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

In 2022 I was diagnosed with stage 3a kidney disease. The diagnosis was based on an eGFR of 48. Then I started reading about how to improve my eGFR and save my kidneys. I scrupulously read Lee Hull's book 'The Evidence-based Guide to Kidney and Renal Diets: for Patients, Clinicians and Caregivers.' He had kidney disease for 25 years and it never progressed farther, i.e., he saved himself from kidney failure.

From careful reading I learned about excessive potassium, phosphorus and protein. I began to track my daily intake of those 3 culprits on a website I found. It is a delicate balance because too little potassium and protein can have very negative consequences and phosphorus amounts are rarely reported on food containers. I also modified other aspects of my diet: which fruits to eat, which to avoid; reduce salt; the importance of maintaining good calcium & ionized calcium levels to avoid hypcalcemia & stabilize osteopenia.

I read and modified several of his recipes. For several months I tracked my intake of potassium, keeping it between 1500-1800mg/day. I targeted phosphorus to the bottom quartile of the normal range, 2.5 to 3 mg/dl for phosphorus levels, the low end of normal. I went on a 40gram and occasionally 60 gram/day protein diet. I never bought or used Albutrix.

Within 3 months my eGFR rose from 48 to 62. Now 3 years later it fluctuates between 58-60. I check it 3x/year.

I am 83 and plan to avoid any downward slide in my kidney function! You can too if you take it seriously and follow a healthy kidney diet.