Living with kidney disease likely means changing some of your basic ideas about food and nutrition. To help you stay as healthy as possible, you may have to focus on what you eat and drink in a whole new way. The good news? Different doesn’t have to be daunting. Plus, taking control of what you eat—and how much—can really impact your overall health.
What you should eat—and how much—depends on how well your kidneys are working. What’s the single most important thing you can do during stages 3 and 4 before dialysis? Talk with your doctor—or your dietitian—to learn what and how much you specifically should eat. A kidney-friendly diet may help keep your kidneys working as long as possible.
Let’s look at 4 changes that can change your life for the better.
Your body uses protein to build and repair tissue. But when you have stage 3 or 4 CKD, your doctor may suggest cutting back how much protein you eat.
We love our salt—and it’s added to foods you wouldn’t expect. With CKD, though, you’ve got to pass salt by.
Potassium is a mineral found in many foods that controls your heartbeat. Unfortunately, it can build up when your kidneys aren’t working as well as they should.
Phosphorus occurs naturally in some foods, but it’s also added to endless foods as “hidden phosphorus.” Compromised kidneys can’t keep it at the right level, which can lead to serious health problems.