CKD Diet

[Ghost-Walker]

Hi, I would like to know what food to eat and whet food to stay away from, has anyone got an idea for a beginner?. I have just started Dialysis.

[CKD2-4]

Hi. When I was first diagnosed I asked my nephrologist how many milligrams per day of sodium, phosphorus, protein and potassium I should eat. I was the able to research nutritional information on food items I eat and develop a meal plan. The biggest adjustment for me was the amount of protein I could have as everything has some protein. I am now mainly a vegetarian/vegan diet with only a small portion of fish one time every two weeks. I also eliminated all processed food. If I want a desert I make it from scratch so I can control what goes in it. Mostly I eat veggies/fruit, peanut butter (no salt/sugar added), bread from a local bakery that has accomodated my need for a very low salt diet . Rice once in awhile. Homemade soup etc. it took me a while to adjust but now after four years it has become routine. If I’m going to a friends house for a meal I ask if I can bring a dish or two so I know there will be something I can eat. If your dialysis center has a dietitian ask to see them. Good luck on your journey.

[Ghost-Walker in reply to CKD2-4]

Hi, Thanks for your info, The clinic is having a Dietitian next time I have Dialysis.

[lowraind]

Webinar: What CAN I eat? Nutrition for dialysis patients

[orangecity41 NKF Ambassador]

I started a CKD diet at age 76. (has been over 7 years) My Doctor prescribed the diet and it was based on bloodwork results for protein, sodium, potassium and phosphorus. I did adjust to it, and it has helped me slow down the progression of CKD. I can tell when I eat something in amount I should not have.

[Darlenia]

Hi Ghost-Walker! That's a very good question to ask your dialysis center nutritionist. My husband started out on HD and later transitioned to PD. The two forms of dialysis operate differently. While on HD, he was asked to watch his potassium and while on PD he was asked to watch his phosphorus. (A nurse physically demonstrated the difference with a screen and various balls - showing what was removed and what wasn't with each type.) Anyway, both forms of dialysis generally remove too much protein so increasing protein intake is wise. Anemia is a frequent outcome of dialysis - and is a common reason for feeling cold, listless, etc. My husband's diet actually widened when he was on dialysis - the dialysis diet is different from the renal diet. All of my husband's dietary issues and recommendations were based on his lab reports. So keep on eye on them to give yourself a sense of direction too. The clinic held monthly team reviews to make adjustments as needed; I suspect you'll likely experience something similar to that too. Hope this helps.

[Ghost-Walker in reply to Darlenia]

Hi Darlene, I have a Dietition coming to see me at my next Dialysis Session so I will have a list of Questions ready to ask her.

[WildIris]

Hi. So, right to dialysis? The kidney diet is meant to slow down kidney failure. The dialysis diet, as Darlenia wrote, is different, and is meant to replace the elements dialysis removes.

I will tell you that the kidney diet did reduce inflammation and improve my general health. I started by giving up sugar and all sweeteners, which was hard, since I was a sugar addict (seems to be a real thing, though less intense than drug addictions). With that little monkey off my back, I was much more able to choose what I ate. Now I eat a lot of fruits, vegetable, legumes, nuts. You probably need more protein and iron, and to avoid phosphorous or potassium, which are in particular vegetables and nuts, depending on your blood tests, as Darlenia wrote. But it's still beneficial to give up sweeteners, except on rare social occasions, and processed foods and to exercise and stay hydrated, also happy, which is more of a challenge these days with Trump lose in the world.

[tashagirl in reply to WildIris]

After such a nice reply, you then have to put your political stance in ! Geesh!

[Ghost-Walker]

Hi WildIris, Thanks for your comments they were very useful, I am also a Diabetic.

[Darlenia in reply to Ghost-Walker]

I'm so sorry to hear about your diabetes...my husband lost his kidneys to that disease. With sugar and carb control, he managed to get rid rid of it (even though his PD solution was glucose based). So it can be done! Unfortunately, his immunosuppressants for his transplant brought it back. Wishing you a nice outcome with everything!

[XmasKidney]

You may want to check out this site for some dialysis diet basics before you see your dietician.

kidney.org/kidney-topics/he...