The five stages of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) are defined by the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), a measure of how much blood the kidneys are able to filter. This rate tells you and your doctor how well your kidneys are functioning.What Treatments Are Available for Stage 4 CKD
In Stage 1 of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), glomerular filtration rate is 90 or above, which is normal. However, abnormal levels of protein are detected in the urine. In Stage 2 of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) , GFR is 60-89, a mild decrease from normal. In Stage 3, there is a moderate decrease in GFR to 30-59. In Stage 4 Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), GFR is severely decreased to 15-29.
Stage 5 of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)(End Stage Renal Disease(ESRD)) occurs when GFR drops below 15, and the kidneys have very little function left, this is end stage renal disease.
Although Stage 4 of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) indicates a severe decrease in kidney function, you are still able to live without dialysis. Kidneys are damaged, but are able to filter some waste and excess fluid from the blood. Since there is no cure for kidney disease, the primary focus is keeping you well nourished and reducing protein waste build up in the blood. Excess protein waste can cause nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting, weakness, taste changes and itching.Treatment Options for Stage 4 Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
The most important treatments to prolong renal function are blood pressure control and attention to protein in the diet. If you have diabetes, blood sugar control is also important. By regulating the amount of protein you eat, your kidneys process less protein waste, which reduces waste build up in the blood. It also reduces the workload on the kidneys, and may slow down the progression of kidney failure. Your diet will include a prescribed amount of high quality protein foods. This is to be sure you are getting enough essential amino acids each day.
If you are in stages 1, 2, or 3 of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), your protein intake may be limited to 12-15% of your calorie intake each day. This is the same level recommended by the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) for a healthy diet for normal adults. It may seem like a restriction because the average American eats a high protein diet. If you are in stage 4 of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), you may be advised to reduce protein to 10% of calorie intake each day. Your dietitian will assess your nutritional status and calorie intake to help determine if a lower protein diet is beneficial.
Hope the above explanation can help you know master the proper amount of protein intake, so that patients with chronic kidney disease can delay their aggravation of kidney disease. Meanwhile, patients should learn more about the latest treatment methods to chronic kidney disease. Keeping a positive attitude and healthy lifestyle is quite helpful.
