Does anyone have cholesterol issues? I am so happy that stopping dairy and watching my protein intake (mostly plant based now) has helped me raise my gfr from level 3 to level 2 but yesterday’s meeting with my dr revealed that I now have cholesterol issues. Hard to believe...I was always a low carb eater and my cholesterol numbers were excellent up to 3 months ago when I started this diet. Again, my dr was of no help...saying it could be hereditary. My dietician told me to stay away from whole wheat and white bread, white pasta and white rice (no potato) is safer for my kidney disease? I’ve been having 2 or 3 servings of weight watchers bread daily. Would this have caused the rise? Im allowed only 3 cups of veggies and/or fruit total daily. Of the fruit I eat mainly blueberries, strawberries, apples and pineapple since they are the best for my stage of kidney disease. How about vegan margarine? ...not that I’ve used much...maybe 1 tsp. daily. I walk half hour daily! I’ve lost 15 lbs in these 3 months and can’t afford to loose much more. If it’s not one thing it’s another. Any advice will be greatly appreciated!
Kidney disease (category 3) and rising chol... - Kidney Disease
Kidney disease (category 3) and rising cholesterol level
There are many reasons for high cholesterol. I've included a link to an article from the American Heart Association. Look at the possible causes of high LDL and see if anything there matches your situation. This is one of those situations where your CKD is something that you may have to balance in relation to other health issues. If you develop any questions from the material speak to your physician and develop a plan. Unless something new has come along, the WW program is not designed for someone with CKD. Depending on how high over the reference range you are will eventually determine how much cutting back on poor food choices will be something you may have to consider.
In the sixteen months before I was given my CKD diagnosis, I lost 146 pounds. When I received the diagnosis and had to begin a kidney-friendly meal plan and almost all of what I had been eating to help me lose the weight was no longer beneficial. I had to switch out everything and my weight loss stopped but my GFR went up. Keep working at it, and don't get frustrated and give up.
heart.org/en/health-topics/...
I’m not on weight watchers...I just use that bread because the content label on the package had good numbers according to my dietician.
146 lbs in 16 months. That's a lot to lose. Did you have to loss surgery, what was your eating plan?
No surgery involved. Actually, watching a video of the surgery provided me with the drive to change eating habits, and gradually increase exercise. All of this was done under the monthly supervision of a doctor.
Congratulations on your new body ,& lifeThat's amazing! That would be a life changer.
I bet you feel good too.
.
I was diagnosed at CKD 3b. I too have a cholesterol problem even with the CKD diet. My Doctor prescribed a non statin medicine for cholesterol and also an omega 3 supplement. My cholesterol is under control. It was very high. It is possible my cholesterol problem may be hereditary . You will have to see what future cholesterol levels are.
Do you mind sharing what non-statin med your doctor prescribed?
The prescribed medicine is Zetia (ezetimibe). Ask your Doctor if this is suitable for you. I also have a triglyceride problem.
Untreated underactive thyroid can cause a big upward swing in cholesterol.
Most, but not everybody gains weight with this.
Even when the thyroid is treated, elevated cholesterol is one of the side effects that is monitored. I have had Hashimotos Hypo Thyroidosis since I am 28 years old. My maternal grandmother had it as well and lived to 99 years old.
Add in any kidney issues, diet and monitoring are key.
I live it.
I put myself on a plant based diet and initially my cholesterol level went up as well. However, I then spoke to a locum doctor as ours was unavailable ( thankfully) and she said to click labels better as coconut is high in saturated fats and it’s squeezed into many vegan foods for flavour. So años processed foods, anything with coconut ( too often) and check for sat fats on labels. In a month my level has reduced from 5.9 to 4.9. I reached normal BMI after only 3 months plant based diet and am not losing any more. Doctors and dieticians aren’t infallible and can and do give out of date advice. I’d definitely check that WW bread out for its ingredients. Bread once a day is plenty !
SkiingSailor,
I am a label reader as well. I have been plant based for 4 years now; having 1/2C fat free Greek Yogurt with Chia Seeds ( as per my nephrologist) for breakfast.
I use olive oil, olive oil cooking spray and have switched to Benechol Lite spread instead of any other product and have been happy.
I use light wheat bread and Fiber One wheat/ whole grain English muffins at home as my husband brings his lunch during this pandemic.
With WW it's a balancing act. Take a look at the labels.
