Your Kidney Dietitian

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SNACK SWAP ✨ LOWER SUGAR

If you have kidney disease, it's important to keep an eye on added sugars in your diet 🧁

According to an article from the Harvard School of Public Health, "The effects of added sugar intake — higher blood pressure, inflammation, weight gain, diabetes, and fatty liver disease — are all linked to an increased risk for heart attack and stroke" 🫀

The kidneys are VERY closely linked to your heart and cardiovascular systems - so a lower-sugar diet helps keep the kidneys healthy!

Most added sugar in our standard American diet comes from sugar-sweetened beverages and processed/packaged foods, such as snacks.

Here, we're looking at two different snack products from Target - Glazed Pecans versus Himalayan Salted Dark Chocolate Almonds. Which one is better?

Your first instinct might be that the one with "salt" and "chocolate" is the one to limit for best kidney health.

But turn it around and look at the label!! 🧐

Both products have almost the EXACT same amount of sodium - so either one could be considered an option for someone on a low sodium diet (generally 2,300 mg daily or less according to NKF) 🧂

Look at the added sugars though 👀 16 grams per serving in the pecans versus just 6 grams per serving in the almonds!

Therefore, a better "sweet n' salty" snack would be the dark chocolate nuts, generally speaking.

Remember - each person is DIFFERENT and has slightly different nutritional needs. I am not your dietitian (except for those of you who are in fact my patient, hello!) so always check with YOUR personal dietitian on what snack swaps are best for you and YOUR unique nutritional needs.

Looking for a renal dietitian? Comment "nutrition help" and I'll send you a link to schedule your appointment 🗓 insurance plans accepted include Original Medicare, BCBS PPO, BCBS Medicare Advantage, and (as of 9/6/24) UHC!

WHAT DOES PLANT-BASED MEAN? 🤔

At its most basic definition, eating more “plant based” simply means eating more plant foods!

Think fruits, veggies, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and legumes 🍎🥦🫐🍌🥕🥜🍚

Where can you add MORE of these foods to your diet?

If you have CKD, one of your TOP priorities should be increasing your intake of plant foods - in particular, swapping out some animal proteins (red meat, pork, chicken) for plant proteins (beans, nuts, lentils, tofu, edamame, seeds).

Eating a diet that includes more plant foods benefits people with CKD in many ways:

🍓 Improved blood pressure
🍓 Decreased heart disease risk
🍓 Improved blood sugars
🍓 Improved lipid panel
🍓 Improved acidosis
🍓 Reduced proteinuria
🍓 Improved bone health

Need some ideas on more ways to include plant foods in your diet? Come check out my free Facebook group, Plant Based Recipes for Healthy Kidneys. I post new plant based recipe ideas every week! Either search on FB or check out the link on my profile.

Or, if you want more ideas personalized to YOU - book your nutrition counseling appointment now 🙌 see link in bio, or comment BOOK and I'll send you the link to schedule 🗓 I can't wait to talk to you!

🚨 REMINDER 🚨

Guys, there's a mistake I see FAR too many of you making.

You are putting yourself on a SUPER restrictive diet, just because you read online that 400 different foods are bad for the kidneys 😢

And then you wonder why you're feeling crappy, low energy, and losing unintentional weight despite eating "healthier" 😣

❌ Cutting out a bunch of foods "just because" you have CKD and because you read some article online that xyz foods are "bad" is NOT a good approach.

❌❌ In fact, this sort of approach can make your health WORSE because you're inadvertently missing out on important foods and nutrients!

CKD does NOT mean you automatically need to avoid potassium. Or phosphorus. Or sodium (you heard me - not everyone needs to cut back on salt) 🧂

Kidney nutrition is VERY individualized - it can look different based on factors like your lab results, cause of CKD, and other unique factors.

So please, do not just cut out foods w***y nilly without guidance and strategy from a professional. Myself and other renal dietitians are here and we want to help. Working with a dietitian is the BEST way to figure out the right diet for you.

Ready to get on a kidney-healthy diet? Book your dietitian appointment now. Comment BOOK and I'll send you the link to get started 🗓

Kidney-friendly veggie fajita night 🌮

This is one of my favorite meals to make at home! And it's totally customizable to your preferences (and your family's preferences).

