Support for animal protein?

[TrixG]

Is there any scientific support for including animal protein in my diet? About 4 months ago I started a plant based diet. Everything I see or read now points to why WFPB is good for you, but I am not sure if I am seeing this because it is true, or if I am just getting bombarded with this news because that is the diet I am on. I am stage 3/4 depending on which labs I look at. I really feel good since starting plant based and BUN levels are now in the high normal range. My calcium is low and TSH is high so started on calcitriol.

[Hidden]

This is going to get you a lot of varied answers. For example; there are two main causes of CKD. Diabetes and High Blood Pressure. I happen to have both and my nephrologist at the time, determined that my CKD was due to my diabetes. Shortly after my diagnosis I met with a renal dietitian and together we developed a kidney-friendly meal plan specifically for me. The main emphasis was to keep my diabetes in check as well as my HBP. Red meat, processed foods, sodium, and many other things were eliminated. I do eat a lot of vegetables but I do get protein from poultry and seafood. Last fall, I had to have surgery to remove my gallbladder and with that I had to eliminate some seafood types that had a higher fat content. When I was diagnosed, my GFR was 32. In the three years since that time my GFR has averaged 53.

Others will swear that a vegan and/or vegetarian meal plan works best. That's where personal preference comes into play. You have to make the choice that is best for you.

I've included an article from the CDC that explains what I stated above. There are other articles that can be found to support other options. As long as you have the support of your nephrologist and renal dietitian, and in my case my cardiologist, I'll stick with my current meal plan.

Best of luck to you whichever way you decide.

cdc.gov/diabetes/managing/e...

[TrixG in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for your response. Yes, I am type 1 diabetic as well as ckd. It is very confusing! I am definitely eating more carbs than I ever did before, but the vegetable carbs do seem like they take longer to digest, thus not causing the quick blood sugar rise like more refined carbs (rice is still an issue).

[orangecity41 NKF Ambassador]

I was diagnosed at CKD level 3b, and Doctor put me on a CKD diet. The diet is restricted on sodium, potassium and phosphorus based on blood work. I am limited to 65g max of protein. I do eat fish, and chicken/turkey and occasional red meat on the diet. Do you have a dietitian? The diet has helped slow down the progression of CKD.

[TrixG in reply to orangecity41]

Yes - she is giving me the option of either being straight vegan or eating occasional chicken/seafood.

[orangecity41 NKF Ambassador in reply to TrixG]

I also track and plan my diet.

[HealthBuddyMelissa]

I just read the new guidelines put out by a renal group and they said that where the protein comes from does not seem to matter, that they know of, but the amount of protein consumed is what matters. If you feel good on WFPB and you are stable then you should stick with it, unless your doctor advises otherwise. I always worry about Anemia but so far I have been good with the very low animal meat products I consume. I eat very little dairy, but I do take Vitamin D daily and get Calcium mostly from Kale and other plant sources.

[Lgriffis in reply to HealthBuddyMelissa]

Hello HealthBuddyMelissa, who is the renal group or do you have a link? TY

[HealthBuddyMelissa in reply to Lgriffis]

I found them on Kidney.org, it is very long and scientific, so you will have to wade through the stuff you don't want to read and find what you do want. Talk to your doctor about these practices kidney.org/sites/default/fi...

[Boxster2]

Yes, i would like to see a link if you have one available. Thanks!

[HealthBuddyMelissa]

I saved it somewhere. I will try to find it