Wondering if you should try a plant a plant... - Kidney Disease

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Wondering if you should try a plant a plant based diet?

Pappy58 profile image
9 Replies

jrnjournal.org/article/S105...

I haven't completed the transition but I'm working on it. My biggest challenge is getting enough calories and keeping my phosphorus low. I don't want to try to make up the missing calories with fat and sugar so that's not a good option. I met with a dietician at the VA but she wasn't a renal dietician and unfortunately she didn't provide me with any info I wasn't able to find on my own.

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Pappy58 profile image
Pappy58
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Bassetmommer profile image
BassetmommerNKF Ambassador

OMG Pappy do we have information on diet on this website. Yes, plant based eating is very good for CKD. It is proven that cutting down on animal protein is beneficial. You can get protein from plant based foods.

I went to see one of the top renal dieticians here. She was so helpful. As she told me, they have discovered that phosphorous in plant based foods is only absorbed in half. Say something is 50 mg of phosphorous (P) and is plant based. You will only absorb may 20-30mg. Wish this was true in potassium (K) but so far that is still being proven. Some say yes.... but its not adsorbed the same as P. cjasn.asnjournals.org/conte...

So things like oatmeal and whole grains aren't necessarily bad for you.

But I know what you mean on being limited. I have done a lot of experimenting with roasting and grilling veggies with different herbs and spices. I also make a lot of vegetable based stews (no tomatoes or potatoes) and soups.

Another solution is cheese..... I love my cheese. But again, they warn it is high in phosphorous..... but not all of them are bad. I use low fat cream cheese in sandwiches and as a dip. I use low fat mozzarella and grated Parmesan in soups and salads. Swiss cheese is good if you like it. Stay away from fat free. Moderation is the key with cheese as you know a little goes a long way.

I also love my eggs, but I eat egg whites. Just learned a recipe for veggie fried rice...yummy.

You do not say if you are diabetic, which adds so much fun to the equation. I am, so I can not eat a lot of pasta, which I love. But I can eat my own homemade bread. I am going to try to make my own pasta now. If you want to enjoy the texture and shape of pasta, but not the carbs, get a spiralizer. I use it on zucchini and make zoodles. (Can be high in K) You can use it on squash and any hard vegetable. Careful with root veggies because of K.

The other thing we are trying is ancient grains. They add texture but have to watch out because things like farro can be high in P and K. But then again, they are plant based.

Be careful with recipes produced for CKD. Some are not and you have to know the ingredients. And stay away from processed food. As a Chef, I am sure you know that.

I check out things on my phone and computer all the time. There are a lot of sites to use and here are a couple I use: ndb.nal.usda.gov/ndb/ nutritiondata.self.com/

Can you tell I love talking food?

Pappy58 profile image
Pappy58 in reply to Bassetmommer

I'm not diabetic so I don't have to worry about counting carbs but I do have to worry about fat and dairy because of colitis. I eat a little brie from time to time, limited butter, and mostly olive oil for healthy fat. I don't have any problem getting enough protein from non animal sources. My issue is getting enough calories to maintain my weight.

I've read some of the studies that confirm the benefits of plant based diets vs animal based diets. That's what convinced me to make the change. I have a lot to learn about this. The main problem I have is I don't have as big of an appetite as I did when I was younger. I get full easy. I went through a period of three years of being very ill and have lost about 50lbs so far. I'm doing much better now but still losing weight. Since I became ill I get full easier so my meals are smaller. I try to snack through out the day to get as many calories as possible but still can't get over 1,700 on my best day. I've had days as low as 1,000 and can't say I feel hungry.

Bet117 profile image
Bet117NKF Ambassador in reply to Bassetmommer

Thanks, Bassetmommer,

Excellent delivery of information.

As you know. I am plant based as well. Please shoot me a PM or email and share some of your recipes. You are a far more ambitious cook than I am.

I steam fresh or fresh frozen veggies. Have come to enjoy them plain or with a tad of hummus.

I am not ready to go back to eggs, but always ate egg whites with veggies and even a half slice of low fat American Cheese. Then..

Doctor advised Cream of Wheat; yellow box to help with iron. I also rotate gluten free Quaker Oats into breakfast every few days. Like your thoughts, the key is sense and moderation, staying away from high sodium and kidney harming foods. There is phosphorus etc. in everything.

Looking forward to catching up.

B..

Bet117 profile image
Bet117NKF Ambassador in reply to Bassetmommer

Nah...lol..

Beckett24 profile image
Beckett24

Hi, Pappy. Read my new post "Nearly Hit Stage 2" for a real life answer to your question. I hope it encourages you.

Bunkin profile image
Bunkin

I have started that also but only for about 10 day’s now. Just had labs yesterday so we’ll see. I cut out all dairy and all meat. It hasn’t been that bad really. Will let y’all know results next week

Bet117 profile image
Bet117NKF Ambassador in reply to Bunkin

In your corner, Bunkin.

Keep me informed- I care.

B..

Bunkin profile image
Bunkin in reply to Bet117

I will!

Beckett24 profile image
Beckett24 in reply to Bunkin

Hi, Bunkin. I don't know if 10 days of dieting will dramatically affect your labs, so don't get discouraged. I found one reference that claimed creatinine takes a month to clear your system, so you might still have the higher levels of creatinine from the 20 days of unhealthy eating. You will get used to a healthy CKD diet. Keep us posted.

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