Special KDIGO Defy Dialysis Edition 2/3

Author

Coach Ginny Marksl RDN
September 30, 2024

In partnership with

Hello there! 

I’ve been getting some questions this week about where to get trusted advice on what kidney patients should and shouldn’t eat. 

And as I mentioned in my previous email on KDIGO.

What’s new for KDIGO in 2024?

KDIGO (Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes) is a global organization that sets the standards for managing kidney disease based on cutting-edge research. 

For 2024, KDIGO has updated its guidelines to emphasize more plant-based, heart-healthy eating, particularly for CKD patients. 

These updates reflect the growing body of research supporting diets rich in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats like those in olive oil, nuts, and fish, while continuing to stress the importance of avoiding processed foods, excessive salt, and unhealthy fats.

The guidelines now place even more emphasis on maintaining healthy phosphorus and potassium levels through careful food choices. 

They also underscore the critical role of omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and lower-sodium diets in slowing CKD progression and reducing heart risks—two major concerns for those with CKD stages 3-4.

Here’s my take:

To achieve your kidney health goals, stop listening to random videos or articles you find online. 

I get it—it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the flood of conflicting advice out there. 

But your health is too important to leave in the hands of just anyone. 

What you need is evidence-based advice that’s backed by experts, like the guidelines from KDIGO which are one among many frameworks followed by the RenalTracker team.

Instead of relying on random internet sources, it’s crucial that the advice you follow is grounded in science. That’s what we do at RenalTracker—our guidance is based on KDIGO and other trusted sources, ensuring you get accurate, up-to-date advice.

All this brings me back to something that might help: our guide on foods to eat and avoid following the guidelines. 

It’s a simple tool designed specifically for CKD patients like you, so you don’t have to guess what’s good or bad for your kidneys. You can check it out here.

Here are three new kidney-friendly recipes to add to the newsletter

Recipe 1: Creamy Cucumber & Greek Yogurt Salad

Why It’s Healthy

Greek yogurt provides a good source of protein without being too high in phosphorus. The cucumber is low in potassium and adds hydration. This salad is light, refreshing, and perfect for CKD patients looking to balance hydration and nutrition.

Ingredients

  • 1 medium cucumber (sliced)

  • ¼ cup Greek yogurt (unsweetened, plain, low-fat)

  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill (chopped)

  • 1 clove garlic (minced)

  • Salt (optional, use low-sodium) and pepper to taste

Directions

  1. In a bowl, mix the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, dill, and minced garlic.

  2. Add the sliced cucumber and toss to coat.

  3. Season with salt and pepper.

  4. Serve immediately or chill for 15 minutes for extra flavor.

Nutritional Info (per serving)

Sodium

Protein

Potassium

Phosphorus

35 mg

4 g

220 mg

50 mg

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