Protein is an important nutrient that helps build and repair muscles and tissue.
How much protein do I need?
The amount of protein your body needs depends on your body size. If you have CKD, your doctor may suggest that you follow a low-protein diet. Restricting protein will reduce the amount of waste in your body and reduce the amount of strain on your kidneys. This will slow the progression of your disease.
Where do I get protein?
There are three major sources:
- Animal protein – red meat, chicken, fish, eggs, milk products, cheese
- Plant sources – grains, beans, vegetables, nuts
- Soy products – soymilk, tofu, soybean flour, soy protein concentrate
What’s best for me?
We recommend a basic guideline:
- No beef
- Chicken or fish twice a week
- Soy protein products for the rest of your protein
- Reduce dairy products to a minimum