So, my BP is fine. 113/70.
The doctor again said the standard 'no salt' (also including bamboo shoots and spinach this time) and it made me wonder something. Normally, salt is to be avoided to avoid high blood pressure, is it not? If the BP is OK, need one be very careful with salt intake?
On a related note, I have been reading different advice re proteins. If there is no proteinuria, does one still need to avoid proteins? Also, might some proteins even be beneficial for people with CKD?
My diet restrictions are based on blood work, and am restricted on sodium, potassium, phosphorus and protein.
Thank you. This might just support my thought about sodium... I have been reading diet advice and though plant based seems most generally accepted, I have seen other things as well. The doctors I have seen seem to give standard advice, regardless of patient. One even told me there had been no point analyzing my kidney stones as his advice would be the same regardless, which seems odd.
Best you contact a dietitian before you change your diet, or you may not be getting enough nutrients for you.
Oh, I am not worried about nutrient deficiencies. My main worry is that some restrictions may be 'standard advice' given without looking at my specific condition and therefore wrong.
NilsB, I have low blood pressure and my nephrologist said avoiding salt is only for patients with high blood pressure (and probably labs have to be taken into account as well). So he told me not to restrict salt intake. However maybe your doctor doesn’t want your blood pressure to rise higher..I don’t know. Also it’s possible my doctor could be wrong.
Also, my doctor said limiting the protein to 0.6-0.8 grams of protein per kg, puts less stress on the kidneys. I’ve been doing that with mostly plant protein (beans) but I did add back some small amounts of chicken and fish (a few ounces a day) cause I felt fatigued on the fully plant based diet.
Fatigued is interesting and I wonder why animal proteins would reduce that fatigue. Truly, the more I read the more I think the connections aren't always fully understood. Given how much the science on diet has changed recently for people without CKD, I wonder... I will keep reading on this and look forward to more input here. Thank you so much for sharing your own experience.
Hi Sarah! If you’ve been following a more plant-based diet and feeling fatigued, you may need to have your hemoglobin levels checked. For many years, I also followed a plant-based diet (pre-CKD), and my hemoglobin was very low and required iron supplements daily thereafter. Just a thought. Perhaps speak to your doctor regarding your fatigue. You wouldn’t want that to get ahead of you. I did that back then, and I was very sorry indeed. All my best to you! 😊👍💕
Thanks Sammi 
I’ll ask my doctor to check my levels. Thank you!
So salt or no slat depends on more than just the BP. For those with water retention, or edema, salt compounds that issue so salt should be limited. Sometimes you do not even know you are retaining water. For those with heart condition, water retention of any amount is not good. AND, we there is sooooo much salt in our foods. It is either in there naturally or added by processing. I do not eat processed foods and I do not cook with salt and it is just a healthier lifestyle. The protein is trickier. You would do well to see a dietician who can look at your lifestyle and fit you with a diet that is healthy and one you can follow for life. I am plant based. But I have my cheats which is a bit of cheese. When I switched to pb, it was hard and I had some muscle wasting. But now I work out 2 x a week for an hour or more each time and that seemed to stop that process. Take the time to find something that works for you with a professional and it will be the best bang for the buck.
Thank you. The water retention point is well noted. I have no swelling and my weight is stable, so I don't think I have that... yet.
That’s awesome Nils! Do try your best to keep it that way as long as possible. It can be a very distressing and uncomfortable issue to deal with. 😊👍
My labs for sodium are fine, however, I do have edema caused by salt. I try to not eat processed foods. IMHO if you can stay away from them most likely you wouldn't have to limit your actual salt intake, unless you also have a problem. My neph is OK with meat, in small doses. It does have it's benefits and he has told me to stay away from the "impossible burger" and fake food that is overly processed
When it comes to food you can always find someone or something to back up your beliefs. Research but do your own studies...
Yup. I had bilateral kidney stones that needed lithotripsy bilaterally. I now routinely have raised creatinine levels (around 1.6) and my eGFR puts me at 3a/b.
I have no fatigue or swelling or other kidney symptoms except for the high Creatinine and kidney stones. I have had tingling in my lower legs lately, though... Anyway, I do not have hypertension or diabetes and am otherwise asymptomatic.
Hey NilsB, I saw this article about reducing salt and animal protein to prevent kidney stones. You probably have already read articles like this but thought I’d post anyways.
They were crushed using lithotripsy and most were peed out about a month later, but my kidneys are damaged. No need for a second opinion. Doctors just look at the eGFR to diagnose kidney disease.
My blood pressure has always been on the low side. My nephrologist also Told me to be careful with salt intake because it is not a friend to my kidneys.
I agree with orangecity, diet restrictions are based on blood work and your
Kidney function.
How much honey ginger snd lemon do you recommend andwhat kind of ginger Thank you
Keep thinking & questioning Nils - accept no dogma. I like your thinking. Inquire, question the answer, research, inquire again, Research, and when satisfied you know enough apply it & record the results.
Hi NiksB, How long have you had CKD? I may have something for you if you are interested in mind-body approaches.
I might give that a go. My Creatinine was 1.3 when I had the lithotripsy in 2017 and is now around 1.6.
Hi, I would be interested, will you share?
I followed a vegetarian diet for years, and the only time it really posed a problem for me was on special occasions when the scent of roasted turkey was everywhere in the house. And then of course too, whenever bacon was on the griddle! Lol!! 😂😊👍
Kidney disease always gets worse over time. Protein always stresses the kidney. Salt causes water retention which also stresses the kidneys. Therefore if you don't limit protein and salt you will have less time before you need dialysis or a transplant. Absence of proteinuria is a good sign, but pay more attention to the increasingly high creatinine, which means that your kidneys are struggling and failing to process protein and if you want them to keep working longer you need to do whatever you can to make their work easier. I also have no proteinuria but high creatinine. Along came a cold I couldn't avoid and down went my eGFR. I feel so much better on this vegan, no sugar, no added salt diet, and food tastes so good, I don't miss my old ways. Food addictions/habits are pretty easy to kick assuming you don't use food to temporarily overwhelm painful emotions. Dread of dialysis is really inspiring, diet-wise.
Thank you. Do you know why sugar is dangerous? Could it be connected with insulin spikes? Some say a keto diet is good for the kidneys, others not. Keto does manage insulin. I read around Christmas that some people avoid sugar as well and I wonder why. Again, much of the advice seems geared towards fighting symptoms and if weight and blood sugar are OK...
For me, sugar is addictive, as in, if I'm eating any sweets, I want more later even if I'm full. Only cold turkey works. It probably it does cause a blood sugar/insulin roller coaster which would explain why it was addictive, and could be one reason I developed CKD, since diabetics are also prone to it. Probably isn't a problem for kidneys if you can eat only a small amount and your insulin doesn't spike.
If you eat salt
You bloat
Depending on where you are
It could be a little
It could be ALOT
Eat at your own risk
personally....
I know my disease will worsen no matter what I eat
but....
though I eat strictly
I like a little splurge or two here or there
you know?
I know I'm risking the stomach drain
But I personally don't care
I'm about enjoying my last days/weeks/months/whatever
And if that includes eating recklessly
Then gosh
I will indulge
So
As I typed
Eat at your own risk
But be aware of what you are risking
👍
Thanks Fatbuddy, I’ll look into the low iron levels. I’ll try and incorporate more vegetables, I do need to add more. Thanks!
Thank you. I will have a look.
Interesting theory... wonder if it would work on all chronic conditions?
I truly doubt this is anything but an attempt at phishing. Please do beware.
Thank you
Plant protein allowance
Protein Amount
Protein intake in a plant-based diet 
over 300 protein in urine meaning
