diet and frequency of meals

[astonvantage]

As a stage3b ckd patient I am lead to believe that small meals are the order of the day?

How long should I wait between meals?

[orangecity41 NKF Ambassador]

I am stage 3b also and was given the renal diet, and do eat several small meals a day due to serving amounts and the number of servings allowed It seems to work for me. I do make exceptions. Doctor never told me how long between the meals/snacks. I use Davita diet tracker and it helps in planning.

[astonvantage in reply to orangecity41]

Thank you for your prompt reply

I was also informed that my enlarged prostate also contributed to my ckd

[orangecity41 NKF Ambassador in reply to astonvantage]

You are welcome. I also have BPH, and it too contributed to CKD

[Albuminian in reply to orangecity41]

Hi orangecity41, You say prostrate contributes to CKD, how? I have an enlarged prostrate and leaking protein, or Urine Albumin at 21.08 and not sure how bad that level is but my GP wants me on 10mg Lisinopril and don't like reading all the side effects and holding off.

[orangecity41 NKF Ambassador in reply to Albuminian]

Urologist told me that in my situation, BPH was causing my bladder to back up and damaging my kidneys. It may not happen to everyone with BPH.

[astonvantage in reply to orangecity41]

Mine is bph and I am seeing a specialist on Monday

What did you have done toyour prostate?

[Bassetmommer NKF Ambassador]

Hi Astonvantage,

I am curious why you think eating small meals is better for you. Eating small meals through out the day is one thing they used to tell diabetics. But then they found out there is no improvement in this method. The problem is that most people consume too many calories, period. (I include myself in this) Eating frequently does not improve metabolism either. So, the best rule of thumb is, plan your day as it works for you. Keep a tracker going and know how much you should be eating for the day. Plan your calories and if you are watching potassium, sodium and phosphorous,track that too. If you are hungry, eat something.

Your body will tell you what it needs if you listen to it. If you really aren't hungry, then don't eat. But if you find yourself skipping meals figure out why. Have you lost your appetite and why? That is an indicator of end stage CKD and you need to work with your doctor.

shapescale.com/blog/monday-...

webmd.com/diet/obesity/feat...

clinical-experimental-nephr...

[Ladybug_05]

Small meals may seem benefitial in theory, but I've personally found that having 3 main meals with snacks in between to be a better method. Portion control is a key factor in ensuring that you're getting all of the nutrients you need without overeating, and keeping a strict eating schedule will train your body to be hungry at times that you plan to eat. I usually space my main meals (i.e. a protein, simple and complex carb; 3 part meal plan) 4 hours apart with the option of a snack around hour 2.

If you're able to make small meals work with your lifestyle, that's great! However, being realistic with your lifestyle is a good first step towards taking charge of your eating habits and staying on track. My method is an alternative since I couldn't make small meals work no matter how hard I tried. Good luck!

[KelliC_NKF]

Following a kidney friendly diet and staying hydrated are most important. Talk with your doctor about your nutritional needs and ask for a referral to talk with a dietitian as well. For more information on diet and CKD 3b visit: kidney.org/nutrition/Kidney...

[rabbit01]

I have never heard of having small meals as a way to help kidneys. Certainly if you are having problems with phosphate and potassium then you can make diet adjustments to help with that. Always check with your doctor before making any changes but certainly I have never been advised or even read that small frequent meals will help your kidneys.

[alport45]

I have itching around my ankles where I also have some edema. My PD nurse believes the itching is related to the edema.

[alport45]

My nephrologist suggested several small meals each day because I was having trouble adding in more protein to compensate for my dialysis. I just can't get much protein down so I ended up not finishing my meals. I am not a diabetic so at least I don't have to figure carbs in the mix.