Proper Diet for Patients with Stage 3 Chronic Kidney Disease

Stage 3 chronic kidney disease is characterized by moderately decline of kidney function. To preserve the residual kidney function, patients should make some changes on the diet. So what is the proper diet for patients with stage 3 chronic kidney disease?
Phosphorus and Calcium
Phosphorus is a mineral that works with calcium to support bone health. As your kidney function worsens, phosphorus can build up in the blood causing itchy skin and your bones to lose calcium. This stage of the diet restricts the amount of phosphorus in your diet by limiting beans, legumes, beer and dark colored carbonated beverages. Phosphorus binders can be used to remove excess phosphorus from your ingested food. These binders are usually concentrated calcium supplements because phosphorus and calcium compete for absorption in your intestines. Providing high amounts of calcium with your meals decreases the amount of phosphorus your body absorbs, thereby preventing kidney associated bone disease.
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.
Protein Restrictions
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. 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.

If you are patients with stage 3 chronic kidney disease, you should strictly follow the diet that your doctor or dietitian suggest. Proper diet can help reduce further damage to kidneys and maintain the remaining kidney function. For more diet suggestions, you can send an email to kidneyask@hotmail.com for a reply.