Based on your labs ask if you can eat beans and hummus as they are great meat alternatives.
It has lowered both cholesterol along with Omega 3 tablets.
Please reach back and let us know what the outcome is.
It's a process!
Bet
Thanks Bet. How many omega 3s do you take daily and what strength please?
Hi Dllfb,
I take 2- 1200mg Omega 3 softgels, a 500mg garlique tablet, 2- 1200mg sunflower lecithin soft gels and 2- 1000mg Puritans Pride Phytosterols in the am.
I take 4- 1000mg of Puritans Pride Phytosterols and 2- 500mg. Flush - free Niacin tablets at dinner.
I buy them on Amazon or. Wal-Mart.com.
All have been approved by both my GP and Nephrologist.
My nephrologist conducted a study on Niacin during his residency and fellowship and suggested it to me.
Ask your doctors about taking the supplements as we are all different.
I am grateful that so far it has worked for me.
Please reach back and let me know what is said. Happy to share!
Bet
Do you have kidney disease as well?
Hi Dllfb,
Yes, I have an autoimmune kidney disease called Membraneous Nephropathy.In my case, my immune system attacks the filtering membranes in the kidney. These membranes clean waste products from the blood. This occurs when the small blood vessels in the kidney (glomeruli), which filter wastes from the blood, become damaged and thickened. As a result, proteins leak from the damaged blood vessels into the urine (proteinuria).
I have idiopathic primary MN, meaning my nephrologist can't identify the cause; it is not from lupus or another source.
I am monitored every 3-6 months with both blood and 24 urine tests.
So it is a bit different than CKD. I still stick to a kidney- friendly diet and drink a lot of water. I also try to avoid sugary foods and others which can cause inflammation and initiate a higher flare up.
Hope this answers your question.
B..
Thanks...so glad this worked for you. Due to me having stage 2-3 kidney disease, my dietician told me to stay away from whole wheat and dairy..chia seeds I have occasionally because of high phosphorus levels.
Remember that we are all different. What may work for one patient may not be good for another. Keeping an eye on your labs and working with a dietician who gives you food suggestions and portions based on your labs is very important.
The goal is to prevent disease progression. It's a process..
I have cholesterol problems and just found out as I've only been focusing on kidney stuff and labs. But, I'm almost sure part f thes4 may be genetic. Even though I'm in my 80s I always had high triglycerides. Statins were offered but only caused muscle problems so these were not effective. And, I had eaten regular foods not heavily invested in fried foods or carbs So,I can't relate my CKD problems to the cholesterol problems and neither did my kidney doctor . Instead he pointed out that both parents did have some cardiac problems as well
Hope this information helps, but I mostly hope you can solve your medical issues
More and more, I'm believing that aside from having a nephrologist. an internist, a cardiologist, a dietitian, etc we also need to get a chemist aboard to manage these ever changing lab numbers. My best to you
drmind,
You are too much! Definately add a chemist to the team! Pharmacists are good resources to go to.
I had the same issues with statin drugs; severe muscle aches and swelling in my back as well as an upset stomach. Like you, the statins had very little effect on my cholesterol.
My issue is suspected to be from the thyroid and possibly paternal genetic.
The homeopathic regimen and adjustments in my diet have tremendously helped.
We are all in this together!
B...
How true! One problem fixed...3 others pop up to worry about!
I’ve recently been told out of the blue that I have diabetes & my cholesterol is 8.8. I’m stage 3a too. I have lots of new meds that just make me feel like rubbish, I spend most of my life in bed & been off work sick for almost two years now & rather than getting better, it’s non stop getting worse! I’ve had 9 episodes of chest pain spreading to jaw & vice versa since the middle of January which I use GTN spray to stop it. Turning 40 & falling apart!!
Pdbird,
Oh Gosh, if you are feeling unwell let your GP know.
Just a thought, go to Drugs.com ( you can get the APP on your phone) look up the medications that you are on. It will give you possible reactions, mild moderate and severe interactions.
They have an area where you can list all of the medications that you take and it will reflect possible interactions.
Look into it and see what comes up.
No one should suffer as you have.
Please reach out again as you are among friends.
