Kidney Nutrition – Urine it to Win it

By Clint Cullins, RDN, LDN

Clint-Cullins,-RDBack in July, Dr. McGrath proposed the question “Are your kidneys healthy?”.  Hopefully this triggered some of us with risk factors for chronic kidney disease (CKD) to get screened and identify our kidney health status so we can take action.  Since 1 in 3 people with diabetes and 1 in 5 with high blood pressure have CKD it is valuable to note that these diagnoses often coexist together, however, many people are unaware that nutrition impacts kidney health.  Unfortunately, most people with diabetes, high blood pressure, or both are already challenged with making lifestyle changes and the thought of adjusting even further can feel overwhelming.  This often leads to confusion or frustration when trying to navigate the complex world of nutrition information.

So, what do we do when we find out we have CKD?  For starters, become an engaged member of your care team.  This is your health so it’s important to understand the diagnosis, treatment options, and lifestyle change recommendations so you can take an active role in your success! One area for engagement includes your nutrition.  We can think of our kidneys like a colander where the main function is to “strain” or filter our blood to remove waste products and fluid.  Think of it like rinsing pasta.    When this function is reduced, such as with CKD, our bodies are unable to filter correctly and certain nutrients, waste products, and fluid can build to dangerous levels.  Below are some possible nutrition considerations depending on the stage of CKD:

  • Blood sugar management if you have diabetes – carbohydrate balance
  • Sodium reduction
  • Protein – sources and quantity matter
  • Potassium and phosphorous – may need to limit
  • Fluids – later stages may need restrictions
  • Calories – optimal amount supports healthy kidney function
  • Fat – amount and types support healthy weight and heart

If you have a diagnosis of CKD it’s important to use caution when seeking guidance as nutrition should be individualized.  Get input from your PCP or a Registered Dietitian (RD) before adjusting these nutrients.  Medicare and many private insurance plans pay for a certain number of visits with an RD so call your insurance to find out if medical nutrition therapy (MNT) is covered.  Early identification and action is beneficial in reducing the risk of CKD progression and significantly limits the amount of nutrition modifications recommended with later stages of reduced kidney function.