Helpful and trustworthy books about kidney disease and diet.

Hi @loriel
As so many of us have discovered, diet can play a critical role in our kidney health! Many of us have additional health concerns, beyond kidney disease, and need to address everything in our approach to eating.

May I suggest you look through our kidney and bladder support group discussions, and wander through those that talk about diet? For me, "in the trenches" comments and experiences from fellow members can be much more useful than books. Just my humble opinion!

A couple of websites to look at:
From the National Kidney Foundation nutrition site: https://www.kidney.org/nutrition
From Renal Support Network: https://www.rsnhope.org/nutrition-data-information-for-the-kidney-diet/

For me, I need to follow a renal diet that also has to work with my gout issues. So, you can see, it is a combination of things. I like to joke that apples and cardboard are my go-to foods! Check with your nephrologist and get an appointment with a renal dietician, who can help you tailor your dietary needs to your own situation. Can you do that and report back to me?!
Ginger

Thanks, I’ll look at those sights. I already have seen in conflicting advice as I browse
Like : 1)avoid beans or
2)to become vegan and eat beans!!
I’ll check out the sites you have shared.
I’ve requested a referral to a Nephrologist. Disappointed my GP didn’t suggest it.

Renal Diet Cookbook for the Newly Diagnosed

I understand your confusion. I find a lists of things we shouldn’t eat, and the lists vary, then I look up recipes and they contain all those things. From what I’ve read we should see a dietician who will work out a diet specific to our needs. Then there is my doctor who tells me there is no scientific evidence that these diets do any good. Confusion? Yes.

@sharlea313 What I have found to be the case for many kidney disease patients, no matter your stage, or other health concerns, is that you "eat for your numbers". That is, not everyone has to follow a diet real close, and may be able to fudge a bit, based on how the lab results turn out. Phosphorous is a big deal for many patients on dialysis, for example, but I do not have that issue.
Ginger

Thank you

@loriel and @sharlea1313 welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. As @gingerw said you will find lots of discussions in this group about dealing with issues related to kidney disease. Many pertain to renal nutrition. As Ginger said “eat for your numbers”. My Dr. calls this “eating for your labs”. There are kidney function labs that measure things like calcium, oxalates, phosphorus, potassium…..etc. When you know the ones that may be troublesome for you a renal dietitian can give you lists of foods that contain these things to watch out for and can help you develop a plan to meet your specific needs, likes and dislikes. Many doctors don’t have much training in nutrition. A nephrologist specializes in kidney issues. What kind of Drs are taking care of your kidney conditions?

Has anyone tried the program from Jill Harris?
https://kidneystonediet.com/?mc_cid=6bc47ec512&mc_eid=f687cb4fb2
It is, I believe $24 a month? Seems high to me…
I’ve had 4 kidney stone surgeries and passed 2. I’ve used a dietitian with not much help. Every list of foods competes with another. Not consistent.

I requested a referral to a Nephrologist and my GP agreed. Currently waiting to hear from that office. I’m eager!
Reading messages here is helping me know some questions to ask him. My list has begun.

So far I have only seen my GP. Last time I saw him he repeated my GFR and said if it was still low he would refer me to a nephrologist. Well, after dropping drastically over 9 months, it actually came up a bit so he may hold off. It is still in the stage 3a range. (I have an appt Aug 18. I’m due for my regular 6-month blood work at the end of this month and will see what happens.