Growing up in the Midwest, "taco night" usually meant ground beef with taco seasoning, lots of sour cream & shredded cheese, olives for some reason (?), salsa, and shredded iceberg lettuce 😜 anyone else??

These days I like to do it a little differently - suited to a more kidney-friendly, plant-forward diet:

1️⃣ Start with some phosphate-free corn tortillas - either heat these up in the oven, in a frying pan, or over an open burner. (I get El Milagro brand, made locally in Chicago. Fresh & locally made are less likely to include phos additives)

2️⃣ In a large pan, saute veggies like onion, bell pepper, and mushrooms with oregano, cumin, and a little salt! (I also like adding veggies like broccoli, carrot, and even potato into the mix)

3️⃣ Then, build yourself a taco with your warm tortilla, veggie fajitas, and toppings of choice. (I like vegan sour cream, pico de gallo, and a little cilantro!)

4️⃣ On the side - I love to add some low-sodium refried beans for protein. (Check out Amy's brand, but other brands might be available too in your local store)

Would you make this meal or your own version of it? Let me know in the comments!

Trying to eat more plant proteins?

Here are some ideas for ya! 👊

💚 Have beans with tacos, in a soup/chili, or in a cold salad
💚 Have peanut butter on toast or with a sliced apple
💚 Add seeds (i.e. h**p seed hearts, pumpkin seeds) to a smoothie or salad
💚 Use tofu to make a scramble or a stir-fry
💚 Use lentils to make "meatloaf" or taco filling
💚 Have a handful of nuts for a snack or add to oatmeal

What are some of your favorite ways to incorporate plant protein into meals? Let me know below in the comments.

Are you a current or past patient? If so, please consider leaving us a review here on Facebook! Your review and personal testimonial is the BEST way for other patients like you to find a trusted renal dietitian to work with. Just head to the main page of Your Kidney Dietitian and hit “Reviews.”

Thank you!
Kate Zalewski
Dietitian & Owner, Your Kidney Dietitian

Protein shakes - should you drink them if you have kidney disease?

Like most questions I answer... it depends!

This is one of those questions where what I tell YOU personally is going to depend on a number of different factors. At the most basic scenario to consider, it will depend whether you have CKD (pre-dialysis), if you're on dialysis, or if you're post-transplant. Here's the breakdown:

👉 If you have CKD (pre-dialysis): current nutrition guidelines recommend a lower protein diet for CKD. Most people with CKD do not need protein shakes to meet their daily protein goal

👉 If you are on dialysis: current nutrition guidelines recommend a higher protein diet for dialysis. If you are on dialysis, you might need a protein shake to help meet your daily protein goal

👉 Post-transplant: nutrition needs post-transplant depends your labs, appetite, a number of individualized factors! Since hunger often increases after a transplant, most people shouldn't need to use a protein shake to meet their needs, expect for convenience.

And, as always, if you aren't sure, ask your renal dietitian about what's right for you personally!

What's that, you don't have a renal dietitian yet? I can help! 👉 🙋🏼‍♀️ shoot me a message with any questions or head right over to my bio to book your appointment now.

WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT POTASSIUM & KIDNEYS...

If you've ever done a Google search about how to manage kidney disease, you've probably come across recommendations to avoid potassium. Is this accurate though?

If these recommendations left you wondering, "wait, why would I avoid these healthy foods?" you're on the right track! There is a LOT of outdated information about potassium online - so let's look at the facts. Here are FOUR important things to know about potassium:

1️⃣ Potassium is a mineral in the blood. If the kidneys aren’t working well, they may struggle to regulate your blood potassium levels.

2️⃣ High levels of potassium in the blood are dangerous, but high potassium can have many causes - usually it has NOTHING to do with food. Other causes include medications, acidosis, insulin resistance, and constipation.

3️⃣ High potassium foods do NOT hurt the kidneys. They are not “hard on the kidneys”. And there is no evidence that avoiding high potassium foods helps the kidneys.

4️⃣ Avoiding high potassium foods just because you have kidney disease is an outdated approach. In fact, avoiding these healthy foods can cause more harm than good!

