CKD stage 1-2.
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Yes, you should still consume protein foods with CKD stages 1 and 2, as protein is one of the essential macronutrients our body needs for daily functions. Protein is the building block of almost everything in our body, it is needed to build and repair our cells, tissues, organs and muscles.
Based on the National Academy of Medicine 1, it is recommended that adults should get a minimum of 0.8-1g of protein per kilogram body weight on a daily basis. Thus, for a 50kg person, the recommended protein intake is 40-50g protein per day (as a reference: this is equivalent to ca. 130 to 160g of chicken breast). Hence, your daily protein intake varies depending on your body weight. If you are unsure of the exact amount or portion of protein you should be consuming, it is recommended that you speak with your dietitian for a diet plan.
If you are at the earlier stages of CKD, there isn’t a need to restrict your protein as your kidneys can still remove the excess normally and protein is essential for maintaining normal body functions, such as maintaining your muscle mass.
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In the earlier stages of CKD (Stages 1-2), the progression of the kidney disease is limited, and the kidneys might still be able to remove potassium from the body and restrictions might not be necessary. However, if your blood potassium level increases progressively or remains persistently high, your doctor or dietitian may advice that you follow a low-potassium diet in order to keep your blood potassium level within the ideal range. With a low-potassium diet, you should in general aim for potassium intake of not more than 2,000 – 3,000mg per day, or per your health professional’s advice.
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In the early stages of CKD (stages 1 and 2), your kidney damage is generally mild and your kidneys are still able to function well enough to remove excess phosphorus. Hence, phosphorus restriction may not be necessary. You are encouraged to eat a healthy and balanced diet, in the recommended amounts or portion sizes, to slow down the progression of CKD.
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In the early stages of CKD (stages 1-2), the damage to your kidneys is generally mild and your kidneys are still able to function well enough to remove excess sodium. However, you should still control the amount of sodium you consume daily to better manage your blood pressure and delay the progression of CKD. As a rule of thumb, aim to keep to 2300mg of sodium per day.
Other than sodium chloride (commonly known as table salt), sodium can also be found in:
Commercial condiments and seasonings such as sauces, gravy mix/granules, bouillon or stock cubes, liquid stock, ready-made pastes, ketchup, flavoured salts (i.e garlic, onion salt)
Processed foods such as cold-cuts, sausages, cheese, canned foods, preserved foods (i.e salted fish, anchovies), smoked/cured foods, instant noodles, canned/instant soups, savoury snacks and pastries, microwaveable or ready-to-eat meals, fast-food
Sports or isotonic drinks, packaged vegetable juice
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One of your kidneys’ functions is to regulate fluid balance in your body. This is done as your blood is filtered through your kidneys where excess water is removed then excreted through urine. At the early stages of CKD (stages 1-2), generally your kidneys are mildly impaired and are still able to function well enough to remove wastes and excess fluids. You are less likely to notice symptoms of fluid retention such as swelling in your face and limbs, or shortness of breath due to fluid build-up in your lungs at this stage.
There is no definitive restriction on how much fluids you should consume daily with CKD stage 1-2. While it is generally advisable for you to drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of water per day, other factors such as health, pregnancy, breastfeeding, physical activity level or hot and humid weather may require increased fluid intake. Speak with your doctor or dietitian to get a better understanding of your fluid requirements.