Research regarding best diet for CKD

[RoxanneKidney]

ajkd.org/article/S0272-6386...

[Bassetmommer NKF Ambassador]

This was a fantastic read. I totally think that some of the fad diets are very dangerous. I did find that the article mentions that low carb consumption does NOT benefit CKD, other iin weight loss. AND that it is a hard diet to maintain. And because KETO required more protein and fat, it is definitely not good for CKD.

The main component of healthy eating, according to the article, is making the most out of whole foods, not processed, watching fructose and other additives, and keeping a low protein and mostly plant based proteins. Exactly. This form of diet for me has worked for five years to keep me off of dialysis. I will eventually have to go on dialysis, but they told me back in 2018 I would be on dialysis in 6 months. This diet of low protein, lots of fruits and vegetables has helped me to lose 50 pounds and keep it off and I feel fabulous. I was eating too little protein and have added eggs and occasional chicken back into my diet. But I still keep my daily intake to around 50mg. I was doing 30 or less.

I am sure if we were to poll folks on this forum, there would be evidence-based testimonials as to how diet has work for their CKD.

[RoxanneKidney in reply to Bassetmommer]

The whole plant based low protein thing works for me too and more importantly low salt. I have hyperfiltration going on.

[Arun_S in reply to Bassetmommer]

I've had the same experience. Measuring my salt intake (adding to every meal in a small measured quality), very low protein, and low potassium have been a game changer. It's a pity that many (most?) patients aren't aware of how massive these changes could be to slow their disease progression.

[RoxanneKidney]

For sure on that! Massive!

[NWRobin]

Best books I've found for kidney diets.

Stopping Kidney Disease and Stopping Kidney Disease Food Guide (best for recipes and information also. The author is Lee Hull. He's lived with kidney disease for 20 years so far.

[RoxanneKidney in reply to NWRobin]

Amazing!

[Tissybell]

Very interesting read for preventing CKD progression. However, it does not address a diet for those on dialysis. Extra protein is a must, since dialysis pulls out much protein. Low protein leads to lower iron, which can lead to low iron and hemoglobin, with fatigue, muscle aches, mental fogginess. Concentration on plant foods and unprocessed foods are a help with any kind of diet.

[RonZone in reply to Tissybell]

Tissy, Tell me again what your "go to" source for protein is? I'm still researching.

[Tissybell in reply to RonZone]

I eat a lot of chicken and less red meat, with some pork and fish. When a need that extra protein, I drink Nephro if the clinic provides it, various low sugar shakes like high protein shakes likes Glucerna, Ensure, Boost, Protein Power,Pure Protein. Some protein Bars like Cliff Bars and Zone Bars taste decent and help, too. I am somewhat of a cheese fiend, so It's a quick 6-7 ounces per slice protein add-on. I rounds things out with a palm full of nuts when I have them. Even a good wheat bread slice has 3-5 g per slice of protein. Plain Greek yogurt @ 7g -15+ is a great probiotic boost of protein. You can use it in smoothies, soups, as a substitute for sour cream. When on a run to a Walmart, look for the plain Greek yogurt with a mouth-dropping 25gbprotein with a less tangy flavor. I like to mix in fruit, esp. no sugar added peaches.

[RoxanneKidney in reply to Tissybell]

Yes, I have read that protein does need to be increased and I have read that the type of protein ---plant based is also better for those on dialysis. Just the why the body breaks it down is better for you. But in the end, you have to do what you feel, make you feel good.

[Tissybell in reply to RoxanneKidney]

Yes incorporate plant protein when I can but it is more difficult to reach my recommended 90 g a day, due to my chronic anemia.