Need advice on which diet to follow. - Kidney Disease

Kidney Disease

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Need advice on which diet to follow.

Pisces10 profile image
10 Replies

Recent blood test came back with elevated creatinine and low eGFR. First available appointment with the nephrologist is Nov 1. I would like to start a renal diet and have researched Lee Hull’s diet and information on the Davita website. Lee Hulls approach, although proved very successful, uses a lot of ingredients that my stomach can’ t tolerate. Some of the recipies on the davita plan include animal protein. I thought a renal diet should eliminate most meat products. If you have used either plan I would appreciate your input on which one you found to be most successful in improving your numbers. Any other advice or resources would be greatly appreciated.

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Blackknight1989 profile image
Blackknight1989

The NKF publishes guidelines for physicians and the revamped 2020 guidelines were a revelation in nutritional recommendations. They continue to recommend the Mediterranean diet but with a tremendously low protein intake. Do low most of us will need micronutrient supplements. Here is the link:

andeal.org/topic.cfm?menu=5...

The AAKP has a really good resource site on nutrition called the kidney kitchen here is the link for that.

aakp.org/center-for-patient...

As an FYI the NKF developed these guidelines in cooperation with the ASN(American Society of Nephrologist) and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. I would recommend that you seek out a Renal Dietitian before any drastic diet changes as the electrolyte issue is different for all of us and as one who had the unfortunate experience of metabolic acidosis that’s not a road I’d recommend. Best of luck!

Pisces10 profile image
Pisces10 in reply to Blackknight1989

I will look into the resources you recommended. Thank you.

Bassetmommer profile image
BassetmommerNKF Ambassador

Hi Pisces, The best advice is to get a referral to a renal dietician. Each person is different, and we do not know your medical history. The diet should be tailored to your needs and conditions.

The basics are pretty simple. Eat the most pure foods you can. Eliminate processed foods such as canned and frozen or even jar foods. Veggies are great but there are some that are not good like potatoes for example. The list can be long depending on whether or not you have potassium issues. Protein should be limited, but it depends on your stage as to how much. The type of protein is important. Red meats are very hard on the kidneys and so is dairy. See, this is why it is difficult. Someone who is stage 3 should have a different diet than stage 4 or 5.

Because of all the shoulds and should nots, it is better to have someone fit the diet to you and your lifestyle.

Word about Lee Hull... remember, he is selling a VERY expensive supplement with his diet. His diet is pretty good, but all the supplements..... nah.

Just for reference, I was told by my nephrologist to prepare for dialysis within six months when I saw her. I said nope. Went to the best renal dietician and had her work up a diet plan for me. I have had many alterations to it since then, and pretty much now am plant based. I do have my indulgences. BUT this is now four and half years later and my numbers are pretty much stable with many improvements in my cholesterol and other factors.

Blackknight1989 profile image
Blackknight1989 in reply to Bassetmommer

Once again right on the nose Bassetmommer! Must be a Renal dietitian though. NKF has links! They are available online. If based in the US covered by Medicare. Not a huge benefit the Medicare coverage that is, but not a tremendous cost either and needs to be expanded.

One thing though, research is still out on the effectiveness of WHICH diet because we all come from different places. If you haven’t figured out yet, this metabolic disease is like sand through your fingers sometimes. Seems dash is effective but only if adhered to for a lifetime. Important consideration. Hulls diet can be extremely restrictive sometimes. At the 8-12 year mark adherence is basically 0. So a good diet is better than nothing! If you must have some foods be smart and go ahead after consultation with you nephrologist.

My best to you!

Pisces10 profile image
Pisces10 in reply to Bassetmommer

Thank you. I appreciate you sharing your journey.

Blackknight1989 profile image
Blackknight1989 in reply to Pisces10

My pleasure and I hope I didn’t offend! Forums are notorious and my dry sense of humor doesn’t translate well. It’s just a long journey and I have always been in a position of helping people which give me purpose. Unfortunately ignorance by physicians and patients permeate our disease. And as I age I become more cynical! Too many snake oil salesmen! Anyway really good luck!

userotc profile image
userotc

I believe another option to a RD (for which there's good reports on here) is a specialised Naturopathic Nutritionist. My mum followed NN guidelines and increased her eGFR by 111% to 76 before it recently dropped back ~40%. If we can't resolve by addressing areas in which she slipped, we will probably seek a specialised NN.

KidneyCoach profile image
KidneyCoachNKF Ambassador

I will add here that there really is no such thing as a "renal diet." A renal dietitian will tailor a diet based upon your lab values and what your restrictions (if any) may be. Those with CKD normally have limited protein while those who have reached stage 5 (failure on dialysis) must have higher protein. The dialysis process removes protein. This is one of the challenges for those on dialysis, to keep their albumin levels at 4.0 or higher as a goal. Between the loss of appetite and some dietary restrictions this can be very difficult. Hope you can find a great dietitian who will be of help for you. Blessings

HSV21 profile image
HSV21

The above responders give excellent advise and I have appreciated their help as I delved into this CKD world. I was able to find a wonderful RD and she offers televisits, will bill Medicare and most insurance. I think she can practice across the US but you would have to ask her that. I have a call with her every three months when labs are done. She really tailors it to your lifestyle, emotions, and situation/labs. I trust her opinion more than I do my doctors. PM me and I can give you her contact info as I am not sure I am supposed to do that in the open forum.

Blackknight1989 profile image
Blackknight1989

HSV you are fine with giving that advice, certainly I would 100% concur on a Renal Dietitian as that is what all the doctors and advocacy website say is a must. Before starting any kind of low/very-low protein based diet with or without KAs as a CKD patient you need the professional advice of a certified Renal dietitian. Thanks for the reminder!

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