On A Plant Based Diet I Raised My GFR From ... - Kidney Disease

Kidney Disease

11,182 members4,826 posts

On A Plant Based Diet I Raised My GFR From Stage 4 26 to stage 3b 41

sharonlyn profile image
48 Replies

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...

Written by
sharonlyn profile image
sharonlyn
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
48 Replies
Beckett24 profile image
Beckett24

Hi, sharonlyn! Congratulations! I stumbled upon a plant based diet for CKD by reading Stopping Kidney Disease by Lee Hull which came out on January 2019 - it sounds like the same exact CKD eating plan. My wife and I started on it on 2/1/19. She had her labs done a couple of weeks ago and her GFR went from 66 to 78 in less than two months! I am getting my labs done on 4/22/19.

We are getting our plant based protein by making Orgain Vegan plant based protein smoothies and eating Vegan Veggie Burgers we make at home. We do cheat occasionally by having Kirkland whey based protein bars a few times per week. How are you getting your protein? And how much protein are you shooting for? Right now we are shooting for 0.6 grams of protein per KiloGram of weight.

sharonlyn profile image
sharonlyn in reply to Beckett24

in the group no processed foods at all...just good ole plant base vegetables and fruits...it is food that you eat and checking your labs weekly...that is great you raised your gfr's...the couple who started "natural kidney journey" got her husband off of dialysis and he has been off for 14 months...and the site is free...you don't have to buy a book...and they don't try to sell you expensive items...they do this because they want to share their knowledge to everyone for free...and it is easy to understand...i read hull's book to some degree...and i wish i hadn't...too much scientific data...if you are interested in joining the group...they ask you three questions to filter out people who are only interested in promoting their agenda...this group is supportive and encouraging...wishing you continued great progress in your journey

sharonlyn profile image
sharonlyn in reply to sharonlyn

i raised my gfr from march 20th to april 5th 15 points...that is approximately 17 days...:)

sharonlyn profile image
sharonlyn in reply to sharonlyn

i keep track of my food i eat on "myfooddiary" it breaks down everything that you eat so you can see where you stand...so far my protein intake has been inline with my age...i have also lost 15 pounds since march 20th...i feel great...thanks...ya'll

TaffyTwoshoes27 profile image
TaffyTwoshoes27 in reply to sharonlyn

I think the other user asked "where are you getting your protein source"? You can get enuf protein from fruits and veggies?

Bet117 profile image
Bet117NKF Ambassador in reply to sharonlyn

Excellent!

Jehope profile image
Jehope in reply to Beckett24

hi Beckett24 we can eat all kinds of vegetables and fruits? or there r some that r not good for your kidneys?

Bunkin profile image
Bunkin

I can’t findvwhere to go to join the group. Do you have a link?

sharonlyn profile image
sharonlyn in reply to Bunkin

tps://facebook.com/groups/natural...

CKDatHome profile image
CKDatHome in reply to Bunkin

Can't believe people still promote the group Natural Kidney Journey. The rudest group of people on FB run that group. Sighs. Where to start? The latest? The owners well broke which would cost $20k to fix. They took up a Go Fund Me campaign having a private friend of theirs pretend that it was his idea to do it for them. Many in that group are not working but felt obligated to donate. Worse, they had posts naming the people that did contribute which shamed those unable. Two people commented it was wrong to do so. The first banned and the second shamed into apologizing in order to save themselves from a ban. The owners husband had an AKI a few years ago when he was stricken with Cancer. His cancer reoccured one and a half years ago but they have not posted his true results since. Many people with AKI's come off of Dialysis. He is not special in that regard. Most people in that group that have had their numbers improve did not take into account that they were both. hydrating better for the first time, nor that they were now no longer eating processed foods. Be forewarned before you decide to join. I say this as someone that was 100%WFPBNO but who has since decided to add in a tiny bit of poultry to my diet and am now 97% WFPBNO.

steve680 profile image
steve680

I requested to join the group over a week ago but no one got back to me. If this information is that important, perhaps you should find another way to disseminate it other than a closed Facebook group which doesn't respond to requests.

sharonlyn profile image
sharonlyn in reply to steve680

if you didnt fill out the 3 questions asked they automatically delete you...try again

sharonlyn profile image
sharonlyn in reply to sharonlyn

tps://facebook.com/groups/natural...

morecowbell profile image
morecowbell in reply to sharonlyn

can you join without beng on facebook?

steve680 profile image
steve680 in reply to sharonlyn

Yes, of course I answered the three questions. Still no response.

sharonlyn profile image
sharonlyn in reply to steve680

i would try again...it is important to be in this group it could help people stay off dialysis...

steve680 profile image
steve680 in reply to sharonlyn

I've tried several times; no response.

