2nd biopsy, just started on prednisolone. Dietary help pls.

[agirlwithhope95]

So my doctor had just started me on 25mg of prednisolone indefinitely due to the inflammation (in my kidneys?) as a result of my igA nephropathy acting more aggressively on my body. I am taking effort to abide by a low protein diet at 0.8g/protein/kg body weight per day. Aside from feeling very hungry, as previously protein is the main nutrient i consume to keep myself full, i have been substituting my meals with more carbs heavy ingredients such as sweet potatoes. However, some online resources has revealed that "sweet potatoes are bad for kidneys". How true is this? Does anyone have any idea if sweet potato can impact negatively on our kidneys in any way?

[Bet117]

Hi agirlwithhope,

You are not alone and among friends here. Several members are also IGA patients and I am a Membraneous Nephropathy patient which is an autoimmune kidney disorder similar to yours.

My first thoughts to you; this is all a process and takes time to work out all of the kinks with the goal to stabilize you and stop progression.

Bear in mind that every person is different with different nutritional needs. Have a chat with your GP or Nephrologist about this and ask for food recommendations which best meet your needs based on your labs.

 In response to your food questions ; in general, kidney patients eat foods which are low in sodium (1200- 2000 mg daily) no processed meats as cold cuts, bacon etc. or canned soups. As you know low protein; eliminating red meats. Watch your potassium; and phosphorous consumption. That would include dairy, tomatoes, potatoes.

Sweet potatoes and kidney disease don't mix well due to the high potassium content. But you can potentially eat sweet potatoes on a renal diet with the help of a process called leaching, which lowers the potassium level of a food.

Eat plenty of fresh or fresh frozen vegetables such as cabbage, onion, peppers, cauliflower, zucchini and yellow squash. Grill , steam or roast with salt free spices such as onion, garlic powders, crushed red pepper and smokey paprika.

Salad with onion, pepper, cucumbers often adding in beans which have been washed for protein. Read the labels on salad dressing.

Hummus is a great protein; it's a great snack and will help with the hunger.

l love it as a dip with red and green peppers , on salads, and even toast in the morning.

Breakfast; egg whites are a great source of protein as well with light wheat bread. Porridge is also a choice.

 Fat free Greek Yogurt is good protein and a digestive help.

Fill your diet with fresh or frozen fruits as blueberries, strawberries, apples and pineapple. All good. Non- dairy topping is great on berries.

To help diffuse the inflammation flare up; watch your sugar intake especially in sodas; eliminating dark colas as well as such foods red and processed meats.

Limit grains as white bread, white rice, sweetened breakfast cereals; snack foods as chips, cookies, crackers high in fat and sodium. It will help.

Drink plenty of water, which is also important. Your doctor or consultant can help with how much as you are taking prednisone.

Below are several links which will help with food choices:

davita.com/dietnutrition/ar...

nephcure.org/livingwithkidn...

eatright.org/health/disease...

kidney.org/atoz/content/sod....

 I hope that this helps.

Feel free to reach out at any time. You are also welcome to send me a private chat as I will always reach back.

 Stay positive!

 It will all fall into place.

 Bet xx

[agirlwithhope95 in reply to Bet117]

Dear Bet,

Thank you so much for landing yourself on to my post. I have studied thoroughly your reply and gosh are those wonderful recommendations. You definitely echo-ed most of what my dietitian and nephrologist had mentioned. I will definitely keep in mind all the do-s and don'ts.

Initially i took so hard knowing that i a have to go through another biopsy and to be on steroids. But i do not feel as lonely on this platform.

I appreciate the reply and this community a lot.

XX,

agirlwithhope.

[Bet117 in reply to agirlwithhope95]

Hi Fit,

Gosh, no thanks ever needed. I'm so glad that your biopsies are behind you and that you are going forward.

Remember that this is all a process that takes time to sort and put all of the pieces together!

Happy that my input was of help to you. Bear in mind that every person is different with different body chemistries; what may work successfully for one person, may not be the best for another.

See how you feel and let your medical team know; GP and Nephrologist should be communicating.

Take a copy of your most current labs to the appointments and note prior results next to them as you will be able to note patterns etc.

List questions and concerns; and make sure that they are all addressed before you leave the office. If you have a family member or friend who can attend with you- great! They can scribe for you allowing you to focus more on the discussion.

It has worked for me!

Take good care of yourself and think positive thoughts!

Please feel free to reach out to me at any time as always happy support!

Bet XX

[userotc]

For issues with diet in relation to health, a qualified naturopathic nutritionist should be your 1st port of call, ideally one specialising in CKD in your case. They would request your labs and treat accordingly.

In our experience, medics are limited in this area probably because they aren't trained sufficiently and have no qualifications in nutrition.

[agirlwithhope95 in reply to userotc]

Dear userotc,

That's very true. I have gone to consult a few dietitian.

[userotc in reply to agirlwithhope95]

A Nutritional Therapist would be better as dieticians are too closely aligned to doctors.

[CatOnACloud]

Hi! I don’t share your type of kidney disease, but I am familiar with steroids. It is great you are looking into nutrition right away! Steroids affect each of us in different ways. At your dosage you may expect swelling in the face, possibly extremities; but some don’t get it. Keeping sodium down is important for that kind of edema.

I think bet’s dietary practices are a good…bet You can tweak things as you embark on your journey, but if you need some help or empathy with those steroids, please post or feel free to ask me or others! It’s not an easy road at times, but a necessary one. ~Adrienne

[agirlwithhope95 in reply to CatOnACloud]

Dear Adrienne,

Oh yes the side effects are what i am fearful. I have in my mid-20s and body insecurity is one of my greatest fear. Sure bet i will heed bet's advice

Thank you for landing yourself on my post and letting me know that im not alone in this journey.

XX,

Fit.

[karthik_kurasaki]

Hello There ,

I am also an IgA Warrior like you . we can fight this diesase .

what do you eat makes an huge impact on this diesase .

Please check the website and youtube channel of plant powered kidneys . it would be useful, avoid Red Meats.

Avoid all the proceesed food and start cooking!!