You Are Not Alone

Working in kidney nutrition for many years, I’ve heard many of the same concerns come up again and again. A CKD diagnosis can feel confusing, overwhelming, and sometimes even frightening. If you’ve had thoughts like the ones below, you are not alone.

1. “I feel like I have to restrict everything.”

This is one of the most common experiences I hear. After a diagnosis, many people start eliminating large groups of foods out of fear of making their kidney disease worse. While certain adjustments may be needed, most people are surprised to learn they don’t need to restrict nearly as much as they think. A balanced approach often allows for far more variety than expected, especially in earlier stages. (If this resonates, I explore this further in: When Food Starts to Feel Stressful).

2. “I don’t know what I should actually eat.”

Many people feel stuck between conflicting advice. One source says to avoid something—another says it’s healthy. This is common because nutrition recommendations can vary depending on the stage of kidney disease. This can leave you wondering: What should I limit? What is actually safe? What truly supports my kidneys? Nutrition becomes much clearer when it’s tailored to you—your stage, your labs, your life.

3. “My friend had kidney disease and couldn’t eat this.”

It’s common to hear advice from others. But CKD nutrition is not one-size-fits-all. Different stages—and even different lab values—can change what’s appropriate. What worked for someone else may not apply to you.

4. “I didn’t even know I had kidney disease.”

Many people are surprised by their diagnosis. For some, it comes as a complete surprise. CKD often develops slowly and may not cause symptoms early on. While this can feel unsettling, it’s important to remember: There are still many steps you can take to support your health moving forward.

5. “Because it’s progressive, it feels hopeless.”

This is a very real feeling. CKD is considered progressive—but that does not mean nothing can be done. Nutrition, lifestyle habits, and medical care can all help support kidney health. Small, consistent changes can make a meaningful difference over time.

6. “I heard I can never eat a banana again.”

The banana often gets a bad reputation. But potassium recommendations depend on your individual bloodwork—not just the diagnosis. Not everyone with CKD needs to avoid potassium-rich foods. Foods contain potassium—some even more than bananas—so it’s important to look at your overall pattern, portion sizes, and individual needs. Instead of eliminating foods automatically, we look at the full picture.

7. “Does this mean I can never eat out again?”

This is a big concern. The reality is you can still eat out and enjoy social meals. It may just involve planning ahead, making balanced choices, and adjusting portions when needed.

8. “My life is over.”

A diagnosis can feel heavy. But life does not stop with CKD. With the right support, many people continue to travel, eat out, enjoy meals, and live fully.

9. “This is so overwhelming.”

Between lab results, nutrition advice, medications, and lifestyle changes… it’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed. You don’t have to do everything at once. Starting small makes this process much more manageable.

10. “What do my blood tests even mean?”

Lab values can feel confusing. Reviewing credible resources, asking your healthcare provider questions, and working with a dietitian can help you better understand what these values mean for you.

About the Author: Antonia Zettas, RD

Antonia Zettas is a Registered Dietitian with over 14 years of experience supporting individuals with chronic conditions, including kidney disease and migraines. She specializes in helping clients move away from confusion and over-restriction and toward a more balanced, sustainable way of eating—one that supports their health without taking over their life. Her approach is practical and individualized, taking into account not only medical needs, but also real-life factors such as busy schedules, stress, and how the eating environment can impact comfort, symptoms, and consistency. Through Striking a Balance Nutrition and Wellness, she provides care that feels clear, manageable, and designed for real life.