RonaldoResuelto profile image
RonaldoResuelto in reply to sharonlyn

I tried your link, but didn't get anywhere. Then I searched Natural Kidney Journey and found it, answered the three questions. There is a little box at the top that says pending. Now, I suppose I just wait for an answer.

sharonlyn profile image
sharonlyn in reply to RonaldoResuelto

the adminstrator goes thru 100's a day...try it again...and what were your answers...are you selling anything because that is an automatic deletion...

steve680 profile image
steve680 in reply to sharonlyn

What a bunch of BS as I'm not selling anything and never have. I answered the questions correctly and never got a response.

sharonlyn profile image
sharonlyn in reply to steve680

cannot diclose what the protocols as per administrators request...try again...what were your answers and are you selling anything

Marvin8 profile image
Marvin8 in reply to steve680

While the couple that runs the group does provide some good information, they are also extremely intolerant of anyone who raises questions that they can't answer with complete confidence, or questions they don't have the answers to at all, or anybody who presents contrary evidence from scientific studies, or contrary opinions from nephrologists, etc. etc. They seem to be nice people, but don't lose sight of the fact that the entire website is based on the anecdotal evidence of one guy whose wife helped him get off dialysis. Some of the other folks on the site also claim to have raised their GFR's and yet others have moved on to dialysis. The couple really don't appear to be selling anything and they do spend a lot of their time on the website, so they have credibility. How much credibility? That's for you to determine if you're allowed into the group. I was in the group for about a week, then mysteriously kicked out. I think it was because I raised concerns about losing muscle mass on their diet or perhaps it was my questions regarding weight resistance exercise. I really don't know what the reasons were, but I obviously hit a nerve, and BOOM...kicked out.

steve680 profile image
steve680 in reply to Marvin8

The problem is that they run the group as a CULT, in my opinion. There's heavy censorship of contrary opinions and even innocent questions. Posts get mysteriously deleted, etc. They obviously don't have all the answers. There's nothing wrong with their diet, but I think they are giving a lot of people false hope in getting off dialysis. They are taking the case of one person who seems to be stably off dialysis and applying it to everyone. I don't think they ever said what type of kidney disease the husband had; that makes a big difference as to whether the kidney disease can improve to a higher stage.

Marvin8 profile image
Marvin8 in reply to steve680

Exactamundo!

Takrang63 profile image
Takrang63 in reply to steve680

So far from the truth of what is happening in that group. It is giving hope and help to thousands around the world 👍❤️

steve680 profile image
steve680 in reply to Takrang63

Well, it seems that you make a perfect follower for that group. Just don't question their dogma...

CKDatHome profile image
CKDatHome in reply to steve680

He's not stable. His cancer returned 2 years ago. It was the first bout that affected his kidneys as an AKI which caused the dialysis. They have not been honest about his numbers since its return.

Sbkgraphics profile image
Sbkgraphics in reply to Marvin8

OMG, they are totally a CULT! You aren't allowed to ask any questions, they get mad. I'm supposed to put my LIFE in their hands, and not ask questions? And they are now putting a "retreat" together for $2600 per person. They also have asked several times for donations. I do think they mean well, but they have the worst attitude of ANY facebook group I've ever seen!

Marvin8 profile image
Marvin8 in reply to Sbkgraphics

Correctamundo!

CKDatHome profile image
CKDatHome in reply to Marvin8

Can't believe people still promote the group Natural Kidney Journey. The rudest group of people on FB run that group. Sighs. Where to start? The latest? The owners well broke which would cost $20k to fix. They took up a Go Fund Me campaign having a private friend of theirs pretend that it was his idea to do it for them. Many in that group are not working but felt obligated to donate. Worse, they had posts naming the people that did contribute which shamed those unable. Two people commented it was wrong to do so. The first banned and the second shamed into apologizing in order to save themselves from a ban. The owners husband had an AKI a few years ago when he was stricken with Cancer. His cancer reoccured one and a half years ago but they have not posted his true results since. Many people with AKI's come off of Dialysis. He is not special in that regard. Most people in that group that have had their numbers improve did not take into account that they were both. hydrating better for the first time, nor that they were now no longer eating processed foods. Be forewarned before you decide to join. I say this as someone that was 100%WFPBNO but who has since decided to add in a tiny bit of poultry to my diet and am now 97% WFPBNO.

steve680 profile image
steve680 in reply to CKDatHome

Thanks for posting this. The husband was not very transparent about which type of kidney disease he had. Coming off dialysis from an AKI, is much different than coming off dialysis with CKD. So, basically these people are a FRAUD. It explains why they are so quick to ban people who ask questions.

