Diet with one Kidney

Frank Fitz

Has anyone found diet suggestions and "no no's" for people with one remaining kidney?

The only obvious things I'v heard are to stay away from too much sodium and protein(but what is too much here?).

Thanks for any help.

Frank

Time2luv

Diet with one Kidney
Frank,
I've been trying to find out this exact same thing but with no support yet. Hopefully someone will have some suggestions for us. Like you all I was told was limit sodium and protein. My Doctor said no protein shakes or high protein diet plans. But other than that I don't really know how much protein I should or should not have. Hope someone can answer this for us. I lost my right Kidney January 2006 and discovered cancer in Left Kidney Sept 2009. Small spot at this time so watching and nervously waiting for another MRI in March.

Frank Fitz

Time2luv said:

Diet with one Kidney
Frank,
I've been trying to find out this exact same thing but with no support yet. Hopefully someone will have some suggestions for us. Like you all I was told was limit sodium and protein. My Doctor said no protein shakes or high protein diet plans. But other than that I don't really know how much protein I should or should not have. Hope someone can answer this for us. I lost my right Kidney January 2006 and discovered cancer in Left Kidney Sept 2009. Small spot at this time so watching and nervously waiting for another MRI in March.

Diet Search
I am going to keep looking for info and when I find it, will let you know.

I will say a prayer for you that the MRI turns out well. What type of cancer and stage did you have removed?

Time2luv

Frank Fitz said:

Diet Search
I am going to keep looking for info and when I find it, will let you know.

I will say a prayer for you that the MRI turns out well. What type of cancer and stage did you have removed?

Diet Search
My cancer was clear cell, right kidney removed, with lymph nodes, etc. 4cm, Stage 1 (I think) but they said it was very aggressive. I'll watch for diet updates. Thanks!

Yorkie06

My dad has the same issues.
My dad has the same issues. We went and saw a nutritionist.Lean Proteins are ok in moderation. Such as turkey, chicken, fish, lean beef. I would schedule an apt with a nutritionist. They can give you a list of everything to eat. There are certain veggies you can and cant eat, and breads. Hope this helps a little..

Frank Fitz

Yorkie06 said:

My dad has the same issues.
My dad has the same issues. We went and saw a nutritionist.Lean Proteins are ok in moderation. Such as turkey, chicken, fish, lean beef. I would schedule an apt with a nutritionist. They can give you a list of everything to eat. There are certain veggies you can and cant eat, and breads. Hope this helps a little..

Thanks Yorkie
Good info. I have an appt in April and will check on diet then.

Time2luv

Diet with one kidney
I had appt yesterday with Dr. I asked him about diet since I only have one kidney and having surgery on it in early April. He said not to eat steak 3 times a day and just watch the salt. No other restrictions. Of course we should eat our fruits and veggies but sounds like endless you are a real meat eater like he said above then you should be okay. Anxious to hear of any other reports from Doctors.

breezesong

Time2luv said:

Diet with one kidney
I had appt yesterday with Dr. I asked him about diet since I only have one kidney and having surgery on it in early April. He said not to eat steak 3 times a day and just watch the salt. No other restrictions. Of course we should eat our fruits and veggies but sounds like endless you are a real meat eater like he said above then you should be okay. Anxious to hear of any other reports from Doctors.

Diet with one kidney
I have 2/3 of a kidney left and today, after an MRI last week the Dr called and said there is an indication of a couple of spots in the kidney. Now I have to be scheduled for a cat-scan of my chest to make sure I don't have any thing in my lungs. I was originally diagnosed in 2006 with RCC stage 4, but it didn't spread outside the fat tissue. Lucky there. But then, in late 2008 they discovered the other kidney had cancer. It was partially removed with no metastasize. So there I went again. I didn't have to do chemo or radiation, though. By the way my creatine levels have remained between 1.3 and 1.7 (I think I got that right).