If you have more questions about potassium, talk with your renal dietitian. Need a dietitian, you say? I can help! Link in bio to book your appointment now.

CHOOSE A BETTER BAR 💪

Have you been grabbing a random nutrition bar and hoping for the best? Time to stop the guessing game - let's level up your nutrition bar picks.

My best tips for you:

✅ Skip the sugar rush with bars ideally less than 10 grams of sugar - your kidneys will thank you.
✅ Keep the sodium in check - my fav options here (swipe to slide 2!) are all less than 150 mg.
✅ Especially if you're struggling with high blood phosphorus, skip bars with added phosphates to keep your kidneys happy.
✅ Protein power: Choose wisely! Pick a bar that fits within YOUR daily protein needs (check with your dietitian to see how much is right for you) - and opt for plant proteins when you can.

Need more help navigating the supermarket? I'm Kate, kidney specialist dietitian, and I'm here to empower your kidney-healthy choices!

Accepting new patients now - see link in bio to book your appointment 📲

PSA - frozen foods can be a great option for CKD!

Are there some frozen foods out there that are crazy high in sodium, phosphorus, sugar, and other stuff you may be trying to stay away from? Absolutely!!

But there are also plenty of nutritious and convenient frozen foods out there, that can fit into your kidney-friendly meal plan just fine 😊

There is NOTHING inherently wrong with frozen foods. Freezing food is simply a way to improve shelf life and increase convenience.

And if frozen foods make it easier to get items like veggies, fruits, and beans into your diet -- heck yeah. I'm all for it!

Just make sure to take a peek at the nutrition label, to see how any given food item fits into the context of YOUR personal meal plan.

What frozen foods are staples in your diet? Comment & let me know below (for me, it's frozen berries and frozen veggies burgers!)

NUTS & SEEDS ... okay for CKD? 🤔

You may have heard that foods such as nuts or peanut butter are "off limits" if you have chronic kidney disease.

This is because these foods contain some potassium & phosphorus - two minerals the kidneys may struggle to regulate as kidney function declines.

However, not EVERYONE with CKD needs to worry about potassium and phosphorus! Usually, this only comes into play once someone has a GFR of 30 or less.

(And I've worked with PLENTY of patients with a GFR

"Avocados are a NO-GO for CKD" .... or are they??

Wrong! This is a big old nutrition MYTH! 🚩

Avocados have traditionally been listed as a "food to avoid" for CKD due to their high potassium content.

However 👉 based on the current guidelines, people with kidney disease should ONLY limit high potassium foods (like avocado) if it is indicated based on their personal labs, AND if non-food causes of high potassium have been ruled out.

There are actually MANY causes of high potassium that have nothing 🙅‍♀️ to do with food.

Some of the more non-food causes can include: insulin resistance, acidosis, certain medications like ACE inhibitors, and constipation.

Besides 👀 potassium from plant foods is only 50-60% absorbed by the body, so you're really only getting about half of what's listed.

My goal as a dietitian is to help you include as many foods as possible - so if we can figure out what is ACTUALLY causing those high potassium levels - that leaves you clear to continue enjoying avocados 😊

For the best guidance for you, ALWAYS defer to your personal renal dietitian who knows you and your labs. Don't have a renal dietitian yet? I can help! Book a free call with me using the link in my bio 📲

Don't delay! Starting to make smarter choices for your kidney health today will pay off more than you can imagine down the road 🥑

Dining out on a low sodium diet - it CAN be done!

You just need to be smart and do some planning ahead 🤓

Fast food restaurants are actually among the easier-to-navigate options when dining out, because they always make their nutritional information available.

And with a scan of the nutritional info, you can easily save 100mg of sodium - or wayyyy more!

Here are three swaps to try at Chipotle, Subway, and Wendy's to save on sodium:

🌯 CHIPOTLE: save 160 mg sodium by choosing brown rice in your burrito
🥪 SUBWAY: save 470 mg sodium by opting for a veggie sub instead of turkey
🥔 WENDY'S: save 645 mg sodium by swapping cheese for sour cream on your baked potato

Which swap surprised you most? What other favorite fast food swaps have you found? Comment to let us know!