Bet
I have been on strong painkillers (pregablin, co-codamol, morphine) for two years now for my constant kidney & back pain, I’ve been put on ramipril to “protect” kidneys (I don’t have any bp issues it’s purely to protect them). Now I’ve got metformin 1000mg twice a day, statins, vit d, omeprazole. So fed up of having no life. Was bad enough with just the kidneys but now heart, cholesterol & diabetes....just feels like I’ll never get my life back & my children will never get their mom back xx
Hi Pdbird,
Honestly, your feelings of frustration are absolutely normal. You ask yourself, what next, as one goes into another and but you will get your life back.
Diabetes, elevated cholesterol and cardiac issues can be connected to the kidneys, but are all treatable.
Have you considered getting the opinion of another GP, consultant etc in addition to the one who has been treating you?
If the combination of medications are making you feel like rubbish, consider checking to see if your medications are interacting on Drugs.com as it will tell you.
Although it is difficult as the UK is different than the US, but I would see if you can be referred to a dietician who will take a look at your labs and make food suggestions which will address all three areas and are healthy, nutritious and appetizing. Even if you call patient information at your local hospital.
I am going to look around for a phone number in the UK which may help lead you to these people.
Many of the members of our community face what you do and others; it is not easy or a death sentence. It can be managed.
I can't stress enough that the right medical team to treat you, diet, exercise medication are all a balancing act.
Your children have you. Reach out and love them. It isn't the fancy meal or cake that makes a good time; it's the being together. I can eat a salad with friends when I could go to dinner, they were happy to have me, rather than what I was eating.
Go one day at a time. See if you can get another opinion and reach back as I and other members will always be here for you.
Bet xx
Hi PDbird, Bet117 gave you some excellent information. When you go to drugs.com look for the MY MED LIST and as she said enter all of your prescription meds and when you finish you will have a list of all interactions with each med, warnings about health issues that suggest you not take this med, interactions with other meds you are taking, and interactions with a medication and food.You can also enter all of your health conditions and get notices of drug recalls or issue with the condition. It will help you stay on top of things and provide you with a lot of information to develop and ask questions of your doctor(s).
I have Type 2 Diabetes and when I was finally told I had CKD, I was also taken off all of my T2D medications. When I first knew about having diabetes my first A1c was very high. By then time they stopped all medications, my A1c average was 5.2. My last A1c in early Feb. of this year was 4.7. You can stay on top of it and slow the progression of CKD by several methods. The fact that you are in the UK and have a Renal Dietitian is terrific. A number of your countrymen in this community have mentioned the difficulty in seeing one in a timely manner.
Also, as Bet117 suggested if you go to the davita.com website and look at their RECIPES pages. You'll find many recipes for foods for CKD and Diabetes patients. Don't take any of the recipes at face value. You can adjust them as needed. I also have heart issues and I only eat low sodium foods and no added salt. For seasoning and flavoring you can use herbs and spices. Some of the recipes they have also call for red meat. As a CKD patient I've been told to avoid all red meats, so I substitute something I do eat in the poultry or seafood domain. The same goes for the vegetables. I'm going to provide you with several lists of foods to avoid that are high in potassium, phosphorus and sodium. Even though some folks go with a vegan or vegetarian meal plan there are still some vegetables that are high in potassium and should be avoided, especially with heart issues.
The list is below;
FOODS TO AVOID THAT ARE HIGH IN POTASSIUM
Milk, hot chocolate, eggnog, ice cream, sherbet, frozen yogurt, pudding, yogurt, custard, molasses, sorghum, dried fruit,apricots,bananas, honeydew, orange juice, prune juice, kiwi, oranges, nectarines, nuts, seeds, whole grain/bran cereals, sports drinks, artichokes, avocado, fresh beets, Brussel Sprouts, chewing tobacco, snuff, dried beans, peas, greens, spinach, wax beans, okra, pumpkin, winter squash, tomatoes and tomato products. Potatoes as well, but they can be leached to reduce the potassium.
FOODS TO AVOID THAT ARE HIGH IN PHOSPHORUS
Cheese, milk, soymilk, eggnog, milk shakes, hot chocolate, pudding, yogurt, ice cream, ice milk, sherbet, yogurt, whole grains, breades, cereals, baking soda, baking powder, pancakes, waffles, muffins, cake, avocado, cornbread, biscuits, beans and peas, corn tortillas, brown rice, wild rice, rice mixes, coconut, nuts, nut butter, seeds, dried fruit, dark colored sodas, beer, chocolate, pizza, organ meats, sardines, and mackerel.
