Dietary Plan in Stage 3 Chronic Kidney Disease(CKD)

People with stage 3 chronic kidney disease has moderate kidney damage with glomerular filtration rate 30-60min/l, as compared to 90-120 min/l in normal condition. For the patients, a diet is an important of the treatment as a proper diet will help for delaying progression of kidney damage and preserve kidney function and overall health. An individual dietary plan will be determined by residual kidney function, body size, nutritional status and health history. The following introduces some main points for the diet in stage 3 chronic kidney disease.

Dietary Guidelines for Stage 3 Chronic Kidney Disease

A patient with stage 3 chronic kidney disease is usually recommended daily protein restriction for 0.8g/kg. This equals 55g of protein a day for a person weighing 68g. When on a low protein diet, at least half of your proteins should come from high-quality proteins which contain all essential amino acids and provide the least levels of phosphorus and potassium. Examples of such foods include egg whites, meat, yogurt, cheese, milk, poultry, etc.

A diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol and moderate in total fats, especially if blood lipid is high or the patient has Diabetes or cardiovascular diseases. Unhealthy fats, such as saturated fats and trans-fats, should be replaced by poly- and nomousaturated fats from vegetable oil, olive oil, etc.

Phosphorus should be restricted because this mineral will build up in your blood with reducing kidney function. High phosphorus can impact bone and heart health. Reducing phosphorus is also important for protecting kidney function. You will need to avoid foods with phosphate additives and adjust foods with naturally occurring phosphates, such as cheese, ice cream, chocolates, legumes, nuts, etc.

Usually, a patient at stage 3 chronic kidney disease doesn’t need to limit fluid unless you experience fluid retention. Signs of fluid retention include swelling in feet, hands and ankles, short breath, sudden weight gain, elevated blood pressure, etc.

Low sodium or salt diet is beneficial for reducing blood pressure, assisting anti-hypertensive medicines to manage blood pressure and reducing fluid retention. For stage 3 chronic kidney disease, the sodium recommendation is 1000-4000mg/d based on blood pressure, fluid balance and presence of other diseases that may affect sodium requirements. You may start by 1500-2000mg/g or the amount will be recommended by your dietitian.

When you have stage 3 chronic kidney disease, you will need to adjust to kidney-friendly eating and living lifestyle for management of your condition, slow the progression and improve quality of life.

You may contact us or read other articles on kidney-cares.org for more about Chronic Kidney Disease.