For years, people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) were told to follow a strict low-protein diet to protect their kidneys. But today, we have a much better understanding of nutrition and CKD. While managing protein intake is still important, extreme restriction isn’t always necessary—and in some cases, it can even be harmful.
Why Protein Matters in CKD
Your body needs protein to maintain muscle, support your immune system, and keep you feeling strong. But when you have CKD, your kidneys have a harder time filtering waste from protein metabolism. That’s why protein intake needs to be carefully managed—not too little, not too much.
Here’s what we now know:
Avoiding Malnutrition & Muscle Loss
Cutting protein too much can lead to muscle loss, weakness, and poor overall health, especially in older adults.
Better Treatment Options
Newer medications like SGLT2 inhibitors and improved dialysis techniques mean strict protein limits aren’t always needed.
Balanced Approach Over Extreme Restrictions
Instead of “one-size-fits-all” low-protein diets, we now tailor protein intake to each patient’s needs.
Quality Over Quantity
Choosing the right protein sources, such as plant-based proteins or lean meats, is more important than just eating less protein.
How Much Protein Should You Eat?
At Blue Sky MD, we take an individualized approach to CKD nutrition. Here’s our general guideline:
- For non-dialysis CKD patients:
Mild to moderate protein restriction (0.8-1g per kg of body weight per day) - For dialysis patients:
A higher protein intake (1.0–1.2g per kg of body weight per day) to prevent malnutrition - Customized Plans:
We tailor nutrition recommendations based on your CKD stage, overall health, and dietary preferences.
What Should You Eat?
Instead of focusing just on reducing protein, we encourage patients to choose high-quality protein sources, such as:
- Plant-based proteins (beans, lentils, tofu)
- Lean animal proteins (chicken, fish, eggs)
- Dairy in moderation (Greek yogurt, cottage cheese)
By personalizing your diet, we can help protect your kidney function while keeping you strong and well-nourished. If you have CKD and aren’t sure how much protein you should eat, talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian to find the right balance for you.
At Blue Sky MD, we’re committed to helping you live your healthiest life, with clear, science-backed guidance every step of the way. Take our free online health assessment to learn more about our medical weight loss and hormone therapy programs, and to see if we might be able to help you reach your health goals.
Dr. David LaMond
Medical Director, Blue Sky MD
