Ok, so I was going through the modules of KidneySchool.org and ran across this:
"But What About a Low Protein Diet?
If you have chronic kidney disease, your doctor may suggest a low protein diet. Some doctors believe that eating less protein may help the kidneys work a little longer.
But doctors do not all agree that a low protein diet will help the kidneys. There is good evidence that malnutrition is harmful and leads to early death. So eating less protein needs to be balanced with staying healthy. If your doctor suggests a low protein diet, ask for a referral to a renal dietitian, who can help you design a meal plan that will keep you healthy.
Once people begin dialysis, they may need extra protein. Dialysis—especially PD—removes some protein, so it is important to eat enough protein to avoid malnutrition."
So do I eat less protein at Stage 5 before dialysis or not? These mixed message are a tad frustrating.
I think that this is one to discuss with your nephrologist or renal dietician or both. In my personal experience I cut out red meat as my kidneys declined. Reducing the protein intake will help reduce the amount of load on your kidneys so may slow down the progression but to be honest at stage 5 pre dialysis then it is not going to buy your a huge amount of extra time. Once on dialysis the dialysis itself actually reduces protein levels so you may find that doctors ask you to increase your protein intake.