Nutrition and Early Kidney Disease - Litholink

How will I know if I am gettingenough calories and nutrients?Your doctor will give you blood tests andurine tests. These will help show your doctorwhether or not you are getting enoughnutrients. You may also be asked to keepa food diary. Additionally, your dietitianmay interview you to find out about thefoods you eat. To learn more about thetests your doctor and dietitian will use tocheck your nutrition, see page 20.TIPn Ask your doctor or dietitian whichtests will be used to check yournutritional health.n Discuss the results with your doctoror dietitian.What should I do if I am notgetting enough nutrients?As a kidney patient, it may be difficultto get enough nutrients from food, especiallyif you are on a limited-protein diet.Many people with kidney disease alsofind it hard to eat enough calories eachday. Nutritional supplements can help youget the calories and nutrients you need.Supplements can come in the form ofliquid drinks, shakes, juices, bars, soups,cookies, puddings and more. There areeven some nutritional supplements that aremade just for people with early kidney disease,diabetes or kidney failure.8National Kidney Foundation