Nutrition for Early CKD

Millions of Americans are at risk of developing Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) because they have diabetes, high blood pressure, or both. Healthy eating habits combined with regular physical activity can delay or even stop the progression of CKD.

Diabetes

Whether you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, what you eat affects your blood glucose, the body's main source of energy. High blood sugars damage your blood vessels and can cause CKD to develop.

Talk with your health care provider about your blood glucose targets, ask how often to check your blood glucose level, and get regular hemoglobin A1C lab tests. The results from your blood glucose checks will reveal if your diabetes care plan is working. The A1C number reflects your average blood glucose for the past three months.

Following regular habits can help keep your blood glucose at a healthy level:

• Eat about the same amount of food each day.
• Eat your meals and snacks at about the same times each day.
• Do not skip meals or snacks.
• Take your medicines at the same times each day.
• Participate in physical activity every day with the recommendation of your physican.
• Work with your dietitian to develop a healthy eating plan designed for your individual needs.

High Blood Pressure

Controlling blood pressure through healthy food choices and regular physical activity can delay or prevent the development of CKD.

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) supported research that compared a typical American diet with an eating plan that is lower in saturated fat, cholesterol, and total fat while emphasizing fruits, vegetables, and low fat dairy foods. People who followed the low fat plan were able to reduce their blood pressure much more effectively than those who ate a typical diet. This eating plan, known as the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) eating plan, also includes whole grain products, fish, poultry, and nuts. Limiting sodium (salt) is another important feature of this plan. To see the details on the DASH eating plan, click here to download a PDF file of this eating plan (980K, need Acrobat Reader to view).

Keep Track of Test Results

If you have CKD, your doctor will order regular blood tests. Many patients find that keeping track of their test results helps them see how their healthy eating plan is working. Ask your doctor for copies of your lab reports and have them explained to you. Note any results that are out of the normal range. When you learn how to read your reports, you will see how the foods you eat affect your kidneys. Talk with your doctor or your dietitian about making healthier food choices. Remember that you are the most important member of your health care team.