Low Protein Diet : I'm starting a low protein... - Kidney Disease

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Low Protein Diet

drmind profile image
15 Replies

I'm starting a low protein diet and allowed 46 grams a day. I have a few questions: (1) does this allowance involve both plant and animal protein; (2] if it involves plant protein, does the plant protein have to be "complete " proteins or just any proteins; (3) if I only eat 30 grams on a day, can I carry over the balance to the next day and add it to my daily allowance.

Since counting my protein intake, I'm realizing that I'm not eating enough protein.

Any information would be appreciated.

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drmind
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15 Replies
Bassetmommer profile image
BassetmommerNKF Ambassador

HI drmind,Not sure about complete proteins. But as far as carrying over your allotment. This is my opinion. When you introduce a heavier or bigger load of protein, the kidneys have to work harder. I do not think in your case that you are going overboard but being consistent is better then one day have 50 grams and the next 28. It also will impact your energy level. This concept of carrying over, I think comes from calories carrying over in WW and other programs. Calories are different then a protein load on the kidney. Just my thoughts.

drmind profile image
drmind in reply toBassetmommer

Thanks for your post. I agree with what you said; however, I'm afraid I'm.not getting enough protein. Just realizing how difficult it is to do it daily. I'm going to think about nut butters and split pea soup to see if I can ramp up the daily intake. it's too easy to fill up on carbs and gain weight.

Slowly learning something new every day. CKD is certainly a journey. Best to everyone and good luck with the road we're traveling.

Bassetmommer profile image
BassetmommerNKF Ambassador in reply todrmind

HI drmind,One secret that was told to me by my renal dietician is to add flax seeds. I use milled. But you can get them whole, and they add good protein, great fiber and are tasty. I put them in my oatmeal, but sometimes also in other veggies to add a nuttiness. Chia seeds also add protein and flavor. I sometime get a blend of both flax and chia. Be prepared for the wonderful effect that have on bowel movements.....

Nut butters are great for protein and weight gain. Since I do not need to gain weight I don't use them. But if you do, get ones that are just the nuts crushed with no additives. I get PB for my husband that is ground right in front of you.

I keep my protein around 30-32 grams. I am used to that amount but at first it was hard, and I was concerned about muscle wasting. Then it was recommended to work out for that and that has worked. I use a tacker which helps a lot to know exactly what I am eating.

Best to you.

drmind profile image
drmind in reply toBassetmommer

You're so kind sharing all of this information. I "may" try to use the flax seeds,, but my son is very allergic to chi seeds and I don't want to bring them into the house. He has a little apt attached to my house but he always in mine and I'm happy about that.

Its odd but I'm finding I'm actually hungry at night before bed and the insomnia I have at times seens to he related in part to that. And, I'm really not worrying about weight gain. I'm actually losing some at the rate of 1 or 2 per month.

Wish I could exercise more, but a 3/4 mile a day anout 4 x a week is about all for now. But, I stay busy during the day as there are always chores and errands.

Having CKD can be a lot of work, but it's the complexity of the labs, diet, treatment that can really hold you back unless you don't let it. I'm a very senior person but happy I can still learn and be proactive with my life.

Again, I much appreciate your thoughtful posts and I really appreciate our community forum.

Bassetmommer profile image
BassetmommerNKF Ambassador in reply todrmind

If you are hungry before bedtime, eat something with protein such as nut butter on something. Your sugars might be dropping at night and that maybe why you have insomnia as well. A tablespoon of almond butter on a cracker or two and it might help. It will help with the weight loss.

drmind profile image
drmind in reply toBassetmommer

👍 great idea. I've started doing that and it helpe.

Sophiebun11 profile image
Sophiebun11 in reply todrmind

Hi, Try adding a protein powder to your meals or have a protein drink. The powder has minimal calories/carbs (I use Red Star). Most vegans and vegetarians rely on it for protein and vitamins like B12 that aren't in plant sources.

drmind profile image
drmind in reply toSophiebun11

Thanks

sparkie88 profile image
sparkie88

Ask your Dietician This is in my experience and what I learned as a patient.

Our body can't really tell the difference between plant and animal proteins however the difference is after it has been broken down into it's basic nutrients such as phorsphous potassium etc so it doesn't mean you can eat a lot of high plant protein such as beans and expect to be ok the outcome will be the same as eating animal protein

However for plant proteins it is not fully absorbable by our bodies this the reduction in phosphorus by 60%

Yes you can "carry over" limits but best not because you are training your body to use that limit for example 30 and suddenly you increase it to 50 your body will need to hurry to process to process that extra 20 and depending on how well your kidneys are working they may choose to slow down.

If you are planning on a dinner event you can fast or eat no proteins until your event. There is no difference eating all at once or a little at a time just as there is no difference from having only 1 meal a day or 6 tiny meals. It is personal preference however if you are not able to go without protein in every meal then a smaller or mini portions throughout the day might relieve the stress. In CKD the best treatment is to relieve stress and don't over stress yourself in anything including your conditions. Take care.

chicablue profile image
chicablue in reply tosparkie88

sparky: Thank you for that info! I've been struggling trying the plant protein diet, with gas and diarrhea, and gave up after 2 days. I did read the Lee Hull book, but i was raised on dairy and eggs, tried the oat milk, cannot stand it. There has to be a happy medium. I have reduced my protein intake, and have switched my milk products to organic only. That's about as far as i can go for the time being! i want real butter on my toast! I have already lived 27 years with kidney damage and managed to stay off dialysis. I must be doing something right!

drmind profile image
drmind in reply tosparkie88

Thanks so much for this useful information. I'm really not a big meat eater, but I do like some eggs once in awhile and small amounts of cheese. I like a few slices of low sodium swiss cheese on crackers. I think one of the biggest problem is getting enough protein just from mostly veggies. On my low protein plan, I should be eating 46 grams of protein. Most day I'm only eating 30 grams. But, Lately, I've gotten back to a few eggs, some cheese, and now peanut butter. Again, thanks for taking the time to share wirh me. Your information has been helpful.

Sophiebun11 profile image
Sophiebun11 in reply todrmind

I've been eating around 30mg of protein most of my life. I don't have a protein deficiency. I use protein powder for some protein and vitamins. Too many people worry about not getting enough protein when it's really not a factor. Your Dr. can check your blood and monitor you if you are concerned. I only was low one time when I was a vegan before I started adding protein powder in my 20s or early 30's. Since then, over 30 years, my bloodwork for protein has been fine.

drmind profile image
drmind in reply toSophiebun11

Thanks for sharing. Good to know about the proteins. Nice hearing from you

sparkie88 profile image
sparkie88

Good for you.You can try other milk like flax hemp macadamia pea( for me it reduced egfr significantly so ask your Dr first) I still eat a regular but reduced meat so everything in moderation my egfr is still above 60 but from 39. I am addicted to toast and butter and that is the biggest no no for me because I am on a low carb diet as well. I am less gassy on a low carb veggies fruits meat butter yogurt and cheese occasionally . I went on a raw veggies only diet for 5 months and I started rotting literally and have to go on Prednisone for a few months so now I cook amost all of my veggies less gassy and add pre and probiotics omega 3

I also eat fermented foods. But whatever works for you and as less stress on your mind and body too.

drmind profile image
drmind in reply tosparkie88

Thanks for sharing your information. Good luck

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