Dietary Tips For Stage 4 CKD

Chronic Kidney Disease is a progressive disease and divided into 5 stages according to the glomerular filtration rate. The stage 4 CKD has progressed to the severe stage of kidney disease and patients with stage 4 have to accept dialysis or kidney transplant in their near future so as to extend their life span. However, it does not mean we can not have treatment methods to slow down the progression of kidney disease and get rid of dialysis or kidney transplant. Under this condition, we can find a dietitian who will give you some advice which is beneficial to your health. In the following, I will introduce some dietary tips for you.

1. Eat less salted foods

In stage 4 chronic kidney disease, patients should manage the blood pressure. The kidneys can regulate the blood pressure. High blood pressure in stage 4 CKD can worsen the kidneys, so patients should eat low levels of sodium and limit the sodium intake by reducing the amount of processed salty foods such as fast food, frozen meals, canned soups, vegetables, lunch meats and cheese.

2. Balance the intake of protein

Eating too much protein is very harmful to the kidneys because they help excrete excessive protein out of your body. So patients with stage 4 chronic kidney disease should reduce the intake of protein to help decrease the build up of protein waste. Patients can choose some low protein foods such as chicken drumsticks, egg white or tofu instead of chicken breast, tuna or ground beef.

3. Choose low levels of potassium and phosphorus

In stage 4, kidneys lose the ability to regulate the serum potassium levels. Elevated potassium will cause muscle weakness and cramps and irregular heartbeats. So the patients can choose some low levels of potassium foods such as apples, carrots, green beans and berries and keep far away from high levels of potassium food such as bananas and potatoes. Patients with stage 4 CKD have high levels of phosphorus. High phosphorus level will restrain body from getting enough calcium, which can cause various kidney problems like bone pain, bone fracture and osteoporosis. Patients should limit the intake of phosphorus instead of high phosphorus foods.

4. Change to plant based food

Since you reduce the intake of protein, you want to increase the levels of grains, fruits and vegetables. Plant based foods are high in essential vitamins and minerals. They are beneficial to your health and low in cholesterol and fat and also can reduce the risk of cardiovascular heart disease. However, some fruits such as bananas and potatoes may contain high potassium or phosphorus. Their abnormalities are harmful to your health. So you need to go to the hospital to take your blood tests to ensure your levels are in the normal range.

Above are some general dietary tips for you. There is no single diet that is suitable for every one. You can only watch out your diet and improve your nutrition status and slow down the progression of kidney disease.