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Confused About Diet for Stage 3 or 4 Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
I was diagnosed with Stage 3 CKD four years ago, but my doctor didn't tell me. When he retired and I had to find a new doctor is when I found out. I'm new to this and completely confused when it comes to diet. I am currently eating a sandwich for lunch, made with Ezekiel Low-Sodium bread, which is sprouted whole grain bread. In my research I have found some sites that say never eat whole grain bread, while others say you can eat it with no problem. My doctor has told me I don't need to change my diet, but, as you can imagine, my trust factor is pretty low right now. I'm trying to find some solid information about which breads I should avoid and which ones are okay.
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Welcome, @dogpoundginger. Finding the right foods to eat and to plan meals ahead is something that is often discussed among members in the Kidney group.
I moved your question to this existing discussion
- Confused About Diet for Stage 3 or 4 Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/confused-about-stage-3-ckd-diet/
I did this so you can connect with @gingerw @ms9246 @kamama94 @fiesty76 @csage1010 and many others. Click the link to read through the helpful tips, resources, recipes and more.
Here are 2 related discussions that may also interest you:
– Looking for an app to help with what to eat for chronic kidney disease https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/margaret/
- Stage 3 Kidney Disease and Diet: What can I eat? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/3rd-stage-kidney-disease/
Did you just recently discover that you have stage 4 kidney disease?
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4 Reactions@dogpoundginger Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! As @colleenyoung mentioned, there are several of us who have talked about diet and tips to get us through our days.
As a Stage 5 patient, soon to go on dialysis, I can relate to wanting to do diet plans. My problem is that what sounds appealing one day, is not something I want another day. I keep to fresh fruits and vegetables as much as possible, within the guidelines of low potassium/sodium/sugar and eat very little red meat. Chicken and turkey are my main staples for protein, along with a protein shake most days. I tend to "graze" rather than make specific meal plans, as my taste buds change.
I hope you'll let me know what has been working, or not working, for you. Is there a specific reason you want to think of long-range meal plans?
Ginger
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2 ReactionsActually, Its me that has this---stage 4 came after stage 3---had stage 3 over 8yrs. Sudden change in HBP meds[ ran out for about 10 days/travelling] caused me to drop to stage 4. looking to be able to buy food ahead and plan a better meal program. Find It almost impossible to try to regulate on a daily basis!------Looking for "Food Groups" that offer benefits and maintain a more steady meal plan. Thanks
Yes----to help grocery shop and have consistency to help reduce "ups&downs"----hard to do by the day or meal----keeping track of input, especially Protien, Potasium and Phospherus . The goal @ stage 4 is certainly trying to keep GFR from dropping down.
@dogpoundginger Looking after our own health, advocating for ourselves, finding what works best for us, is no walk in the park! It takes time and perseverance. As so many have mentioned, diet plays a big role in helping our kidney disease. I personally don't "do" apps. We live a fair distance from major shopping, and keep two refrigerators [sp?] stocked. Watching labels on food, and cooking from scratch for the most part, has helped me a lot. I never have claimed to be a gourmet cook, and use spices and seasonings to help kick up flavor.
Fresh fruit and no-salt popcorn can be good snack foods. It's hard to train yourself to eat well, when we have had decades of few restrictions, isn't it?! I also deal with gout issues, so the limitations there [pork, shellfish, purines] have been in place for a decade, which is beneficial to me.
Here is a page from the American Kidney Fund about diet and activity, which you may find helpful. Will you let me know what you think, please?
https://www.kidneyfund.org/living-kidney-disease/healthy-eating-activity
Ginger
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4 ReactionsGood to hear from you---I find that "most" nephrology Dr's don't really want to get into menu planning-----I have found a site >kidnethood.org> somewhat extreme on diet--Let me know what you think--I've tried their "Albutrix", bur really expensive--I do think It helps me on my energy/stamina------Thanks for responding---
I am stage 3. Can I have sugar? I have been losing too much weight. I need to know what I can eat to keep from losing. Is white bread, waffles etc ok?
@dogpoundginger You asked my thoughts, so here they are. I went to the website you mentioned, and could not find any medical data to support their claims. Likewise, there didn't seem to be any formal training for the gentleman behind it all. By my inborn skeptical nature, I would be leery of such a form to address my kidney issues. And you're right, almost $200 per month for their "supplements". Oww!
Education via a good renal dietician, your own experiences, healthy eating and exercise for your situation, and a willingness to be your own advocate may be the best road to follow.
Ginger
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4 Reactions@marlinhampton Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! As you have probably found out, diet plays a major part in chronic kidney disease. We have to constantly be on the lookout for sodium, phosphorous, potassium, and calcium contents of food, plus a reduced protein level overall.
Each person has their own story, their own journey, and what may work well for one may not be a good fit for another person. Being able to combine a good diet with healthy exercise and reduced stress will go a long way, in general, then you tweak it to work for you! That is what I have found, and as we share our own successes, it helps others, too. What have you tried so far? Do you know the cause of your kidney disease?
From American Kidney Fund is this information: https://www.kidneyfund.org/living-kidney-disease/healthy-eating-activity/kidney-friendly-eating-plan
And from Davita is there information on diet for Stage 3: https://www.davita.com/diet-nutrition/articles/advice/diet-and-nutrition-goals-for-people-with-stage-3-chronic-kidney-disease
Ginger
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3 ReactionsHello,
I know just what you are talking about. I am fairly new here but I have found so many wonderful people who are in different stages of CKD. I have CKD3 and I understand how difficult it is to change your whole diet around but since then I have changed quite a bit re food. The DaVita site is a great place for everything you need. Very informative and I think it would be a good place for you to start. I just saw a great post from another person and I just saved the link into my AOL favorites. It's in one of today's recent posts on kidney disease. I wish you the best and I'm jealous that you cook from scratch. I don't like to cook so this is a bit of a problem for me. I did just buy some cabbage and I sauteed it with so Vidalia onions and I added a couple of eggs and made a really lousy looking omelet. It was pretty good. Cabbage is a good one to add and red bell peppers are wonderful. My best and be well.
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