Eating red meat and CKD 5

[TDPowers]

Does anyone eat red meat that has CKD 5 ? If you do did your GFR go down. I’m following a plant base diet but missing red meat, but to scared to eat any. GFR is around 13 I also have trouble keeping my potassium and phosphorus down. Any recommendations for phosphorus and potassium’s binders Read where eating tums helps with phosphorus also I rarely eat out anyone know of any places to eat out that is kidney friendly Thank you

[Bassetmommer NKF Ambassador]

HI,

Lots of questions to answer. First of all, to red meat.... nope! The protein in red meat is one of the hardest on the kidney. It creates acid which is also not good for CKD. However, I am always of the opinion that a little dab will do you. If it is really an overpowering urge, then try something like low fat hamburger. Make sure whatever else you have that day is low protein. I have not eaten red meat since 1986 and it was hard at first. But now, yucky, can't stand to touch a steak. I was doing plant based for over a year or so. I found that I needed to add back in some more protein once a week or so. Now I am eating egg whites and once in a while chicken. Made a difference in my energy. Did my GFR go down. Yes, one point. Was that the cause. I doubt it.

BInders are usually a prescription. That is something to talk to with the doctor. Watch out with the Tums. They can cause more issues with CKD like stones and high calcium levels. Don't take a chance with self medicated at this stage. Two things to check. Know what you are eating and keep the potassium and phosphorous as low as you can. AND this one is important: check your medications. I was on a BP and that was what was causing the increase in my potassium. My nephrologist knew this but did not take me off of it until recently. Sort of peeved me off. I watch everything that goes in my mouth,and I know the nutrtional value of everything I eat. I was made to feel guilty that I was causing the increase. Not my fault.

Eating out.... this is something you can develop in your area. We have certain restaurants we visit that know about my dietary needs. If a restaurant won't accommodate me, we don't go there. For example. salads with dressing on the side or no potato but maybe more salad or veggie with dinner, or the big one, no red sauce on pasta. You just have to ask.

Best to you,

[TDPowers in reply to Bassetmommer]

Thank you so much for your valuable information

[orangecity41 NKF Ambassador]

My Doctor put me on a CKD diet based on eGFR (3b) and bloodwork for potassium, phosphorus, sodium and protein levels. So far it has helped slow the progression. I rarely have red meat and do not miss it. Check with your Doctor for referral to a dietitian.

[TDPowers in reply to orangecity41]

Thank you

[orangecity41 NKF Ambassador in reply to TDPowers]

Keep us posted on your progress.

[TDPowers]

Thank you I will

[KidneyCoach NKF Ambassador]

I'm CKD 5 on dialysis. I do eat red meat. I use no binders. I also occasionally use NSAIDS. Here is why: both my kidneys have been removed. NSAIDS, nor red meat cannot have any negative impact on my kidneys as I have none. I have few dietary restrictions as I do 3 to 4 times dialysis as in center patients. Extended treatment time removes more phosphorus, hence no binders.Blessings

[TDPowers in reply to KidneyCoach]

Thank you so much. Could I ask you why your kidneys were removed Thanks again I wish you the best

[KidneyCoach NKF Ambassador in reply to TDPowers]

I was on transplant list with many UTI's, polycystic kidney disease. To limit risks of infection to a transplant I was told I would need them removed by my team. Never did get a transplant. Blessings

[TDPowers in reply to KidneyCoach]

Thank you I wish you the best my heart goes out to you

[Bananas2007]

My husband has CKD stage 2/3a and neither one of us eats red meat. Now, since he's in the early stages, we may eat it once every 6 months or so. We have a vacation every August and we usually cook filet mignon at home that week.

What he does is limit his animal protein to 4 ounces per day. So he eats either chicken or fish for Dinner. Some nights the sides will be whole grain pasta, steamed broccoli and some sort of bean. Other nights we may cook a potato, a vegetable and the protein.

He mainly has been told to keep his sodium low at 2000 mg or less. He's very strict about that. So far, his diet has helped his numbers big time. He has proteinuria (low grade) and the lower sodium in combination with a tiny dose of BP medication has taken his protein down to trace.

[TDPowers in reply to Bananas2007]

Thank you, Could I ask you about his potassium and phosphorus if it’s high , also what blood pressure medicine he takes. I appreciate your information. Thanks again

[Bananas2007 in reply to TDPowers]

His Potassium is normal. His Phosphorus is usually in the normal range but it's been mildly low before. He's on Losartan, 12.5 mg. That along with low sodium diet has reduced his proteinuria by 50%. It's only been a few weeks and it takes 12 weeks for the Losartan to fully take affect so we're hoping it'll get even lower. He's currently dumping 680 mg in 24 hours. That's down from 1400 mg in 24 hours in the past.

[TDPowers in reply to Bananas2007]

Thank you

[RonZone]

Hey, I was eating all kinds of stuff that I shouldn't for years because my Neph never told me to limit anything, then once my eGFR hit 11, I found this site and the ideas found on here caused me to drastically change my diet. I got rid of processed food (lunch meat, boxed dinners, frozen meals etc), dairy, red meat and actually most meat, potatoes, tomatoes, etc, greatly reducing my protein, sodium, potassium, and phosphorus intake. I was able to postpone dialysis for 3 years based on that new diet.

Now that I'm on dialysis, I've had to add back in some protein sources like eggs, egg whites, chicken, fish, shrimp. I still do not eat red meat because I want to keep what residual natural kidney function that I want. I just started dialysis, so once I get the labs back from my first month being on dialysis, I'll know what I need to do to still keep red meat down, and even reduce meat consumption by replacing with protein supplements that are low in sodium, potassium and phosphorus. I'm still researching the best solution/combination that will give me the results I'm looking for to help keep as much natural kidney function as possible, while satisfying the nutritional needs that PD dialysis requires. It's all a balancing act.

Good luck with your journey. Search through these pages for additional information and ASK, ASK ASK when you have questions.

[TDPowers in reply to RonZone]

Thank you so much for your valuable information and I want to wish you the best

[allene7]

Red meant is a tricky one. Most people say no absolutely not. I feel it depends on many things

Did a telehealth visit with my nephrologist today and asked if I could eat a bit every now and again. She said everything in moderation especially the red mean. She suggested just a small amount occasionally, and that the other proteins like, chicken and fish etc would be a better choice.

Lots of risk in eating red meant. I've not had any in months so I will be eating a small amount on Wednesday.

As far as binders for phosphorus and potassium I would first check with your nephrologist.

I go between stage 4/5 kind of back and forth just fyi.

Also, you could ask you nephrologist on the red meat, yours may have a different opinion than mine.

Good luck.

[TDPowers in reply to allene7]

Than you very much