How to increase eGFR

[Hannah7622]

Hi everyone,

I have stage four CKD and my routine appointment I was told me eGFR has gone down to 19. This is the lowest it’s ever been. Does anyone know how it can be improved and creatinine increased? I’ve been reading up about Milk Vetch which supposedly decreases BP, has anyone tried it?

Thanks

Hannah

[Bassetmommer NKF Ambassador]

Hannah,NO matter what you read there is NO supplement that cures CKD. Matter of fact I was just reading again about how a women did a cleanse and ended up in a hospital because of the herbs she used in the cleanse. Do not take anything without running it by your doctor.

If you want to see if you can improve you CKD, take a look at what you eat. See a renal dietician. Read about plant based, whole foods, which means anything not processed such as cold cuts and packaged foods. Read about how lowering you protein intake can help with slowing the decline in some case reversing your GFR. Mine went up two points in three months. Learn about managing things like blood pressure and diabetes can also help. There are things you can do.

knowdiabetesbyheart.org/

kidney.org/

[Hannah7622 in reply to Bassetmommer]

Okay thanks and I know it’s not going to cure it but I was just looking for ways to improve it that’s all.

[orangecity41 NKF Ambassador]

I agree with Bassetmommer. Be very careful on any supplements not prescribed by your Doctor. They possibly could damage your kidneys more. A Doctor prescribed diet would be a big help. The diet should be based on your bloodwork, such as phosphorus, potassium, sodium etc. Also help on getting your blood pressure under control. Keep us posted.

[Hannah7622 in reply to orangecity41]

Okay thank you!

[orangecity41 NKF Ambassador in reply to Hannah7622]

You are welcome. The diet has helped many of us with CKD. Davita is a good source for recipes, once you start your diet.

[Hidden in reply to Hannah7622]

If you haven't already done this, go to davita.com and sign up for a free, virtual 90-minute Kidney Smart class. At stage 4 you may need fluid restrictions and a meal plan designed for you based on your current stage. As previously suggested, contact a Renal Dietitian and bring your a few of your most recent set of labs with you and develop a meal plan for you. Your nephrologist will give you a better idea of what type of fluid restrictions, if any, you'll have to follow. Any exercise regimen approved by your physician(s) will keep you as active as possible and also help improve the numbers.You can also go to kidneyschool.org and watch the learning modules and pick up some tips and suggestions for holding off the later stages.

Best of luck.

[Bet117 NKF Ambassador]

Hannah,

I totally agree with the great words of advice Bassetmommer, Orange City and Mr._ Kidney. Anything that you take should be run by your doctor.

There is no magic pill or cure for kidney disease but with diet, water, exercise and watching your sodium intake, ( 1200-200mg per day) avoiding red meats, dark colas and NASID pain relievers such as Advil, your goal to slow or stabilize or manage progression.

It's a process which with the right components can be managed.

Here is a food link to get you started. Check out Davita as well.

nephcure.org/livingwithkidn...

Stay positive.

Bet

[SkiingSailor]

Welcome Hannah ! Great advice above. While it’s impossible to regenerate your kidney tissue, you can make life easier for our damaged kidneys. I took all of the above dietary advice in Nov and four months later my eGFR has risen from 51 to 73. It’s no cure and it’s only a snapshot! Additionally my overall cholesterol has gone from 5.9 to 4.9 on the whole foods plant based diet. I’m no saint I still drink red wine and have a tiny amount of dark chocolate every day and an espresso! Follow your blood results as well re potassium and phosphates.

Good luck.

[lowraind]

I support all the replies here. They helped me much when I was first diagnosed. Just one thing to add. You want to increase eGFR, but you want to decrease creatinine.

[Meettheparents]

I heartily second Bassetmommer’s advice to begin a Plant Based, Whole Foods diet. My GFR increased from 28 to 60 in one year by avoiding animal proteins, which are hard on the kidneys. I decreased my salt and fat intake, increased water consumption, do aerobic exercise daily, and stay far away from Ibuprofen and dietary supplements that are not approved by my physician. Best wishes. One important note: if you go 100% plant based, you will need to take a B12 and Vitamin D supplement.

[Bet117 NKF Ambassador in reply to Meettheparents]

I am plant based as well and love it!