Picture this - you ask your nephrologist what to eat. They hand you a list of "foods to avoid" from 2004 that looks like it's been photocopied a hundred times.

Too real? 😅

Think of ALL the things that have changed and all the things we have learned since 20 years ago.

And what makes a "kidney friendly diet" is one of THE biggest changes in the nutrition world!

In the past, a "renal diet" consisted of foods like the ones in this photo - plain chicken, white rice, and steamed, unseasoned low potassium veggies. For good measure, add a glass of Sprite on the side, because at least it's low in phosphorus 😜

These days... oh, things couldn't be more different.

Gone are the days of telling everyone to across-the-board avoid potassium, phosphorus, whole grains, nuts, beans, and so forth.

A balanced kidney-friendly diet based on currently available science should actually include plenty of plant foods - including the higher potassium and phosphorus ones in many cases!

And that last part is important. "In many cases." Because the renal diet is not a one-size-fits-all thing. It needs to be individualized to YOU.

Are you ready to throw that old list in the trash and start fresh with some guidance from a kidney nutrition expert? Hi 👋 I'm here and I would LOVE to help!

See link in bio to book your appointment today! 📲

Happy 4th of July from Your Kidney Dietitian! Have a safe and happy holiday with your family, friends, and loved ones.

What's on the table for your 4th of July cookout or picnic?

Here are some great kidney-friendly options to try:

❤️ Fruit kebabs
💙 Veggie burger
🤍 Vegetable tray
❤️ Hummus & crackers
💙 Kale chopped salad
🤍 Lemon sorbet

Let me know what YOUR picks are, below in the comments!

🍞 WHITE VS WHEAT BREAD 🍞

I see this question come up ALL the time so let's address it.

If you have CKD, you've probably heard varying things about bread...

"Choose white bread because it's lower in potassium and phosphorus"

"Choose wheat bread because it has more fiber"

What's a person to do? 🙃

Here's what you need to know. If we *actually* compare the nutritional breakdown, there is NOT a big difference between the potassium and phosphorus content of one medium slice (29g) of white or wheat bread.

And, the potassium & phosphorus from plants (like wheat) isn't well absorbed anyway, making the difference even more negligible.

You DO still need to be on the lookout for added phosphates and added potassium in bread - and keep in mind that nutrition varies from one product to the next. But generally speaking, the difference isn't worth splitting hairs over.

So, my advice as a dietitian? Wheat bread is a lil better due to its fiber content, but most people can choose white bread too sometimes, if you enjoy it. Of course, always check with YOUR personal dietitian on what's best for you.

What's your pick for a kidney-friendly bread? My personal fav is Dave's Killer Bread. Let us know below in the comments ⬇️

Low on energy? It COULD be your kidneys... but it could be something else.

Low energy and fatigue is common in CKD. One reason for this, is that anemia is prevalent among people with CKD. If you are anemic (low iron) you can feel fatigued and low on energy.

However, other factors can contribute as well. A common one I see? Just not eating enough!!

Especially if you are new to CKD and feeling scared or anxious about eating the wrong things, it can be VERY easy to accidentally undereat (this is where working with an expert renal dietitian can be SO helpful!).

If you are experiencing low energy or fatigue, first talk to your doctor about what might be causing it from a kidney perspective.

Then, take a look at some other habits and aspects of your health. Could sleep quality be improved? Are you skipping meals and crashing mid-day? How's your stress management?

As a dietitian, improved energy is one of the most common outcomes I hear among my patients, once they start eating right. Is this something you could use help with?

I'm accepting new patients now and would love to help you. See link in bio to book your call with me today 📲

🍟 PROCESSED FOODS & CKD 🍟

Are processed foods always a bad choice if you have kidney disease?

Not necessarily!! We eat processed foods all the time. A "processed" food has been altered from its original form in some way.

This may be done for a variety of reasons - to improve a food’s shelf life, ensure food safety, maintain or modify a food’s nutritional content, or improve texture, flavor, consistency, or palatability -- to name a few.

Another big reason? Processed foods are convenient!