FOODS TO AVOID THAT ARE HIGH IN SODIUM
Lunch meats, tacos, sausage, sauerkraut, ham, cured meats, salted nuts, cheese, cottage cheese, salt, seasoned salt, condiments (Ketchup and Mustard), hot dogs, bacon, pickled foods, canned foods, canned soup, salted crackers, pizza, frozen dinners, sauces, dressings, chips, pretzels.
Remember that you don't want to cut these things completely out of your diet. Your body needs them but with CKD and Diabetes you have to limit your intake. That's a great question to ask the dietitian about as each of us is different and the amounts will vary.
I know this all can sound overwhelming but it is manageable. When I received the CKD diagnosis my GFR was 32. Since then I've tracked all of my blood labs and my GFR has averaged 52. That's been steady for an average for almost four years now. I've already told you about my A1c results.
Try not to look at the kidney-friendly meal plan as a diet. Too many folks start a diet and figure it's okay to cheat on it or stop it for awhile and then pick it up again. Having CKD along with the underlying health issues make these changes part of a new lifestyle you have to follow.
To help control the cholesterol you have to reduce any fat intake. Trans fats are a no-no and any foods with a high fat content like chicken skin, dark pork, and even some fish, like salmon.
The more you learn and the better you understand your health concerns the better you can live the life you want. I still travel the country in my RV and visit new places and meet old friends, and make new ones. Being proactive and learning is the best way to help with the emotional and mental wear that having chronic illnesses will cause.
Keep in mind that any questions you have you should direct to the medical professionals who help you manage your health. If it sounds overwhelming, ask them if you can record them (apps are available for your phone) to play back later to make sure you understand and to develop follow-up questions.
We are always here to offer support and advice, so come back as often as you need.
The information from your dietian is outdated. If your numbers are good regarding potassium etc. Eat the potato. Whole grains are important too. Watch this guy...the people he has on his pod cast are up to date. youtube.com/watch?v=Ki-JLL9...
I have the cholesterol issue but mine is familiar I assume (I am adopted) because it was discovered my sophomore year at West Point while I was giving blood 1986. Of course the Army never bothered to inform me. I didn’t find out till my CKD diagnosis in ‘96. But had other problem much more important at that time like trying not to die…lol! Total gas always been about 240 but my HDL is 60 so LDL is about 110. I refuse to take statins as they have such horrible side effects so. I have always been supported in that view by my nephrologist no matter where I lived as well as my GP. Probably because it isn’t super high and I have no heart issues or vascular issues. Also, once you start reading medical studies from outside US the link between high cholesterol and heart disease is dubious at best and statins are not prescribed with such veracity as they are in the US. The US cardiologist lobby along with Big Pharma are the most powerful lobby in medicine so for years they have pushed the cholesterol statins link and it has made many of them super rich. The belief that all patients need LDL lowered to target 70 using “maximum” statin dose possible until patient intolerance seems like bad science to me as opposed to tailoring treatments to patient specific needs. However, the more I research CKD the more I become aware of the role of triglycerides those are really high (400) in causing atrial stiffness along with the increased CVD risk due to stage 4 CKD eGFR average 20 and HBP ( again the Army knew but not me as I was diagnosed with HBP on my entrance physical in 1985) at my age of 55 it seems remarkable I haven’t had any CVD issues. However there are several cardiovascular calculation that cardiologist use to predict the chances of a significant CVD event in the next 10 years and use that to treat patients. I, of course, am at 100%. If I started dialysis I’d be over 100% so I got some issues. However the recently completed EMPA study of using Jardiance wrapped early in March of this year. It has lipid lowering benefits as well of up to 30% so I’m going that route in addition to the significant eGFR increasing and proteinuria reducing benefits the SGLT2S especially Jardiance for me and my specific comorbities seems like a wonder drug. Finally my diet is fine and always, for me anyway, has been. I do Mediterranean since I’d never stay compliant to plant based and the NKF dietary KIDGO guidelines recommend the Mediterranean and Dash diets specifically. I have always exercised until 2020 and my poly-osteoarthritis along with the idiopathic peripheral neuropathy finally put me in a wheelchair but I’ll get back to that soon. But lipid issues have never improved with diet modification or increased exercise and regardless I won’t take a statin. But the SGLT2S given me new hope. I wish you all well!
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