There are more than 26 million Americans today living with chronic kidney disease, and many millions more are at significant risk of developing it. It is very important to detect the progression of the disease in its early stages, before kidney disease turns into kidney failure. The leading cause of death for people with chronic kidney disease is actually heart disease caused by kidney difficulties. Kidney disease can contribute to high blood pressure, which is itself a source of all sorts of problems. An indication of chronic kidney disease is too much protein in the urine.
Diabetes, hypertension, and family history increase the risk of kidney disease. It also occurs more often in people of African American, Hispanic, Native American, or Pacific Islander descent. Symptoms of kidney disease include increased urination, fatigue, nausea and/or vomiting, drowsiness, decreased appetite, difficulty concentrating, itchy skin, numbness, muscle cramps, and darker skin color. Several tests are needed to make an accurate diagnosis, such as urine albumin and serum creatinine. Blood pressure tests are sometimes a good indicator for the young or those who do not have major risk factors for hypertension.
Chronic kidney disease often develops so slowly that there are no early symptoms. It is even possible to have chronic kidney disease and acute kidney disease at the same time. Acute kidney disease is a more pronounced decline in function characterized by decreased urination and other problems with body fluids. Because it comes on suddenly and acutely, acute kidney disease is extremely dangerous. Anyone who develops symptoms of kidney disease should see a doctor immediately to prevent any possible development.
As with so many bodily processes, diet can have an effect on chronic kidney disease. Protein plays an important role. Protein is digested and creates waste products. Usually, the kidneys will filter waste materials with cells called nephrons. Diseased kidneys cannot process waste in the same way, and instead protein waste products enter the bloodstream. The first four stages of the disease will likely require the patient to take in less protein. Stage five is a complete reversal, and additional protein intake is required.
Chronic kidney disease is divided into five stages based on the glomerular filtration rate, or GFR, which is basically the amount of blood that the kidneys can filter. Properly functioning kidneys can filter 18 gallons of blood in one hour. This is half of all the fluid that enters the body and should produce about two quarts of urine per day.
– Stage I has a GFR of 90 or more, which is perfectly normal. The only indicator of problems is a large amount of protein in the urine.
– Stage II: GFR of 60-89
– Stage III: GFR of 30-59
– Stage IV: GFR of 15-29. This is the final stage where the kidneys cannot function without help.
After this, dialysis is necessary.
Protein will build up in your blood at this stage, causing loss of appetite, weakness, vomiting and/or nausea, and sometimes even changes in the way things taste. It is vitally important to control the level of blood pressure and the amount of protein ingested. Diabetics should also monitor their blood sugar levels.
Protein intake should be around 12% to 15% of total calories in the first three stages of chronic kidney disease. This is not much different from a regular diet. Just as an example, a typical vegan diet contains around 10%-12% protein.
In stage IV, the patient must take less protein, perhaps around ten percent. This is not easy to do, considering how many foods contain at least some protein. It can also lead to deficiencies, so it’s important to consult a doctor before making such drastic dietary changes.
There are two basic places to get protein in your diet: animals and plants. This makes sense, since these are the sources of all foods. However, the proteins from the two sources have some differences. Animal protein is where most people get their main protein supply, but it has the side effect of creating more protein waste products, which is a problem for already struggling kidneys. There are also some animal proteins that increase phosphorus levels in the body to dangerous levels, such as those found in milk, yogurt, and cheese. There are even some plant proteins that can increase this mineral, such as those found in peas, nuts, seeds, and dried beans.
In general, plant-based protein can slow the progress of chronic kidney disease, at least somewhat. A plant-based diet can provide protein while producing minimal amounts of protein waste, maintaining adequate levels of sodium, potassium, and phosphorus, and providing the patient with balanced nutrition.
Even for the chronic kidney disease patient, some protein is needed. After water, protein is the most common substance in the human body. It’s possible to take in too much protein, but it’s also necessary for life. Lean muscles are created from protein. Protein also aids in the digestion process, sleep, and ovulation.
How protein supplements can help
The illness that accompanies kidney disease can make it difficult for a patient to eat a traditional meal. A protein shake or liquid protein supplement can be a good meal replacement. The protein in supplements is also easier to digest, which means fewer waste products in the bloodstream. Qualities of a good protein supplement include:
– The right amount of protein for the patient’s current diet
– The best quality of protein and other nutrients.
– The absence of ingredients that may be harmful to the current diet
– Good flavor and easy to drink
One option to consider is a liquid protein injection. Consult your doctor before adding a dietary supplement to your diet. Diabetics must be especially careful with changes in their diets. There are protein supplements that are made specifically for diabetics.