I just started a pretty strict keto diet three weeks ago. I am doing a Paleo AIP version of it. Not trying to lose any weight but doing it for my psoriatic arthritis that I was diagnosed with a little over a year ago. The good news is that my arthritis has subsided by at least 70% thanks to the keto! Thank God because I had arthritis EVERYWHERE and the pain was horrific. I was telling my aunt about the diet and she is a nurse and urged caution about the diet because she thought it could be hard on the kidneys. I’ve done some research and read so many different opposing views about this. All I can say is that I have noticed that I urinate more and have to drink a lot more water. not sure why that is. I want to know if there are some definite must-do items that I need to make sure I am doing to avoid any potential kidney stones or kidney damage, i.e. supplements, specific lab work, dietary, etc. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.
Kidney health while on a Ketogenic diet
Aim for high fat, and take it easy on protein. You will have more trouble maintaining water without carbs. If you feel dizzy or are peeing everything out, consider taking some salt to see how you feel. When you’re not eating carbs, you will lose water from muscle glycogen reserves and this is why people lose so much weight at first. Just keep your electrolytes balanced and drink plenty of water. People think keto is atkins and equate it with being hard on kidneys. If you follow macros, most of your diet is fat and not protein so your kidneys should be fine
I am not at all worried about keto and kidney health. Eat like an Eskimo!
I would, however, suggest seeking medical advice before eating a Krispy Kreme, that is truly scary food.
Keto for Life!
Best Regards,
Richard
I think that goes without saying. I would approach eating a crispy cream in the same way i would approach eating a lego castle
Thanks for the advice @Fat_Mike. I am using chronometer on my smartphone to keep track of my macros. I stay between 60 and 80 grams of protein a day. That’s roughly 9 - 10 oz of meat per day. I’m pretty sedentary so I’m getting in around 2000 kcal /per day. I’ve been able to maintain my weight. Doing several tablespoons of olive oil and maybe one or two tablespoons of virgin coconut oil per day. You mentioned salt intake and keeping electrolytes balanced. I haven’t really researched this much. Besides salt, is there anything else you recommend?
I would just keep on keeping on unless you have issues. My biggest problem is always electrolytes, especially when fasting. I start the morning fast with sparkling water, half a lemon juicef, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp pink Himalayan salt, and 1/2 tsp cream of tartar. I pop 200mg of magnesium glycinate with this. Gives me a good baseline to start the day. But, i wouldn’t necessarily say that any of that is necessary. If you’re feeling good, you’re doing good
For the first two weeks of going low carb you can lose a lot of salt and water, so I’m guessing you are peeing more than usual during the initial phase. Unless you have some sodium retention issue, you should look at increasing your salt as low carber and ketoers lose more salt. Keeping the electrolytes is what important to stay hydrated.
You can avoid kidney stone by reducing or avoiding carb and sugar. Gary Taubes goes into this in his Case Against Sugar book. Second I would recommend avoiding calcium supplements and not drinking manufactured almond/rice/coconut milk which usually has calcium phosphate as the secondary ingredient. And maybe drink Chanca Piedra tea once a while if you feel like it.