God Gave Me the Power

I’ve struggled with kidney issues my whole life. I really wish I knew the depth of my childhood problems like the actual diagnosis, but I don’t. I just know I always had blood in my urine and I had to undergo many cystoscopies to find out why.

I developed high blood pressure around 23 years ago. I was put on heart medications to control it. Somewhere in the last 8-10 years, I developed chronic kidney disease (CKD). When I started going to my nephrologist, I was in stage 2. I like my doctor, but she never educated me on how to slow the progression. She never discussed how much water a day I should drink, nor how the food I eat can adversely impact my kidney health. I didn’t know any of that, I just went and saw her every 6 months and finally, my eGFR got to 30!

Making lifestyle changes to manage chronic kidney disease

When I realized I was one point away from stage 4, I freaked out. I came home and got to researching. I learned all by myself about a kidney plant-based diet. I specifically asked my doctor how much water to drink per day. I purged all the bad food out of my cupboards and refrigerator and replaced them with healthy fresh vegetables and fruit, quinoa, lentils, tofu, legumes, beans, and other good things. I changed out my milk for oat, coconut, cashew, or almond milk. I use garlic, onions, scallions, ginger, Mrs. Dash, amino, and Mr. Spice for seasonings. I have raised my eGFR to 50 now.

Educate yourself because the doctors don’t seem to want to take the time. You have to be your own advocate.