Better Numbers

[kungfudude]

In January I posted my one functioning kidney numbers - gfr down to 38, create up to 1.86. They were the worst ever in my 57 years. So now after 3 months of limiting my sodium to 2000 mg/day, and losing 12 lbs, I just got my new blood lab results. Gfr up over 60, create down to 1.21! So all the bland food seems to be working and at least for now, I'm very relieved.

[Hidden]

While you shouldn't get too "low" on bad numbers, you shouldn't get too "high" on good numbers. Up is always better than down but remember it is just a snapshot of where you are at the time the labs were drawn. When you get the consistent good numbers over a longer period of time then you can relax a bit. Keep up the good effort and stay strong on diet, exercise, medications, and attitude. It's nice when everything comes together.

[lowraind in reply to Hidden]

Meant to send this to you yesterday. Good to see you back. I have missed your posting.

[lowraind]

The food does not have to be bland. I have been using Herbal Salt Substitute Recipe available online. Pepper has also become my best friend.

[Bassetmommer NKF Ambassador]

HI Kungfudude:

Congratulations. Keep up the good work. And like the others said, you can make food more interesting by adding stronger spices without salt. Be careful of salt substitutes. Things like onions and garlic are good for kidney health. There are so many spices out there to experiment with.

pkdcure.org/blog/spices-and...

[Carosuz2016]

That’s wonderful! Congratulations. I go tomorrow for my test, and I’m praying that like you after suffering through tasteless meals and starvation that mine will have improved by some . Your success is great!!

[Carosuz2016 in reply to Carosuz2016]

Also, don’t let anyone burst your bubble. Today is all anyone has and what you have accomplished Is marvelous.

[Hidden in reply to Carosuz2016]

Good luck with your numbers. But as I said don't get too excited either way. For example Oct. 22nd my GFR was 65, on Dec. 26th it was 53, on Jan. 17th it went to 43, on Feb. 28th it went to 53, and on Mar. 14th it was 49. We may have only one day at a time but to stress out on one number from one day is detrimental to your mental health which does affect your physical health. Over the last 5 and a half months my average has been 53. I'll take that number and sleep well. Getting too happy about the 65 or too sad about the 43 doesn't make sense. It's over the long haul that counts. Sticking to your individual renal diet, watching your medications, keeping up with your exercise regimen and not stressing by snapshot numbers will keep you on an even keel.

[Batsheva]

So happy for you. I am newly diagnosed with GFR of 37. I did not think I had any hope to improve but your words give me hope. I changed from happy person to extremely depressed after getting diagnosed (of course at Stage 3). My nephrologist who I only saw twice evaded my question when I asked if I could improve. Keep up your good work -- I know we work very hard on changing our diet. I am on low sodium diet and since I am type 2 I cut down on carbs and sweets. Wishing you good luck in the future. Now, I too, may get my hope back.

[kungfudude in reply to Batsheva]

Thanks. I posted hoping to encourage someone. Until January, I didn't pay any attention to my sodium consumption. I never realized how much was in everything and how much I was eating.

[Batsheva in reply to kungfudude]

Hope you are still doing GREAT!! Kung, that sodium is a killer. I had to give up eating out which is KILLING me as I was eating out socially with my friends after our games about 2 times a week. Now, I have to exclude myself or sit with them and feel deprived as I cannot eat what I want. Someone said you have to cook at home and they are absolutely correct. Best wishes to you!

[kungfudude in reply to Batsheva]

You can still eat out. Just take half home for the next day. It's better than nothing.

[Bassetmommer NKF Ambassador in reply to Batsheva]

Hi Batsheva,

Getting diagnosed with CKD can be overwhelming and scary. There are a lot of us who have been there and understand. I was at stage 3 for a very long time, probably 9 years or more. I went to stage four last year due to many factors, but mostly medications. By switching up my diet to a renal diet which is mostly plant based, no meats, low carbs and fat I have lost 36 pounds, dropped by A1C significantly, and have had stable or improved labs.

Let us know if you have question we can help you with.

[Batsheva in reply to Bassetmommer]

Thanks so much. I am still scared and also angry!!! Is that normal also. It sounds like you took the bull by the horns and kept yours from getting worse. You know, the funny thing is my A1C was 5.8 and my BP is very normal. In fact it was LOW at the doctor. Anyhow, I wish you continued luck and success in managing this disease.

[sharonlyn]

i just recently joined a facebook group...natural kidney journey...everyone who has ckd needs to join this group...i have been eating the way that is outlined in this group since the beginning of march...i have lost a considerable amount of weight...i have gotten off my blood pressure meds...losartain and hydradraline...and a diueritic lasix...i have been working on getting rid of my diabetic med from 2 times aday to 1/2 a day and sometimes not even that...i was a stage 4 ckd at 26 now i am stage ckd 3b at 41...i have gained 15 points...it is similiar to vegan but you cut out sugar...oil...salt...potatoes...tomatoes...no processed food at all...mainly a plant based diet... water and herbal teas are fine...low potassium...low phoshorus...i feel really good...the people who started this group were able to get her husband off of dialysis...and he has been off of dialysis for 14 months...there are a couple of people onsite who have accomplished that...others are raising their gfr's dramatically...all with diet...it is a great group and i am so thankful that i found them...i mean 15 points is terrific for just a month of dedication...i am working to get to stage 2 or better...now this is my experience with this way of eating...everyone is different but i found out i ckd not because my doctor told me but that i looked at my labs...if you are really serious in having better kidney function at least check out this group...

[Pappy58]

Your meals don’t have to be bland and tasteless. I’m a retired chef and pastry chef and love cooking. The key to good food is mastering the use of spices. Not salt and pepper. I’ve always used very little salt at home and hate dining out because restaurants use way too much salt. Some more than others. Don’t be afraid to experiment with recipes. A recipe should be a guideline for how to put a meal together. It’s not etched in stone. Do your own thing and make it interesting. Some of the DaVita recipes are great but others are like eating the package the food came in.

There are some low sodium spice blends available that are very flavorful such as Weber cajun spice blend.

[kungfudude]

Thanks.

What are some other spices/spice blends you use?