I’ve been following this site for a while and wanted to tell you my story to try and give a little light to anyone panicking about egfr.
In 2021 at 43 I had some private bloods taken and my egfr was 73, no panic, as first test and didn’t take much notice.
In 2023 at 44 I had it retested and it was 71. I did a little research and panicked - if I kept on this trajectory by the time I was mid 50’s I’d be in the 60 and could be in real trouble.
I went to see my GP, who was not interested in the slightest and gave no advice about salt, protein, ibuprofen said they wouldn’t worry until it was below 60! Which I thought was too late.
I started following Kidney Solution on Instagram to get some tips about diet and vitamins. I stopped snacking on roasted peanuts/crisps, cut down on salt and cut down on processed meat and alcohol, when I say cut down I would still have it, just be mindful and I’d still splurge on holidays.
I started taking a probiotic, omega 3, bit D and B and alpha lipid acid.
I had my test results yesterday and my egfr at 46 is 91. I was so relieved I could cry. Everything I read told me it wouldn’t get better, the best I’d hoped for was stability.
I wanted to share - I believe this kind of advice should be given by GP’s and it could help others and save the worry and anxiety I know this can cause x
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Bambi44
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I was put on a CKD diet y my Primary Doctor and it has worked for me. It was based a blood work results for eGFR, sodium, potassium and phosphorus. I have continual blood work following these items.
thanks for your post. I am 59 male and just found out my eGFR of 68 is stage 2 kidney disease from a nurse practitioner that I hired through 10X Health. My primary care doctor never mentioned this ever! After reviewing last 5 years blood labs apparently this should have been mentioned as my eGFR has been under 80 last five years! Your experience gives me hope! I am now following kidneysolution on instagram. Thank you!
I changed my diet to mostly plant-based, reduced animal protein to fish, egg whites (occasional whole egg) and lean chicken. 3x/week. Reduced processed foods, increased water intake daily to 64-80 oz. Was taking fish oil, but didn't notice improvement & causing mild heartburn.Started at 55 eGFR (stage 3a), with bp rx, diet changes & wt. loss, eGFR's back up to 88-90's.
Struggling with other issues & very sensitive to bp meds. I keep plugging along to try & find right med/dose for spikes in bp.
Glad to hear your good end result. Stay on you diet & lifestyle changes. It will help prolong your kidney & overall health.
WOW That Amazing, and yes you are right doctors don't bother telling you that you have kidney problems until its getting serious and the longer you have had a lifestyle with food. The harder it is can be to alter your eating habits. Thanks for the information..sadly its too late for me and I am awaiting the Fistula procedure to be done. Keep well. Brian
Research findings and advice on Astragalus are contradictory, so I avoid it. Some sources also say Vit D is potentially a problem, while others (including my renal guy) say it's a good one, along with Vits B & C. Vits A & E, according to most authorities on kidney disease, are definitely to be avoided.
CKD is a very broad term and there's usually an underlying reason - autoimmune conditions, polycystic disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, long-term use of certain meds, physical injury, obesity, etc. For a majority of conditions and if you have an eye on your labs, diet can often be tailored to improve those things that are out-of-range. The western diet with its obsession for processed food is very hard on one body's. I suspect many (doctors and patients) simply give up sending and receiving that message. Hence, prescriptions are requested and ordered to keep people going. It's sobering seeing the items in grocery carts at checkouts and noticing meals drenched in sauces on tables and in tv shows. (Indeed, my husband was born into a family revering foods - "eat up" everyone!) I must add, however, that I believe many doctors do comment on the need to be mindful of diet. But we simply don't focus on it. (My ortho doctor recently told me to lose a few pounds to ease pressure on my knees - I almost blew it off...pfft, of course! Now let's fix my pain, please!) Looking back at my husband's kidney odyssey, I noticed our primary doctor surrounded my husband with diet direction and follow-up when my husband finally decided to take charge of his diet. Later, several doctors literally applauded when he reached his goal weight and went off insulin. It's so rare for them to see that outcome. I'm certain it helped him acquire a transplant. He manage his diet carefully today as well. Each one of us has the power to make major changes in the direction of our lives. Go forth. You can do it!
What probiotic did you use? I was just looking for a probiotic that helps kidneys and found Ulterin Forte but can't find where to buy it or if it's just a strain of bacteria. My kidney function keeps getting worse so I'm looking for all the help I can get.
Hi Bambi thanks for this post— it does give me hope. You mentioned alpha liquid acid— what is that? And is there a product or brand name you can list? Thanks and great work!!
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creatinine
Latest bloodwork is great!
ckd improving 
Protein causing nausea?
