Chronic Kidney Disease Nutrition Counseling
What is Chronic Kidney Disease?
The kidneys have many important jobs, including filtering waste and excess fluid from the blood, helping control blood pressure, balancing minerals in the body, keeping bones healthy, and helping the body produce red blood cells.¹ Chronic kidney disease (CKD) occurs when the kidneys are damaged or do not work as well as they should for at least three months.²
CKD often progresses slowly and may not cause noticeable symptoms, especially in the early stages. As kidney function declines, waste and excess fluid can build up in the body and cause health problems.² CKD also increases the risk of cardiovascular disease.²
Chronic kidney disease is divided into stages based primarily on kidney function and the amount of albumin in the urine. Your stage of kidney disease, laboratory results, medications, and other health conditions all affect how your kidney disease should be managed.²
Treatments for CKD
Treatment for CKD focuses on slowing the progression of the disease, managing related health conditions, and reducing the risk of complications. Treatment may include medications, blood pressure and blood sugar management, physical activity, nutrition therapy, and other lifestyle changes.¹
Individualized Nutrition Therapy for Kidney Disease
There is no single “kidney diet.” Nutrition recommendations for CKD need to be individualized based on your kidney function, laboratory results, medications, and other medical conditions. A kidney-friendly eating pattern may include adjustments to sodium, protein, potassium, phosphorus, fluids, or other nutrients—but not everyone with CKD needs to restrict all of these nutrients.³
Our dietitians can help you understand which dietary changes are most important for your specific situation without making your diet more restrictive than necessary.
Whether you are newly diagnosed with CKD or have been managing kidney disease for years, our dietitians can help you create a realistic eating plan that supports your kidney health while still allowing you to enjoy the foods you love.
What Can a Kidney Dietitian Help With?
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Help you lower your sodium intake and better control blood pressure
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Determine the right amount of protein for your individuals needs
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Educate you on how your lab results affect your nutrition recommendations
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Help with a potassium or phosphorus restriction if needed
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Assist with managing fluid intake when appropriate
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Help you manage your diabetes alongside kidney disease
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Promote a healthy weight
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Help you choose nutritious foods without unnecessary restrictions
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Create practical meals and snacks that fit your lifestyle
Why Choose AMS Nutrition Counseling for Your Renal Dietitian?
Our dietitian, Melissa Verdi, has significant experience working with people with chronic kidney disease. She provides nutrition counseling within Nephrology Associates of WNY, where she works alongside nephrologists and other kidney care professionals.
Both of our dietitians are also Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialists (CDCESs), a nationally recognized credential demonstrating specialized expertise in diabetes care and education. This additional expertise can be particularly valuable because many people with CKD also have diabetes.
Our dietitians take a person-centered approach that considers your preferences, needs, and values while applying evidence-based nutrition recommendations and clinical experience.
Ready to Take the Next Step with a Kidney Dietitian?
Give us a call, or schedule online here: online scheduling
Not quite ready yet? Read more about the following:
What to Expect from Nutrition Counseling
References