I decided I had to take better care of my self if I wanted to continue to be a survivor, so I cut out beef and stayed with lean chicken in very, very moderation. I also added veggies, fruits and nuts, along with fiber and my daily vitamins (vitamin D is essential from the sun, also). After my news today, I am going on an exercise routine, By the way I am almost 61 years and not overweight, but still could lose some weight. I have never liked to "move" but now I see it as necessary "medicine" for my survival.

Good luck to all.

ejneary

Dietician and Nephrologist Suggestions
In February, I had a radical right nephrecotmy to remove am 8CM RCC.

Since then, I have seen a dietician and a nephrologist. The following is a list of things that I was told through these visits:

The primary things to be concerned with as far as kidney health are

1. Blood pressure (Should be as low as possible) so reduce sodium (2-3G/day max)
2. Protein 1G/KG/day OR 1G/2.2lbs/day

So, if you are 165lbs, you can have a max of 75 grams of protein FROM ALL SOURCES

3. AVOID NSAI's (Ibuprofen, Motrin, Alieve)

Those were the big three from the Nephrologist.


The Nutritionist had the following advice:


In addition to lowering sodium and protein, you have to add high calorie foods to retain your weight. These include fats/oils, fruit juices and dried fruits. These will help replace the intake of calories from the elimination of protein and meats.

Foods to choose from the guide:

Milk: Fresh Whole or lowfat, 1/2 cup has 4 grams of protein

Meat: All types, Lean 7 grams of protein per ounce

Eggs: 1 egg equivalent to 1 ounce of lean meat 7 grams protein

Cheese: Same as meats, 1 ounce cheese has 7 grams protein

Beans: 1/2 Cup

Nuts: 1/4 Cup

other foods to eat...


Fruits (from 0 to 5 grams per 1/2 cup serving depening on fruit)

Other sources of protein are in breads as follows:

the following are worth 2 grams of protein each:

1 slice of bread
1/2 bagel
1/2 hamburger bun
1/2 english muffin
4 medium bread sticks
5 low sodium crackers
and the list goes on. This can be found online...

Vegtables contain some protein but they are generally low in protein which is a great reason to start eating more of them as they have lots of benefit, health wise, and you can eat more without going over the protein limit. Same with fruit.

The bottom line is stated above in the list of things to avoid, salt, lot of protein and NSAID drugs.

I have a pamphlet that talks about dietary needs if anyone would like a copy, i can scan it in and email...

Good luck!!!

John

opito bay

diet
I was strongly advised to reduce if not delete red meats,alcohol,salt, bread,sugar and the like from my diet. As I have just the one kidney now I have to give my self every chance of surviving and protecting the remaining Kidney. I am drinking 2-3 glasses of fresh Vegetable juice every day, eating several fruits, drinking plenty of water, eating chicken and fish usually with a salad or fresh green vegetables. Have only had around 10 glasses of red wine in three months and trying to go for plenty of walks. It was suggested by my Neurologist that I see a particular dietitian whom I see once a mth. Lost around 30 pounds, feeling very good other than the same tiredness and anxiety attacks I have been having since the Kidney removal. This is getting slowly better, but wow its slow going.


Mike

ejneary

opito bay said:

diet
I was strongly advised to reduce if not delete red meats,alcohol,salt, bread,sugar and the like from my diet. As I have just the one kidney now I have to give my self every chance of surviving and protecting the remaining Kidney. I am drinking 2-3 glasses of fresh Vegetable juice every day, eating several fruits, drinking plenty of water, eating chicken and fish usually with a salad or fresh green vegetables. Have only had around 10 glasses of red wine in three months and trying to go for plenty of walks. It was suggested by my Neurologist that I see a particular dietitian whom I see once a mth. Lost around 30 pounds, feeling very good other than the same tiredness and anxiety attacks I have been having since the Kidney removal. This is getting slowly better, but wow its slow going.


Mike

Advised by who?
Definitely talk to your dietician!

