Protein
What exactly is protein?
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Protein is one of three nutritional categories that provide us with calories (energy). Carbohydrates and fats are the other two. To survive, we'll need all three. Protein is necessary for the development of muscles and the maintenance of our overall health.
Kidney disease stages 1-2
For persons without kidney disease, the daily recommended intake of lean protein is the same.
The following are the recommended daily amounts:
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For the average male: 8 oz. (about 56 grams) of lean protein
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For the average female: 6 to 7 oz. (about 46 grams) of lean protein
Kidney disease stages 3, 4 and 5 (not on dialysis)
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The amount of protein that should be consumed reduces as kidney disease progresses. In addition, you should aim to consume 50-70 percent of your daily protein from vegetable or seafood sources.
The following are the recommended daily amounts:
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For the average male: 6 – 8 oz. (42-56 grams) of lean protein
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For the average female: 5 – 6 oz. (35-42 grams) of lean protein
Kidney failure (on dialysis)
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Your protein requirements increase once you begin dialysis. Dialysis, which includes hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis, removes some of the blood proteins in your body. These proteins are necessary for maintaining the fluid balance in your veins and arteries. They transfer vital nutrients to the rest of your body and aid in the natural mending of damage that occurs on a daily basis. As a result, you'll need to eat additional protein to compensate for the protein lost during dialysis.
The following are the recommended daily amounts:
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For the average male: 12 – 13 oz. (84 -93 grams) of lean protein
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For the average female: 10 – 11 oz. (72-78 grams) of lean protein
Calculate your recommended protein amount
To determine your individual protein requirements, do the following:
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Multiply your weight in kilograms by the recommended protein intake in grams (gm) for your stage of CKD.
uirements, do the following:
Non-CKD and CKD stages 1-2:
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0.8 gm of protein per kg. of body weight
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CKD stages 3, 4, and 5 (non-dialysis):
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0.6 – 0.8 gm of protein per kg. of body weight
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CKD stage 5 (dialysis):
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1.2 – 1.3 gm of protein per kg. of body weight
Types of Proteins
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Proteins provide your body with the energy it requires. The best approach is to choose proteins that give good nourishment without adding unnecessary fat. Foods that are rich in protein but low in fat are referred to as 'lean proteins.'
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Examples of lean proteins include:
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Whole eggs
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Quinoa
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Egg whites
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Low-fat dairy
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Pork tenderloin
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Skinless chicken - white meat is leaner than dark
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Skinless turkey - white meat is leaner than dark
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Soy products - tofu, edamame, tempeh, soy milk
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Lean beef - tenderloin or ground beef labeled 90% or 93% lean
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Meats, eggs, and dairy are examples of foods that include protein but aren't considered 'complete' proteins. If you don't eat complete proteins like meat, eggs, or dairy, you may need to eat more than one of these protein sources each day to reach a healthy protein dose.
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Examples of lean proteins include:
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Legumes - Such as beans and lentils
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Nuts and seeds
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Grains
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Protein sources can potentially contain a lot of phosphorus. If you need to limit your phosphorus intake, make sure you have your phosphorus binders on hand. That way, you'll get the most out of your protein-rich foods.