Low Protein Diet for Stage 3 Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

In Stage 3 Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), patients are generally suggested to eat a low protein diet. In this article, we will talk about this issue in details.

Protein serves to maintain muscle mass and support your immune system. Urea is a by-product of protein breakdown by the liver. Your kidneys take the urea and produce urine for excretion of waste products. Reducing your protein intake reduces the amount of urea produced and, thus, the workload of the kidneys. However, for stage 3, a dietitian will usually recommend eating a healthy diet with protein at the level of 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight, the same level recommended for all healthy people. One kilogram of body weight is equivalent to 2.2 lb.

Because your protein intake is more limited, your physician will recommend choosing the very best protein sources, meaning those that are low in fat and eaten with minimal waste produced in the body. Examples of protein sources that meet these criteria include fish and eggs. You also can add protein powders to oatmeal or cereal to increase your protein intake.

Phosphorus
Stage 3 CKD can affect your bones, so your physician may recommend limiting your phosphorus intake because excess phosphorus can rob the bones of calcium. Foods that are high in phosphorus include dairy products, dried beans, nuts, peanut butter and beer. Your physician also may recommend taking a medication called a phosphate binder that helps to reduce the amount of phosphorus your body absorbs.

Sodium
Sodium is another factor that must be monitored when you have stage 3 CKD because you may be beginning to experience some effects related to poor fluid regulation. Excess sodium in your diet can attract fluids in the body. To reduce your sodium intake, avoid processed foods like hot dogs and frozen foods, in which sodium is used as a preservative.

Fat-Soluble Vitamins
Fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K may have to be taken in water-soluble form. Switching to water-soluble forms prevents buildup of these fat-soluble vitamins. Increasing the availability of vitamin D in water-soluble form is helpful as your kidneys may not be able to convert UV light into the active form of vitamin D.

Fluid Restrictions
Fluid isn't restricted on the stage 3 diet for chronic kidney disease. Stage 3 chronic kidney disease doesn't warrant a change in how much fluid and water you drink per day. For more information, please Email us at khkpcn@hotmail.com.