I love this site ... so much helpful information!
However ....
I am having difficulty locating the response I received, according to my email notification on April 25, in regards to my question on diet for one who has CKD Stage 3a and the contradictions of one source to the other as to certain foods be kidney friendly or not. I need help knowing how to locate the response that was sent to me. Could someone please advise me?
thanks!
According to your history, this is the only post you've made since you joined on April 9th. Did you ask a question inside someone else's post?
Yes, I did. Evidently, the path I took to posting today was the correct path. Thank you for your response!
Is there usually a charge for a Renal Dietician? If so, does insurance sometimes help with it? Maybe I will ask my Nephrologist for a referral via my patient portal since I am not due for a follow up for a couple more months. Thank you.
I don't know what insurance policy you have. Contact your agent and explain the need for an RD. This isn't really something you should do on your own.
I can provide you with some suggestions about what foods to avoid. No eating of processed foods, stop smoking, little to no drinking. Stop eating red meat, and limit the intake of potassium, phosphorus, protein, calcium, and sodium in your meals. You should ask your nephrologist for a referral to meet with a Renal Dietitian. Bring along your lab values for at least the past year and together you will be able to develop a kidney-friendly meal plan that is designed specifically for you.
Some examples of things to limit or eliminate would be listed below.
Foods to avoid that are high in potassium
Milk, milkshakes, hot chocolate eggnog, ice cream/sherbet/frozen yogurt, pudding molasses, dried fruit, nuts, seeds, whole grain/bran cereals, orange juice, prune juice, apricots, bananas, honeydew, kiwi, oranges, nectarines, chewing tobacco/snuff, sports drinks, artichoke, avocado, fresh beets, Brussel Sprouts, dried beans and peas, greens and spinach, wax beans, okra, potatoes (you can have it from time to time if you leech them first), pumpkin, winter squash, tomatoes, and tomato products.
You and the RD can develop the meal plan to be 100% Vegan, Vegetarian, or to get some of your protein from fish and poultry.
Foods high in Phosphorus
Cheese, custard/flan, baking soda/powder, pancakes, waffles, muffins, cake, cornbread, biscuits corn tortillas, brown/wild rice and rice mixes, coconut, nuts and nut butter, dark-colored sodas, beer, chocolate, pizza, organ meats, and sardines and mackerel.
Some of the foods listed above also contain too much potassium as well.
Foods high in Sodium
lunch meat, salt and seasoned salt, tacos, sausage sauerkraut, ham and other cured meats, salted nuts, cottage cheese, condiments, hot dogs, bacon, pickled foods, canned foods, canned soup and salted crackers, frozen dinners, sauces, and dressings, chips, pretzels.
You do need all of those items in your diet, but you must limit the amount you take in. That's why it's critical to check with an RD who has seen your labs and can direct you in the best way to meet your needs.
Try not to consider these changes as a diet. With an exercise regimen, medications for underlying health issues, and sticking to it these are really lifestyle changes.
Best of luck.
Mr_Kidney, as usual, you have provided sound advice. I'm CKD4 with an eGFR of 27-31. DaVita has about 7-8 dialysis centers in the Greater Richmond, VA area (where I live). The only dietician I have seen is in the Veterans Admin. Hospital. She's good, but she has not specialized in renal diets. Do you know whether DaVita has a renal dietician on staff at each of its dialysis centers. I have Original Medicae, plus a so called "Medigap" policy, so my insurance covers consultation with an RD.
Dialysis centers do have an RD they use but the question is whether or not they can see you. A call will get you the answer. Also, try the hospitals in the area. It's possible they have RD's on staff who can meet with you. If there is a particular hospital that
specializes in transplants you might start there.
Best of luck.
I was diagnosed at CKD 3b and my Doctor put me on a diet based on blood work. I started out restricted on Phosphorus and Sodium, and later restricted on Potassium. My diet specifies # of servings per day and measurements, ounces, cup. Your Doctor should be able to provide you with appropriate diet. I also use Davita web site for planning and recipes.
I am sorry that you were unable to get responses. Could it be that there is problem with your email. Maybe look into Junk mail for email responses.
I think I am feeling more comfortable with how to maneuver through HealthUnlocked. It has such a host of insights and is a comfort to have such a huge support group!
Glad we have this forum to help one another. It is a big help.
Welcome to a great community filled with supportive, knowledgeable people!
Mr._Kidney has just given you some wonderful advice and direction as a start. Speak to your doctor; bring a list of the foods you eat and discuss them. A renal dietician will help advise you as to what healthy, nutritious and appetizing foods will be best for you based on your labs. Look into it!
Reach out at any time and one of us will always reach back!
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