8 Diet and Nutrition Goals

for People with Stage 3

Chronic Kidney Disease
In stage 3 chronic kidney disease (CKD), the kidneys
still function sufficiently to remove
fluid, potassium potassium and a moderate amount of
waste. In order to help slow the progression of CKD,
managing blood pressure, glucose and weight, among
other things, is important and can be done through
adhering to a kidney diet.

To get started, check out these eight diet and nutrition

goals when you have stage 3 CKD:
1. Count your calories.

Adequate calories can either prevent weight loss if

you’re at a desirable weight or provide extra calories if
you are underweight. Weigh yourself often and keep
track to see if you need additional or fewer calories.
Your dietitian will determine a desirable weight and
monitor your progress.
2. Eat the right kinds of fats.

If you have cardiovascular disease or your

blood cholesterol is high, unhealthy fats—such as
saturated fats and trans-fats—should be replaced by
poly- and monounsaturated fats from vegetable oil,
canola oil and olive oil. A limit on high cholesterol foods
is recommended.
3. Watch for symptoms of fluid retention.

Fluid is not restricted in stage 3 CKD unless you

experience fluid retention. Sudden weight gain,
shortness of breath, swelling in the feet, hands and face
and high blood pressure are signs of fluid retention.
These symptoms may indicate a decline in kidney
function and decreased urine output.
4. Reduce your phosphorus intake.

A diet with no more than 800 mg of phosphorus can

help reduce the risk of too much phosphorus building up
in your blood. Limit intake of foods with high levels of
phosphate or phosphate additives such as organ meats,
whole grain breads, processed foods, cola beverages,
cheese, dried beans, liver, peanut butter, dairy products
and chocolate.
5. Monitor your potassium levels.

Usually, potassium is not restricted in stage 3 CKD

unless lab tests show potassium is too high. Your doctor
may make medication changes or prescribe a low-
potassium diet. Reduce an elevated potassium level by
limiting some high-potassium foods and potassium
chloride (found in salt substitute and many low-sodium
processed foods), such as avocado, bananas,
cantaloupe, honeydew, legumes, milk, nuts, potatoes,
seeds, tomato products and yogurt.
6. Know your recommended daily intake of protein.
The recommendation for protein intake in stage 3 is 0.8
g/kg body weight, the same recommendation for a
healthy 150-pound adult. Whether your doctor
recommends a high- or low- protein diet, it’s important
to make sure your protein intake comes from high-
quality sources such as egg whites, fish, poultry, meat,
soy and small of amounts of dairy.

People on vegetarian and vegan diets may find it easier

than meat eaters to limit protein in their diet, but will
need to monitor their phosphorus and potassium intakes
more closely.
7. Decrease your sodium intake.

Limiting salt and high-sodium foods reduces

hypertension, assists blood pressure medications to
work more effectively and treats fluid retention.
The sodium recommendation for stage 3 CKD is 1,000
to 4,000 mg/day. Speak with your doctor or dietitian to
determine your recommended daily amount.
8. Stay the course!

When you have stage 3 CKD, it’s important to know what

your diet and nutrition goals are. Adhering to your doctor
or dietitian’s kidney diet prescription could help slow
the progression of the kidney disease and improve your
quality of life.