The real goal is to reduce certain nutients to be good to your remaining kidney while not starving your system for those nitrients and also living a quality lifestyle.

I was informed by my doctors as well as by my dietician that there is no reason to cut out alcohol, sugar, red meat but that I need to remain within the guidleine of 1G/2.2Lbs/Day of protein (from all sources) and reduce sodium intake to 2-3 grams per day.

That said, if being healthy and happy means that you need a cheeseburger once in a while, that's OK as long as you stay below the sodium and protein limits.

Personally, I need a cheeseburger once in a while!!! So, I buy the ground beef from the store and have a measured amount on a piece of wheat bread.


As far as alcohol is concerned... Since I am on chemo, I don't really feel like drinking but, I do enjoy a good beer once in a while and was told that it was OK...


Essentially, lead a healthy life and this means that you should also enjoy foods that you like without guilt....

John

miafox

ejneary said:

Dietician and Nephrologist Suggestions
In February, I had a radical right nephrecotmy to remove am 8CM RCC.

Since then, I have seen a dietician and a nephrologist. The following is a list of things that I was told through these visits:

The primary things to be concerned with as far as kidney health are

1. Blood pressure (Should be as low as possible) so reduce sodium (2-3G/day max)
2. Protein 1G/KG/day OR 1G/2.2lbs/day

So, if you are 165lbs, you can have a max of 75 grams of protein FROM ALL SOURCES

3. AVOID NSAI's (Ibuprofen, Motrin, Alieve)

Those were the big three from the Nephrologist.


The Nutritionist had the following advice:


In addition to lowering sodium and protein, you have to add high calorie foods to retain your weight. These include fats/oils, fruit juices and dried fruits. These will help replace the intake of calories from the elimination of protein and meats.

Foods to choose from the guide:

Milk: Fresh Whole or lowfat, 1/2 cup has 4 grams of protein

Meat: All types, Lean 7 grams of protein per ounce

Eggs: 1 egg equivalent to 1 ounce of lean meat 7 grams protein

Cheese: Same as meats, 1 ounce cheese has 7 grams protein

Beans: 1/2 Cup

Nuts: 1/4 Cup

other foods to eat...


Fruits (from 0 to 5 grams per 1/2 cup serving depening on fruit)

Other sources of protein are in breads as follows:

the following are worth 2 grams of protein each:

1 slice of bread
1/2 bagel
1/2 hamburger bun
1/2 english muffin
4 medium bread sticks
5 low sodium crackers
and the list goes on. This can be found online...

Vegtables contain some protein but they are generally low in protein which is a great reason to start eating more of them as they have lots of benefit, health wise, and you can eat more without going over the protein limit. Same with fruit.

The bottom line is stated above in the list of things to avoid, salt, lot of protein and NSAID drugs.

I have a pamphlet that talks about dietary needs if anyone would like a copy, i can scan it in and email...

Good luck!!!

John

Pamphlet please
Hi there John,
My dad is currently going through chemo and had his right kidney removed earlier this year. Can you please send the pamphlet info you have? It would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks

helperr

I don't know much about diet
I don't know much about diet.

ejneary

helperr said:

I don't know much about diet
I don't know much about diet.

Diet Pamphlet
Sorry it has been so long to respond to the request for a document....


Here is a link.

http://home.comcast.net/~nearydom/docs/diet.doc

This is a Kaiser Permanente document but I am sure that they don't mind it being published here...

Thrive!!!

