Here's a simple guide:

✅ Good choices (low potassium):
- White bread, pasta, rice
- Apples, berries, grapes
- Green beans, carrots, cucumbers
- Eggs and chicken
- Clear sodas and coffee in moderation

❌ Avoid (high potassium):
- Bananas, oranges, avocados
- Potatoes, tomatoes
- Nuts and seeds
- Dark leafy greens
- Sports drinks

Remember to:
1. Always wash and cut produce to reduce potassium
2. Track portions
3. Consult your nephrologist for personalized advice
4. Get regular blood tests to monitor levels

A low sodium diet is crucial for you because excess sodium raises blood pressure and increases protein spillage in urine, both major concerns with IGAN. Aim for under 2,300mg sodium daily. Quick tips:

Fresh foods over processed
Read labels carefully
Use herbs/spices instead of salt
Cook at home more often
Watch for hidden sodium in:
Bread
Canned foods
Deli meats
Restaurant meals
Always discuss specific dietary changes with your healthcare team, as individual needs vary based on medications and other factors.

Yes, it's generally OK to take Farxiga 10mg once in the morning with CKD Stage 3, along with your Metformin schedule. However, you should monitor your kidney function regularly with your doctor. Both medications need dose adjustments based on kidney function, so keep your follow-up appointments and report any unusual symptoms like excessive thirst or dizziness.

Reminder: Always take Metformin with meals to minimize stomach upset. Farxiga is best taken in the morning as it can increase urination.

For Stage 3b IgAN, following a kidney-friendly diet is important. While your doctor may not have explicitly prescribed a "renal diet," you should be monitoring:

Protein intake (moderate amounts)
Sodium (limit)
Potassium (may need limits)
Phosphorus (may need limits)
I recommend asking your doctor for a referral to a renal dietitian who can create a personalized meal plan based on your lab values and symptoms. Every IgAN patient is different, so individualized dietary guidance is best.

For someone with IgAN, kidney calcifications can be concerning and should be discussed with your nephrologist. While not all calcifications are dangerous, they may indicate:

Mineral metabolism changes
Past kidney inflammation
Possible kidney stones
The location and size of the calcification matters greatly. Your doctor can determine if it needs monitoring or treatment through additional imaging or tests. Don't hesitate to ask them about it at your next appointment!

High cholesterol can indeed affect your kidneys when you have IgAN. High cholesterol can damage blood vessels in your kidneys, making it harder for them to filter waste. It can also accelerate kidney disease progression. The good news? Managing cholesterol through diet, exercise, and sometimes medication can help protect your kidneys. Talk to your doctor about getting your cholesterol levels checked regularly and the best management strategy for you.

Here's what people with IgAN should know about managing diarrhea:

Contact your doctor immediately if you have severe diarrhea, as it can worsen kidney function and cause dehydration. Watch for fever, weakness, vomiting or blood in stool.

Avoid common diarrhea remedies without consulting your doctor first - some OTC medications and sports drinks can be dangerous due to electrolyte content.

Follow safe food handling, wash hands frequently, and be careful with tap water when traveling to help prevent infections that cause diarrhea.

Stay alert to medication side effects - some prescriptions like antibiotics and immunosuppressants can trigger diarrhea. Talk to your doctor about adjusting doses if needed.

Remember - people with IgAN have higher diarrhea risk due to weakened immunity. Always consult your healthcare team about the safest treatment plan for your situation.

Diarrhea requires attention with IGAN since it can affect your hydration and medication absorption. Stay hydrated with clear fluids and electrolytes. If diarrhea persists more than 2-3 days or you're taking immunosuppressants, contact your doctor - they may need to adjust medications or check for infection. Monitor your urine output and any changes in foamy urine or blood in urine while having diarrhea.

Lean meats are best: chicken, turkey, fish, and lean cuts of pork. Limit portions to 3-4 ounces (size of a deck of cards) per meal. Avoid processed meats like bacon, hot dogs, and deli meats due to high sodium and phosphorus. Consider meat alternatives like egg whites or unsalted beans for some meals.

Remember to work with your dietitian to personalize these recommendations based on your kidney function and other health factors.

Based on the research, hair loss in IgA Nephropathy can occur due to several factors:

Nutrient deficiencies: Your kidneys may not process vitamins and minerals properly, particularly vitamin D and riboflavin.

Protein imbalance: IgAN patients often need to limit protein intake, but too little protein can cause hair loss.

Treatment side effects: Some medications used to treat IgAN may contribute to hair loss.

Build-up of waste products: When kidneys aren't filtering properly, waste buildup can cause itching that leads to hair loss.

Talk to your doctor about testing for nutrient deficiencies and reviewing your medication and protein intake. They can help develop a safe plan to address hair loss while managing your IgAN.