weight loss due to CKD

[drubina111]

My husband has lost tremendous weight and the doctors say its due to CKD. His haemoglobin has also come down. I am so worried now. What can be done for his weight to improve?

[vinadhun2]

is he losing protein through urine?

[Badger2024]

losing a lot of weight without trying should always be investigated. If his haemoglobin is also dropping he may be losing blood somewhere. If he was in Australia he’d be sent for an endoscopy and colonoscopy to start off. Don’t just accept the doctor’s opinion. Get a second opinion and insist on action

[Bassetmommer NKF Ambassador]

I think the doctor is ignoring the dropping of the hemoglobin. When you say he dropped weight are we talking a few pounds or kilograms. Try adding more protein for meals. Things like eggs, chicken and lean meats such as pork. Then add healthy fat too to gain. Healthy fats are avocado, olive oil and nut butters. Have multiple snacks throughout the day. Good ones are fruit with protein such as an apple with almond butter or even peanut butter. Pear and cheese. Use real butter, not margarine. If he is not hungry, again try smaller portions packed with protein and a healthy fat. Avocado toast. Egg omelet with cheese cooked in butter.... yummy! Add olive oil and seasoning to veggies. Top them with grated cheese and let melt. Super! I could go on and on. But I am making myself hungry and I am on a diet!

[drubina111 in reply to Bassetmommer]

Thank you for your response, so kind of you. But since he has CKD, he has been advised to avoid animal based food, limiting protein intake. He is advised to take plant based food. Doctor has given him a tablet which should increase his hemoglobin. He feels hungry but you know he loves fish and chicken. Doctor said once his creatinine and egfr is under control he will gain weight. As of now, he loses protein in urine.

[Bassetmommer NKF Ambassador]

Well I am not going to say your doctor is wrong but if he is losing weight, plant based eating is going to make it harder to gain weight. However, fill him up on beans, legumes with butter and cheese. Add red beans to rice with spices, Canelli beans with greens, chicken broth and cheese, and oats and quinoa all have protein. I did plant based for over a year and I started losing muscle and was tired a lot. So I added chicken an eggs ( mostly egg whites) in small amounts back into my diet. I also was eating cheese because I love it. Unfortunately, I have cut that out now do to high phosphorous. You have to weigh how you feel with following a diet. If you are lacking protein, iron and other nutrients will also be lacking. See about getting a vitamin supplement also. Best of luck