John

Digger95

I adopted a vegetarian diet
I adopted a vegetarian diet after my radical nephrectomy and have found it to be very beneficial as it naturally keeps my protein intake on the low side and my antioxidant intake on the high side. The extra fiber certainly doesn't hurt either. I'm lacto-ovo so I do eat eggs and a little dairy and my protein level tends to average about 70 grams per day. My nephrologist actually gave me no dietary advice at all but I'd been thinking about going veggie for some time so I figured it was a good time to start. Nice to meet others who are also living with one kidney.

eweber

i have just had my kidney
i have just had my kidney removed in feburary and was told to go to a low protein diet... so i'm basically a vegetarian now... quit smoking and drinking.. try to not use packaged foods with hi sodium

I've dropped about 25 lbs and feel much better.. my blood pressure is way down... try to walk everyday..

we only have one left.. we need to take the best care of it as possible...

jazzykim

ejneary said:

Dietician and Nephrologist Suggestions
In February, I had a radical right nephrecotmy to remove am 8CM RCC.

Since then, I have seen a dietician and a nephrologist. The following is a list of things that I was told through these visits:

The primary things to be concerned with as far as kidney health are

1. Blood pressure (Should be as low as possible) so reduce sodium (2-3G/day max)
2. Protein 1G/KG/day OR 1G/2.2lbs/day

So, if you are 165lbs, you can have a max of 75 grams of protein FROM ALL SOURCES

3. AVOID NSAI's (Ibuprofen, Motrin, Alieve)

Those were the big three from the Nephrologist.


The Nutritionist had the following advice:


In addition to lowering sodium and protein, you have to add high calorie foods to retain your weight. These include fats/oils, fruit juices and dried fruits. These will help replace the intake of calories from the elimination of protein and meats.

Foods to choose from the guide:

Milk: Fresh Whole or lowfat, 1/2 cup has 4 grams of protein

Meat: All types, Lean 7 grams of protein per ounce

Eggs: 1 egg equivalent to 1 ounce of lean meat 7 grams protein

Cheese: Same as meats, 1 ounce cheese has 7 grams protein

Beans: 1/2 Cup

Nuts: 1/4 Cup

other foods to eat...


Fruits (from 0 to 5 grams per 1/2 cup serving depening on fruit)

Other sources of protein are in breads as follows:

the following are worth 2 grams of protein each:

1 slice of bread
1/2 bagel
1/2 hamburger bun
1/2 english muffin
4 medium bread sticks
5 low sodium crackers
and the list goes on. This can be found online...

Vegtables contain some protein but they are generally low in protein which is a great reason to start eating more of them as they have lots of benefit, health wise, and you can eat more without going over the protein limit. Same with fruit.

The bottom line is stated above in the list of things to avoid, salt, lot of protein and NSAID drugs.

I have a pamphlet that talks about dietary needs if anyone would like a copy, i can scan it in and email...

Good luck!!!

John

WOULD LOVE THE PLAN YOU HAVE
Hi John,
Just read your message posted and thanks.
I had a tumor (7 c.m.) in my right kidney which was diagnosed in December of 2009 (right before Christmas) and was removed on March 3rd, 2010. I had a radical nephrectomy through laparoscopy. I was in and out within three days (I am a bit of a control freak and felt mind over matter would apply).
I asked the hospital and my urologist the same thing as many; what should I be eating and not eating...dos and don'ts. Prior to this, I had gone back on a full protein diet plan (need to lose weight) and had done same plan back in 2004 successfully (could be reason for kidney overload and tumor???)

At any rate, you mentioned you had a plan (pamphlet) that you received and would be able to scan it and send it along...would love that if you are still willing.

My tumor and kidney were removed successfully, but I am now (about four months afterwards) still having on going (on again~ off again) swelling and pain and can certainly feel lumpy matter (scar tissue?) under the skin level.
Just curious, how long did you have any pain/swelling for? What types of post surgery treatments (ie, massage/chiro, etc.) did you try or continue using?

Sorry to overload you with questions and seek answers, but hoping you won't mind.
Not a day goes by that I don't awake and sleep thinking about this and worrying about my future. I have a follow up in August for a chest x-ray and abdominal ultrasound, then meet back with the urologist in September to review the outcome of these tests.
I do have a small liquid filled cyst in my left kidney and per my urologist, that is very commmon in most people (50% of population)...they just don't know they have one.