Most of us don’t have time or the ability to make our own peanut butter, make our own yogurt, bake our own bread, mill our own oats, etc...

And YES, peanut butter, yogurt, bread, and oatmeal are ALL technically processed foods.

However, they are less processed than others. Highly processed foods often contain more salt, sugar, or other additives like phosphorus. So depending on your labs, you should closely read the nutrition label for more processed foods.

Long story short, processed does NOT automatically equal "bad" or "off limits." It's all about what is right for you.

Need more help figuring out what to eat? Let me assist! I now accept BCBS commercial plans, as well as BCBS Medicare and Original Medicare. Link in bio to book your appointment.

Confused about kidney-friendly foods? Ditch the outdated myths 🙅‍♀️

Did that doctor's office handout have you thinking peanut butter, beans, nuts, and oatmeal were off-limits for CKD?

Ahh, this is so wrong and outdated! And please know you're not alone in the misinformation maze.

Here's the truth: while these plant-powered heroes have some natural phosphorus, it's the good kind – unlikely to mess with your blood levels. Plus, they're packed with health benefits for you and your kidneys! ✨

But be on the lookout out for ADDED phosphorus lurking in processed foods like Coke, coffee creamers, and lunchmeats. These sneaky added phosphates are easily absorbed, potentially causing trouble for your blood levels.

So, breathe a sigh of relief! Peanut butter, beans, nuts, and oatmeal aren't your enemies.

Want to master the right kidney-friendly diet for you?

Book a free 20-minute chat with me! I'm now accepting new patients with BCBS, Medicare, HSA/FSA, and self-pay (equitable rates available). Let's ditch the confusion together - I can't wait to chat 😊

Today is Juneteenth, a day commemorating the emancipation of enslaved people, and honoring the strength and resilience of Black Americans. As we reflect on the past, however, we also acknowledge that the fight for justice and equality for all continues.

At Your Kidney Dietitian I am proud to celebrate Juneteeth with you - creating a more just, equal, and fair world is hugely important to me in the work that I do here ❤️

FIVE Foods You Didn't Know You Could Eat With CKD...

Guess what? There's not just "one" right diet for CKD. It's all individualized.

Unfortunately, there's a lot of outdated info online (or maybe in your doctor's office) that makes it seem like there's only one right way to do it. Let's look at a few "off-limits" foods that actually aren't off-limits for kidney disease!

1️⃣ PIZZA: yes you can still enjoy pizza with CKD! Homemade is best, and choose lighter toppings (more veggies, less salt)
2️⃣ SWEET POTATOES: lower potassium than white potatoes. Additionally, current evidence shows food potassium doesn't impact the blood levels much, anyway.
3️⃣ PEANUTS: they contain some phosphorus, but it's poorly absorbed and not likely to impact the blood levels.
4️⃣ BRAN CEREAL: same thing with phosphorus applies! Mind the portion too, since cereal can be sugary.
5️⃣ CHOCOLATE: where's the joy in life without chocolate? Small portions are fine for most and will keep the sugar in check.

What other foods are you confused about for CKD? Let me know in the comments.

Need more help with your personal nutrition plan? Here is how I can help!
✅ Individual appointments (Medicare, BCBS, FSA/HSA, self-pay)
✅ 3-Month Nutrition Coaching Program
✅ Custom Meal Plans
✅ Learn more at the link in my bio!

The number one request I hear? "Recipe ideas, please!" 👩‍🍳

You ask, I deliver. But not all recipes (or cookbooks) are created equal.

Here are five ways to choose the best cookbook and recipes for you.

1️⃣ Start by knowing YOUR personal nutritional needs.
2️⃣ Search for cookbooks and recipes that meet YOUR unique goals.
3️⃣ Check out my *NEW* blog on the best kidney-friendly cookbooks
4️⃣ Be wary of fake renal diet cookbooks on Amazon
5️⃣ Join my free Facebook group for weekly recipe ideas and more.

I ESPECIALLY want to call out number 4 - I've posted before about these phony cookbooks, but I've gotta mention it again. You should avoid these books!

Read my blog post in full for additional details on what to take note of, and which alternative options may be better (link in bio).