Cdkam55 profile image
Cdkam55

What's the name of the group?

sharonlyn profile image
sharonlyn in reply to Cdkam55

it is on facebook...it is a closed group...natural kidney journey...answer the three questions...or you will be automatically deleted...they are trying to keep people who promoting products and etc off the site...

AnneEG profile image
AnneEG in reply to sharonlyn

I've tried several times to join this group but no success.

CKDatHome profile image
CKDatHome in reply to AnneEG

Be grateful

AnneEG profile image
AnneEG in reply to sharonlyn

Does it actually exist?

Marvin8 profile image
Marvin8 in reply to Cdkam55

It's called "Ask a question and you die."

CKDatHome profile image
CKDatHome in reply to Marvin8

LOL. So true.

RonaldoResuelto profile image
RonaldoResuelto

I answered the questions. I have received no reply. I'm still unable to enter the group.

Marvin8 profile image
Marvin8 in reply to RonaldoResuelto

I was in the group for about a week before they just kicked me out due to the nature of my questions regarding maintenance of muscle mass while on their diet as well as how much exercise is safe. They are highly intolerant of those whom they perceive as questioning their dogma.

raelers profile image
raelers

Hi yes i have also started on this and look forward to my lab tests in 3 wks.

htpi1543 profile image
htpi1543

Hi Sharonly

When you stoped / reduced your BP meds, what happened to your BP?

I know that BP meds create more creatinine in the blood, but my Nephro insists on taking it

Thanks

htpi1543 profile image
htpi1543

I went to Natural Journey website and filled out the information but did not get any response except it says group closed. I clicked on join the group

So I am confused. Can you put me in the right direction please

Kind regards

SAM

htpi1543 profile image
htpi1543 in reply to htpi1543

Sorry Natural Kidney journey

Meettheparents profile image
Meettheparents

I have been following the Natural Kidney Journey diet since February of 2020, and I will always be grateful to them for helping me increase my GFR from 28 to 60, so far. I have not had any problems. Sometimes people have to wait to get approved because there is a backlog of people who want to get on and just a couple of people who do the approving. And they simply don’t have the manpower to answer every question.

Appolonia profile image
Appolonia

Hello sharonlyn, I am also a member of Natural Kidney Journey group on FB. I joined January 2021, so I am still quite new to the group. In 6 weeks I raised my GFR from 49 to 51. I know that is a small change, but a positive one. Everyone in this group is exceedingly kind & they have wonderful recipes contributed by the group members so you really don't get bored eating only plant based foods. I know from what the Adm's have posted that they are dealing with a backlog of requests from others wanting to join. I know nothing about Don's cancer & I don't even know what AKI is. They rarely discuss their personal medical issues as that is not the purpose of the group. I also do not have the luxury of being able to see a renal dietician.

Blackknight1989 profile image
Blackknight1989

The results you list are awesome. However, remember lab results are just a snapshot and kidney cells do not regenerate so your improved levels don’t mean you have “more” kidney function, only that you remaining kidney nephrons are less stressed than before. Certainly diet can play a role but the removal of a blood pressure medication with a diuretic could help as well. We shouldn’t have diuretic meds or BP meds with diuretics because they cause perpetual dehydration dangerous to kidney function. So keep up the good work but always be mindful of what seems like a miracle cure is probably not legitimate as it would be promoted universally for all CKD patients. Beware groups like this that only promote their way and condemn new studies or contradictory information because they are dangerous in the long run. Keep up the good work!

Gemcar13 profile image
Gemcar13

can access this site if you don’t have facebook? Thanks

You may also like...

What is the impact of plant based diet on your GFR

plant based diet. Have you changed and have you seen an improvement in GFR? What are you eating for...

Newbie. 41 CKD stage 4

I learned that I have CKD, my GFR is 16, and told that I will likely be on dialysis within the next...

Stage 3 and Plant Based Diet

org/video/plant-based-diet-for-treating-and-reversing-stage-3-kidney-disease/ Has anyone tried a...

Went from stage 3b to stage 2

everyone! I have wonderful news. In Oct 2022, my gfr was 42, stage 3b. I tweaked my diet, made...

Good news with plant based diet

months, and being pretty loyal to the diet, I had the best labs I have had in a long time. My...