1. < Kidney & Bladder

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

Posted by carnes @carnes, Jun 11, 2018

It seems there is very little you can eat that is healthy for the Kidneys. The web site Davida has plenty of food on it but contradicts what other sources say. Anyone know anything for breakfast, lunch and dinner that does not have any sugar or flour bodies the obvious boring or bland foods good for Kidneys and I’m allergic to sugar of any kind of sweetener and flour. Thank you.

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maxwell123 | @maxwell123 | Jul 18, 2019
In reply to @contentandwell "@gingerw I do not have kidney problems but this is good info. Immunosuppressants can cause problems..." + (show)
@contentandwell

@gingerw I do not have kidney problems but this is good info. Immunosuppressants can cause problems so I know I am at risk. MGH keeps a close watch on me to make sure my kidneys (and everything else) is doing well. I actually heard of one transplant center that told their liver transplant patients that there was a high risk that they would eventually require a kidney transplant!
I also am diabetic, and my BP is borderline.
I too could not go vegan. We eat fish twice a week, and chicken or lean ground turkey many nights. I generally will do beef one time a week.
Stress really is bad for your health. My stress generally comes in spurts in response to specific situations.
JK

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JK if your kidney function is compromised (high creatinine and high BUN), I would sure rethink. my food routine. While I understand everyone lives to eat, when it comes down to making a choice of eating what you like and kidney failure that was quite an easy decision for me. That is especially true after living on dialysis for several years. So far, vegan and calorie restriction has worked out great for my kidneys and my overall health, too. So, too, has being off dialysis!

REPLY
1 reply
JK | @contentandwell | Jul 18, 2019
In reply to @maxwell123 "JK if your kidney function is compromised (high creatinine and high BUN), I would sure rethink...." + (show)
@maxwell123

JK if your kidney function is compromised (high creatinine and high BUN), I would sure rethink. my food routine. While I understand everyone lives to eat, when it comes down to making a choice of eating what you like and kidney failure that was quite an easy decision for me. That is especially true after living on dialysis for several years. So far, vegan and calorie restriction has worked out great for my kidneys and my overall health, too. So, too, has being off dialysis!

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@maxwell123 I agree, health comes first. At this point, as long as I drink the hefty amount of water that has been advised - 80 to 100 ounces a day -- my creatine and bun are good. Changing immunosuppressants helped a lot.
JK

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Moderator
Lisa Lucier, Moderator | @lisalucier | Aug 9, 2019

Hi everyone,
You may be familiar with a feature on Connect called Member Spotlights (https://connect.mayoclinic.org/newsfeed-post/connect-member-spotlights-shining-a-light-on-community-members/).

I think the members of this conversation about 3rd stage kidney disease will be particularly interested to read today's member spotlight about @2011panc, who's been active in this discussion.

Finding open, honest conversations with others: Meet @2011panc https://connect.mayoclinic.org/page/about-connect/newsfeed-post/finding-open-honest-conversations-with-others-meet-2011panc

If you'd like to look at other member spotlights in the future, you can subscribe (+Follow) to the About Connect page https://connect.mayoclinic.org/page/about-connect/ to see new member spotlights published every 2 weeks.

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crazyelf | @crazyelf | Aug 25, 2019
In reply to @kamama94 "Just got lab results. GFR slightly up from 35 at 37, BUN down from 40 to..." + (show)
@kamama94

Just got lab results. GFR slightly up from 35 at 37, BUN down from 40 to 37, Cr down from 1.47 to 1.41. Potassium is normal at 4.5 (was 4.8) Values indicate mild improvement in kidney function. I'm wondering how much my vegetarian renal diet has to do with the slowly improving values. Any feedback will be appreciated.

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My husband's kidneys are funtioning at37%. We found out the day his Kidneys was functioning at 37% in Jun that they had been at 31% in Dec. 2018. VA didn't say anything about him being at 31% which is almost at stage 4. So I have been trying to find a good diet for him. He loves his salt. So its very hard to keep that away from him. Plus Potassium. I let him once a week have whatever he wants. He has proteins in his urine. He's had 2 UTIs in 6 months time. VA clinic don't know how to read the Lab Reports. First UTI landed him in the hospital. Second one I found out and took him to an Urologist. Wednesday he has an lazor surgery on his Prostate. For 9 years he has been asking for the VA to check his Prostate. All they do is Medicate any problem but never tried to cure anything.
They won't let him go outside for anything. They have funds for the Outside (Choice Program) but its always broke fur to they use the funds for Bonuses, Raises and Promotions. Obama used it when he first got it up and running to help the Refugees and Illegals.
I have been trying to do my best to find a good diet. They all contradict each other. You can't really do it alone. You need a dietitian or a nutritionist. The VA didn't recommend one and we didn't know anything about it until recently. He doesn't have another appointment until Dec. 5/2019. With kidney disease and UTIs go hand and hand. You need to be seen every 3 months. Not 6-7 months.

