Kidney Donor on Atkins

Going2 · 10-14-2004, 02:49 AM

I've been a hard-core Atkins fan for almost two years, with my total chol dropping to 160 and LDL in the 70s (yay!). My carbs average around 40-50 per day, which is maintenance for me.

I may be a living kidney donor in the spring. Will continuing the Atkins nutritional approach affect recovery or the health of the remaining kidney in the future?

You can guess I'm already being told I'll have to go off plan with only one kidney because of my "high protein diet" - ugh!

Atkins_Nutritionist · 10-14-2004, 12:48 PM

There is no research that shows that following the Atkins Nutritional Approach causes harm to individuals with normal kidney function. However, yours is a very special situation and you need to follow the advice of your physician in this circumstance. I do not know enough about your medical history to answer intelligently and it would be irresponsible to give medical advice about this unique case via this bulletin board.

Congrats on the success you have had on the Atkins Nutritional Approach. You may have to adjust your meal planning according to what your doctor advises, and this may be frustrating for you if there are changes in your weight. However, don’t get discouraged. You have already learned so many things by following the ANA, especially the importance of choosing whole foods rather than manufactured products, drinking water, exercising, and choosing the most nutrient dense foods. You are doing an amazing thing by donating a kidney, and keeping yourself healthy during recovery and after should be your priority.

Going2 · 10-14-2004, 04:57 PM

Thank you.

I had hoped for a clearer answer, but I understand your reluctance to give a reply.

LCRedhead · 10-15-2004, 04:14 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Going2
my "high protein diet" - ugh!

I follow Atkins and eat approximately 8 ounces of protein a day. What are they calling "high protein" ?

Going2 · 10-15-2004, 05:08 PM

Thanks for your concern.

I was referring to comments made by others who don't understand that Atkins is low carb, not high protein. I'm constantly correcting everyone and now, they all seem to think I'm going to ruin my [future] remaining kidney by staying on Atkins. I've never been in better health with more energy right now, and I too would be curious as to whether I'd need to switch to a lower protein (vs normal protein on Atkins) lifestyle.

I'm reading that I should be conscientious about staying hydrated and not "stressing" my kidney. I just found out that I'm the most likely donor, so I'm still in the research phase of it.

Thanks for your support!

LCRedhead · 10-15-2004, 05:18 PM

Please keep us posted on how things go.

Emily-D · 10-18-2004, 09:19 AM

Maybe you can find a doctor who isn't anti-Atkins, and ask the question of him/her. Best wishes to you and the recipient!

10-14-2004, 02:49 AM	#1
Going2 Senior LCF Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Alexandria, VA Posts: 498 Gallery: Going2 Stats: 205/186(166)/150 5'8" WOE: Atkins Start Date: January 2003	Kidney Donor on Atkins I've been a hard-core Atkins fan for almost two years, with my total chol dropping to 160 and LDL in the 70s (yay!). My carbs average around 40-50 per day, which is maintenance for me. I may be a living kidney donor in the spring. Will continuing the Atkins nutritional approach affect recovery or the health of the remaining kidney in the future? You can guess I'm already being told I'll have to go off plan with only one kidney because of my "high protein diet" - ugh!

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

10-14-2004, 12:48 PM	#2
Atkins_Nutritionist Nutritionist Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Atkins Health and Medical Information Services Posts: 684 Gallery: Atkins_Nutritionist	There is no research that shows that following the Atkins Nutritional Approach causes harm to individuals with normal kidney function. However, yours is a very special situation and you need to follow the advice of your physician in this circumstance. I do not know enough about your medical history to answer intelligently and it would be irresponsible to give medical advice about this unique case via this bulletin board. Congrats on the success you have had on the Atkins Nutritional Approach. You may have to adjust your meal planning according to what your doctor advises, and this may be frustrating for you if there are changes in your weight. However, don’t get discouraged. You have already learned so many things by following the ANA, especially the importance of choosing whole foods rather than manufactured products, drinking water, exercising, and choosing the most nutrient dense foods. You are doing an amazing thing by donating a kidney, and keeping yourself healthy during recovery and after should be your priority.

10-14-2004, 04:57 PM	#3
Going2 Senior LCF Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Alexandria, VA Posts: 498 Gallery: Going2 Stats: 205/186(166)/150 5'8" WOE: Atkins Start Date: January 2003	Thank you. I had hoped for a clearer answer, but I understand your reluctance to give a reply.

10-15-2004, 05:08 PM	#5
Going2 Senior LCF Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Alexandria, VA Posts: 498 Gallery: Going2 Stats: 205/186(166)/150 5'8" WOE: Atkins Start Date: January 2003	Thanks for your concern. I was referring to comments made by others who don't understand that Atkins is low carb, not high protein. I'm constantly correcting everyone and now, they all seem to think I'm going to ruin my [future] remaining kidney by staying on Atkins. I've never been in better health with more energy right now, and I too would be curious as to whether I'd need to switch to a lower protein (vs normal protein on Atkins) lifestyle. I'm reading that I should be conscientious about staying hydrated and not "stressing" my kidney. I just found out that I'm the most likely donor, so I'm still in the research phase of it. Thanks for your support!

10-15-2004, 05:18 PM	#6
LCRedhead MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Florida Treasure Coast Posts: 2,959 Gallery: LCRedhead Stats: Total Lost 9.5 WOE: SS Start Date: Aug. 22, 2008	Please keep us posted on how things go.

10-18-2004, 09:19 AM	#7
Emily-D Senior LCF Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 893 Gallery: Emily-D WOE: 1992 Atkins Start Date: 3/1/04	Maybe you can find a doctor who isn't anti-Atkins, and ask the question of him/her. Best wishes to you and the recipient!