Any thoughts?

jazzykim

Von55

Digger95 said:

I adopted a vegetarian diet
I adopted a vegetarian diet after my radical nephrectomy and have found it to be very beneficial as it naturally keeps my protein intake on the low side and my antioxidant intake on the high side. The extra fiber certainly doesn't hurt either. I'm lacto-ovo so I do eat eggs and a little dairy and my protein level tends to average about 70 grams per day. My nephrologist actually gave me no dietary advice at all but I'd been thinking about going veggie for some time so I figured it was a good time to start. Nice to meet others who are also living with one kidney.

Veggie diet
Hi! Good to hear from a fellow vegetarian- I've been wondering a lot about diet, esp the protein side of things. I very rarely eat eggs, but still use dairy- havn't eaten meat, fish, fowl etc for over 15yrs and can really vouch for the benefits (in spite of my kidney cancer!). I am scheduled for a radical nephrectomy in 2 weeks time and am hoping the hospital will allow me to bring my own nibbles- I eat a lot of raw foods as well as homemade nut/seed mix etc. You're on the right track with the antioxidants- I'm convinced that my RCC situation would be much, much worse if not for my diet- esp as I've been an idiot- I've been a heavy smoker. No diet in the world can tip the scales toward health if you smoke- but I'm determined to live & learn!
All the best to you, and I hope everything works out well!

Digger95

Von55 said:

Veggie diet
Hi! Good to hear from a fellow vegetarian- I've been wondering a lot about diet, esp the protein side of things. I very rarely eat eggs, but still use dairy- havn't eaten meat, fish, fowl etc for over 15yrs and can really vouch for the benefits (in spite of my kidney cancer!). I am scheduled for a radical nephrectomy in 2 weeks time and am hoping the hospital will allow me to bring my own nibbles- I eat a lot of raw foods as well as homemade nut/seed mix etc. You're on the right track with the antioxidants- I'm convinced that my RCC situation would be much, much worse if not for my diet- esp as I've been an idiot- I've been a heavy smoker. No diet in the world can tip the scales toward health if you smoke- but I'm determined to live & learn!
All the best to you, and I hope everything works out well!

Vegetarian Diet
Hiya Von55!

I don't check the board as often as I should so I'm sorry it took me this long to reply. Glad to meet another vegetarian! How did your surgery go last week? I must admit that I was an idiot and smoked for over twenty years, so a good clean diet is even more important for folks like us. After trying several different diets after my surgery I've found that a vegetarian diet has been the most beneficial for me. I don't push it on others... it is simply what works best for me.

Hope all is going well with you and that you are recovering nicely from your surgery.

Jim

blackbelt

Diet with one Kidney
PLEASE EMAIL ME FOR FULL DETAILs!
ABLE TO RAISE KIDNEY FUNCTION FROM 74% to 82% THRU DIET!
LOST 3/4 of right kidney, had a open partial nephrectomy on 5/17/2006
Labs result 1/10/2010
Total cholesterol : 161.0
HDL: 53.0
LDL: 96.0
Triglycerides: 62.0
TAKE NO BLOOD PRESSURE MEDICATION!

VeryAnxious

blackbelt said:

Diet with one Kidney
PLEASE EMAIL ME FOR FULL DETAILs!
ABLE TO RAISE KIDNEY FUNCTION FROM 74% to 82% THRU DIET!
LOST 3/4 of right kidney, had a open partial nephrectomy on 5/17/2006
Labs result 1/10/2010
Total cholesterol : 161.0
HDL: 53.0
LDL: 96.0
Triglycerides: 62.0
TAKE NO BLOOD PRESSURE MEDICATION!

Hi I would loveto e mail you
Hi I would loveto e mail you for the full details. I am certain after my robotic surgery, my surgeon would be happy with 40-45% function. I would love to be able to have something to follow. Good luck to you. I do have mile hypertension.