REPLY
2 replies
Mentor
Ginger, Volunteer Mentor | @gingerw | Aug 25, 2019
In reply to @crazyelf "My husband's kidneys are funtioning at37%. We found out the day his Kidneys was functioning at..." + (show)
@crazyelf

My husband's kidneys are funtioning at37%. We found out the day his Kidneys was functioning at 37% in Jun that they had been at 31% in Dec. 2018. VA didn't say anything about him being at 31% which is almost at stage 4. So I have been trying to find a good diet for him. He loves his salt. So its very hard to keep that away from him. Plus Potassium. I let him once a week have whatever he wants. He has proteins in his urine. He's had 2 UTIs in 6 months time. VA clinic don't know how to read the Lab Reports. First UTI landed him in the hospital. Second one I found out and took him to an Urologist. Wednesday he has an lazor surgery on his Prostate. For 9 years he has been asking for the VA to check his Prostate. All they do is Medicate any problem but never tried to cure anything.
They won't let him go outside for anything. They have funds for the Outside (Choice Program) but its always broke fur to they use the funds for Bonuses, Raises and Promotions. Obama used it when he first got it up and running to help the Refugees and Illegals.
I have been trying to do my best to find a good diet. They all contradict each other. You can't really do it alone. You need a dietitian or a nutritionist. The VA didn't recommend one and we didn't know anything about it until recently. He doesn't have another appointment until Dec. 5/2019. With kidney disease and UTIs go hand and hand. You need to be seen every 3 months. Not 6-7 months.

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@crazyelf Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect, we're glad you found us! We are not medical professionals, and cannot diagnose, but can offer our experience and support to help you along the way! Is your husband of age for Medicare? If so, any reason why he cannot then go to a dr of his choice? Managing a proper diet with CKD is critical, and at 37% you should be watching everything. Going to the following websites may help with diet, recipes, and information
http://www.davita.com [Davita, one of two main dialysis organizations]
http://www.kidney.org [National Kidney Foundation]
http://www.rsnhope.org [Renal Support Network, an international organization]
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chronic-kidney-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20354521 [from Mayo Clinic]

Just as an aside. Both my husband and I have kidney disease. He received a transplant Oct 2016. I am at 32% right now. But we are each responsible for our health. Your husband has to be on board with managing his own health.

Please check back in with us and let us know how things go. Will you do that? We care here at Mayo Connect.
Ginger

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mlmcg | @mlmcg | Aug 28, 2019
In reply to @crazyelf "My husband's kidneys are funtioning at37%. We found out the day his Kidneys was functioning at..." + (show)
@crazyelf

My husband's kidneys are funtioning at37%. We found out the day his Kidneys was functioning at 37% in Jun that they had been at 31% in Dec. 2018. VA didn't say anything about him being at 31% which is almost at stage 4. So I have been trying to find a good diet for him. He loves his salt. So its very hard to keep that away from him. Plus Potassium. I let him once a week have whatever he wants. He has proteins in his urine. He's had 2 UTIs in 6 months time. VA clinic don't know how to read the Lab Reports. First UTI landed him in the hospital. Second one I found out and took him to an Urologist. Wednesday he has an lazor surgery on his Prostate. For 9 years he has been asking for the VA to check his Prostate. All they do is Medicate any problem but never tried to cure anything.
They won't let him go outside for anything. They have funds for the Outside (Choice Program) but its always broke fur to they use the funds for Bonuses, Raises and Promotions. Obama used it when he first got it up and running to help the Refugees and Illegals.
I have been trying to do my best to find a good diet. They all contradict each other. You can't really do it alone. You need a dietitian or a nutritionist. The VA didn't recommend one and we didn't know anything about it until recently. He doesn't have another appointment until Dec. 5/2019. With kidney disease and UTIs go hand and hand. You need to be seen every 3 months. Not 6-7 months.

