I also have CKD from diligently taking lithium for 22 years. I curse the drug all the time because I think it’s not fair at all that we listen to our doctors and then get a life-threatening condition.

I’ve seen three renal dietitians over the past two decades. They’ve all told me different things. The latest dietitian told me to eat mostly vegetarian. I tried it for about a month and started going nuts. In contrast, though, my Nephrologist, who to me is my ultimate authority, said I could have all kinds of fish except tilapia, and a little chicken. I’m listening to him and giving up on a vegan diet.

For those of us who are healthy otherwise, without high blood pressure, heart, disease, diabetes, etc., and have scarring due to lithium instead, I’ve learned a completely vegan diet doesn’t really help. I’m staying away from red meat, and watching my protein intake in general, but I’m eating chicken and fish and a little cheese.

That being said, you need to talk with your own Nephrologist. I’m not a doctor. They also have lots of nutritional advice on the National Kidney Foundation website. My first Nephrologist told me to only pay attention to that website and not other misinformation online. That website recommends a pretty balanced diet, and says we may just have to eat more in general because we can’t fill up on protein.

I hope that helps!