kidney disease and cholesterol
kidney function can improve
with careful diet 

kidney disease and cholesterol

As I was researching flaxseed and cholesterol, I realized that many people with renal failure also had high cholesterol and many of them had heart disease and/or were diabetic. Having kidney disease and cholesterol problems happens together often.

I read that flaxseed can help to lower blood creatinine (an indicator of renal failure is high creatinine). We use flaxseed on a low cholesterol diet, so the same diet should be good for kidneys. It might be possible to treat kidney disease and high cholesterol with the same healthy diet.

This is important to me because my husband only has 19% kidney function at this time. He was on dialysis for about two years. We finally were allowed to bring home a machine and have training to do the dialysis at home. It took a good portion of our time, but was much better than driving to the dialysis clinic and being hooked to a machine for three hours there. Even though his kidneys were only functioning at about 22%, he was allowed off of dialysis when all of his blood work was consistently normal (except creatinine). We have to go to the nephrologist on a regular basis to get his creatine and other related levels checked. If his kidneys lose more function, he will be back on dialysis.

We have decided to try the budwig protocol for breakfast every day until his next series of blood tests to see if it helps to lower his creatinine levels. We will also ask the doctor for a cholesterol test also so we can begin to monitor that also.

My husband was not too happy to not be able to taste or see the cottage cheese in his food, so after I infuse the cottage cheese and flaxseed oil, I add a few more tablespoons of cottage cheese. I also add a small drizzle of honey or pure maple syrup. Voila, happy husband.

Personally I like the fact that the cottage cheese is not evident. Everyone has preferences and if it is food we need to make it as palatable as possible for the person who will eat it.

listen to your doctor

Since kidney disease is a serious condition, it is very important to let your doctor know about diet modifications. When you get your blood work results, be aware of the foods you need to regulate to keep  your phosphorus, potassium and other minerals and vitamins in balance. It is essential to your health. 

If you have diabetes and/or heart disease, you need to take extra care of your kidneys. We discovered that many people on dialysis also have diabetes or heart disease.Diabetic patients often develop kidney failure. Dialysis technicians and nurses usually asked my husband if he had either of these problems, and were surprised when he said he didn't.

If any of you have any experience on this type of treatment or suggestions, we would love to hear from you. We still have another month to go for our doctor appointment and blood work and are hoping for the best.

Not so good for kidneys

Things to stay away from if you have kidney failure:

• cokes 
• wheat bread
• nuts
• tobacco
• fat in your diet - fatty meats, ice cream, etc.
• too much calcium
• whole wheat
• too much sugar

Good choices if you have kidney failure

Things you can do if  you have renal failure or even if you don't:

• Drink plenty of water - see study
• eat plenty of fruits
• drink water - we believe my husbands kidneys were damaged when he became dehydrated in the heat a few years ago. 
• eat plenty of vegetables 
• root beer or clear colored sodas only
• did i mention water :)
• lose weight
• doctor will prescribe vitamins such as vitamin D and a good multi-vitamin

If you are on dialysis the doctor may need to limit the amount of water you drink. Be sure to ask the doctor about a healthy intake for dialysis patients.

After my daughter saw her dad on dialysis, she went back to school to become a dialysis technician. She now works helping people to have clean blood. We are so proud of her for her accomplishment and for her compassion for others.

It has been two years since I wrote this page and it is still true. A healthy diet can keep your kidneys functioning. My husband is still in stage four kidney failure, but he has not had to go on back dialysis. We try to be careful. He has to take medication now for AFib. There is no way around it. We don't believe in taking medicine unless it is absolutely necessary. Medicine to regulate your heartbeat must be taken if needed. He also has hyperthyroid which is being treated. His medications have raised my husband's creatinine, but the doctor says we will not worry about it until his heart rhythm is stable. He is still off of dialysis. A good doctor who does not put you on dialysis unless absolutely necessary is essential to your health.

He may have to go back on dialysis someday, but in the meantime he is enjoying his freedom.