Jump to this post

Crazyelf: living with someone who loves their salt and almost a Stage 4 you have a rough road ahead of you. Twenty years ago when I was given the news that I was at stage 4, I knew I had to do something. Beef is Not a friend of anyone's kidneys. I went on a vegetarian diet and was able to stay off dialysis for 3 years. I had a transplant 11-1/2 years ago, I have found that the best way now to keep my kidney happy is the vegetarian diet (Life Style).

Unfortunately, the VA never dreamed of what life would be like for their vets after they left the service. They never planned ahead so our vets are not getting the medical treatment they should be getting. Getting a doctor that knows anything about kidneys is very hard.

The following is my opinion and mine alone: Someone needs to sit down with your husband and find out what he wants for the next 5+ years. Then you will have a better idea what to do. If he wants to do as he is doing, you may want to get a lawyer and write a Will. If he wants to live a long and happy life, the two of you, as well as your family and friends, will have to be willing to make some, Life Style, changes together.

Good Luck, mlmcg

REPLY
2 replies
Mentor
Rosemary, Volunteer Mentor | @rosemarya | Aug 28, 2019
In reply to @mlmcg "Crazyelf: living with someone who loves their salt and almost a Stage 4 you have a..." + (show)
@mlmcg

Crazyelf: living with someone who loves their salt and almost a Stage 4 you have a rough road ahead of you. Twenty years ago when I was given the news that I was at stage 4, I knew I had to do something. Beef is Not a friend of anyone's kidneys. I went on a vegetarian diet and was able to stay off dialysis for 3 years. I had a transplant 11-1/2 years ago, I have found that the best way now to keep my kidney happy is the vegetarian diet (Life Style).

Unfortunately, the VA never dreamed of what life would be like for their vets after they left the service. They never planned ahead so our vets are not getting the medical treatment they should be getting. Getting a doctor that knows anything about kidneys is very hard.

The following is my opinion and mine alone: Someone needs to sit down with your husband and find out what he wants for the next 5+ years. Then you will have a better idea what to do. If he wants to do as he is doing, you may want to get a lawyer and write a Will. If he wants to live a long and happy life, the two of you, as well as your family and friends, will have to be willing to make some, Life Style, changes together.

Good Luck, mlmcg

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Thanks for dropping in with the valuable message that we have be our own advocates. And, I'll add that no matter what the situation, it is better when we have our families or loved oned to support us.

How are you getting along?

REPLY
1 reply
mlmcg | @mlmcg | Aug 28, 2019
In reply to @rosemarya "Thanks for dropping in with the valuable message that we have be our own advocates. And,..." + (show)
@rosemarya

Thanks for dropping in with the valuable message that we have be our own advocates. And, I'll add that no matter what the situation, it is better when we have our families or loved oned to support us.

How are you getting along?

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My kidney is hanging in there, in spite of the fact that it lived through two ostomy surgeries, one temporary and one permanent, and two strokes. When I was discharged from the hospital, after 4 months, the doctors did not know if I would need Hospice or Palliative Care. I spent 100 days in rehab, when I got home I was on my own, which is what I wanted. I have a wonderful support group, gave up driving because of the strokes, I am happy and want to help those I can. Thank you for asking.
mlmcg

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Mentor
Ginger, Volunteer Mentor | @gingerw | Aug 28, 2019
In reply to @mlmcg "Crazyelf: living with someone who loves their salt and almost a Stage 4 you have a..." + (show)
@mlmcg

Crazyelf: living with someone who loves their salt and almost a Stage 4 you have a rough road ahead of you. Twenty years ago when I was given the news that I was at stage 4, I knew I had to do something. Beef is Not a friend of anyone's kidneys. I went on a vegetarian diet and was able to stay off dialysis for 3 years. I had a transplant 11-1/2 years ago, I have found that the best way now to keep my kidney happy is the vegetarian diet (Life Style).

Unfortunately, the VA never dreamed of what life would be like for their vets after they left the service. They never planned ahead so our vets are not getting the medical treatment they should be getting. Getting a doctor that knows anything about kidneys is very hard.

The following is my opinion and mine alone: Someone needs to sit down with your husband and find out what he wants for the next 5+ years. Then you will have a better idea what to do. If he wants to do as he is doing, you may want to get a lawyer and write a Will. If he wants to live a long and happy life, the two of you, as well as your family and friends, will have to be willing to make some, Life Style, changes together.

Good Luck, mlmcg

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@mlmcg Your last paragraph packs quite the message, and one that many should read and think about. It's not easy to do, and look at the bigger picture. Thank you for pointing out a path to take. So glad to hear you are doing well!
Ginger

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