Sodium and Phosphorus and Potassium oh my.........

 For me one of the most complex issues in dealing with CKD was embracing a renal diet. From day one, the way I approached food needed to change. Throughout every stage of CKD there are different requirements and it was  important to educate myself  during each stage.  Calorie intake, limitations of salt, phosphorus, potassium and protein were all concepts that I had to learn. Some of these things  I had never even heard of before I was diagnosed and now I realize the importance of controlling them all. I  learned that having proper nutrition can help reduce the workload on the kidneys and allow the best environment for optimal kidney function. This is very important in the first stages of CKD when you still have kidney function.I was never in my life a label reader and once I was diagnosed that all changed. Reading labels can help make healthy food choices for your kidneys.

 Over the next few posts I will delve into sodium, phosphorus, and potassium and explain not only what they are but also why are so important to your health when dealing with CKD. For the last five and a half years I have been a dialysis patient and thought I would start with the importance of these while on dialysis. I will also discuss the importance these in the other stages of CKD. So whether you're newly diagnosed or have been dealing with CKD  for a long time, like myself,  it's important to have a healthy diet. I will also talk about Calcium and Vitamin D. You will see how vital it is to keep healthy and balanced diet so please be certain to come back next week for the next nutrition post.

The Northeast Kidney Foundation truly understands how vital nutrition and diet plays in the lives of those with CKD, and they are holding a contest to find the best kidney friendly recipes. So whether it's your favorite snack or a meal recipe, if its renal friendly and within the kidney diet, they would love to hear from you! Get that meal, snack, side dish or dessert to them by August 15th to be in the contest running. There will be winners in each category, and the winners will be announced over Labor Day weekend. To submit your entry you can email it to : kathe@healthykidneys.org or send them to Northeast Kidney Foundation 501 New Karner Rd. Ste. 6 Albany New York. Attention: Kathe.

Please visit NeKF at http://www.healthykidneys.org/ for more details on this yummy contest.

Thank you for joining me on this journey, I look forward to your input, comments and questions along the way.