What foods should be supplemented for stage 5 kidney failure?

I have just been diagnosed with stage 5 chronic kidney disease, not on dialysis, have had diabetes for many years and high blood pressure for many years (glomerular filtration rate = 10). So what foods and substances should I focus on supplementing that are good for my body? Do I need to exercise to restore my chronic kidney? If I exercise, what exercises are suitable? Please advise!

(Mrs. Phan Yen, 56 years old, residing in Trang Bom commune)

Doctor replied:

Hello!

Stage 5 chronic kidney disease, also known as end-stage chronic kidney failure (glomerular filtration rate ≤ 15 ml/min/1.73m² - yours is 10 ml/min/1.73m²). This is a severe stage, the body is accumulating toxins, electrolyte and metabolic disorders, and is prone to malnutrition and fatigue.

It is important that you go to a kidney specialist clinic immediately to consider an early kidney replacement treatment plan such as peritoneal dialysis or hemodialysis, or kidney transplant.

In addition, you need to control your blood pressure and blood sugar levels well and have regular check-ups to detect early complications of kidney failure. At this stage, a suitable diet and exercise regimen are often not very effective but can slow down serious complications caused by kidney failure.

In terms of diet, you should not eat too much of the same type of food, but should eat a variety of foods. Here are some things to note:

• You should eat foods that are low in protein but high in energy such as: egg whites, lean meat, fish, low-protein milk...
• You should eat lots of healthy fats like olive oil, sesame oil, vegetable oil.
• You should balance your water intake to avoid swelling and difficulty breathing.
• Do not eat too many fruits and vegetables because of the risk of hyperkalemia.
• Avoid eating foods high in salt, processed foods, and foods of unknown origin.

Patients with stage 5 chronic kidney disease are still advised to exercise, and should choose exercises and levels that are suitable for their body, avoiding strenuous exercise. Some exercises that can be applied are: tai chi, yoga, walking slowly for 15-30 minutes/day - dividing into small intervals if tired or just stretching your arms and legs in bed if weak...

You can go to the Nephrology Clinic, Dong Nai General Hospital for appropriate advice and treatment.

Hello sir!

Specialist Doctor 1 Dang Hoang Hai,

Department of Hemodialysis - Artificial Kidney, Dong Nai General Hospital

Source: https://baodongnai.com.vn/alo--bac-si-oi/202507/suy-than-giai-doan-5-can-bo-sung-thuc-pham-nao-9a20a32/