium. I’m concerned I’m going to be deficient in some nutrients, though, because there isn’t a lot I can find that is “ok” to eat.

What kidney problems did your parents have and do they know the cause? At age 47 and a 50 to 60 GFR I'm not sure I would hit the panic button yet. You are correct that labs will vary, but if you see a good nephrologist they can run labs in connection with a 24-hour urine test. It tells them much more about the function of your kidneys (both are run in combination). I suspect unless there is a genetic component about the only way a nephrologist will know for sure what is causing the problem is to take a kidney biopsy, which is something to very careful with. If it were me and If you are close to Mayo I would be finding nephrologist there for at least a second opinion. Also, diet is very important. While it may not be for everyone, here is what I did: 1) became a vegan, 2) no processed foods, 3) calorie-restricted diet of about 1000 calories a day 4) take a plant-based protein powder for my protein and be sure not to exceed my daily target amount and 5) walk 3 to 5 miles a day (you are getting the same benefit from spinning). It seems to have worked for my sick kidneys -- which are much worse than yours. My GFR is about 17 up from 13 two years ago (previously spent three years on dialysis). By the way, phosphorous and potassium are not a problem unless they are high on your lab. I'm not sure they cause stress on your kidneys as animal protein does. Finally, if you have labs drawn within a day or so of a heavy workout, that will surely impact your creatinine which is a major component of calculating your GFR. Also, be sure you are hydrated before your labs. By the way, you should sure talk with your doctor before doing any of this. My doc approved all of this for me (although several of the items were my idea).

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.

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.

@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