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

@seapen I would ask your general doctor for a referral to a nephrologist at this time. The worst they will do is say "no", but keep pushing for it! It's your health, your body, and you want the best for it. Time and time again we hear from members, and in my own experience too, that General Practitioners just do not have the specialized knowledge required for kidney issues.

Do you think you can do this? I know you can! Let me know what happens, Ginger

I will ask my PCP at my next appointment. I did ask her for a referral for a kidney-certified dietitian. The answer was no. I found a kidney dietitian who did not require a referral and who took my insurance.

I have 50ish years of diabetes and a history of hypertension, the 2 leading causes of kidney problems. I have been diagnosed with CKD Stage 4. The most helpful thing in regards to eating was finding a dietician who had experience with diabetes and renal nutrition requirements. My nephrologist says I need to “eat for the labs”. He monitors things like sodium, protein, potassium, calcium, phosphorus etc. in my blood and urine and advises necessary dietary adjustments. The dietitian gave me lists of foods that are high in the things I need to limit.

@seapen Here is a link to Renal Nutrition, where you can look up a renal dietician in your area, or close. https://www.renalnutrition.org/home

Pardon my opinion, but shame on your PCP for refusing to give you a referral!
Ginger

@victoriasitko Here is an article from DaVita.com, about phosphorous: https://www.davita.com/diet-nutrition/articles/advice/top-low-phosphorus-foods-for-a-healthy-kidney-diet

You also asked if stage 3 is serious. There are several factors. There are two subcategories, "a" and "b" depending on your eGFR number. And, remember it is best to determine the underlying cause of the decline in kidney function, be it another health condition, genetics, medication reaction, lifestyle. Then you can best tailor the situation that fits you.
Ginger

Hi, I have always drank a huge amount of ice tea. Black tea contains oxalates. I had no idea that my tea contained something that was so dangerous. I have drank a gallon pitcher ever couple days by myself. Using Splenda. Mh GFR levels have been 58-62 for last 2 years or so. In Nov 2024 : 60, March 2025: 58, & then April 24: 28. That's more that 50% decrease in little over a month.
I was shocked. I feel some relief after reading here that GFR can change severely so quickly. I'm hoping you are doing better.
Regards,
Debbie Roland

@droland1 in another discussion you mentioned that you had a nephrology appointment coming up. When you go to your appointment perhaps you can have the nephrologist review the kidney labs with you (creatinine, BUN, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, oxalates, eGFR…..etc) My nephrologist believes in having patients “eat for the labs”. You can ask for a referral to a renal dietician to give you lists of food & drink that contain the things you need to be aware of and limit.

I had the same experience with my PC. I found a renal dietition. There is only one in Maine! She gave me a subscripson to the app Chronometer. She ser up the parameters. My kidney functiion is 55. She set my protein on Cronometer at 44. I am eating fruits, veg, nuts, seeds. Avoiding red meat and diary.

I'm at eGFR of 35, stage 4. Make sure I drink 8 glasses of water. Eat a burger (beef) about once a month. Chicken, fish (cod, salmon, tuna) and some lean pork. I do try to limit my protein to 35-45 grams each day, splitting it to 15 grams, 3 times a day. Eat lots of veggies, frozen or fresh...salads, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, peas, green beans, peppers, avocado (a quarter). Also, eat baked beans (homemade to avoid sodium). Have berries daily...blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, strawberries. Apples, pears, plums, cherries. I limit my dairy intake, less cheese & milk, but do eat some Greek Yogurt, smoked Gouda or Gruyere. I do eat eggs a couple times a month. For me, this is plenty of variety.
Many people experience extreme itching with CKD, I've had that too. I can't prove it yet, but it seems to happen when my protein intake is too high for me, say, 50-60 grams in a day. So, I watch that closely.
It will take you a few months to get acclimated to new foods, sodium & protein limits. You end up reading a lot of labels on everything you buy at the supermarket, but eventually it gets easier. Be patient and try to enjoy the discovery of new foods. For me, it hasn't been a bad experience.

@gwladj76 it sounds like you have learned to eat well for your situation. I started to get hungry reading your post!
I have experienced itching too (I have stage 4 CKD) and so did my father-in-law who had end stage renal disease. Don’t know for sure why; but think it must have something to with the kidneys not being able to clean and filter toxins from the blood properly. You are correct; too much protein is hard on the kidneys.