This article explains what foods are good for people with kidney disease, as well as meals to limit or avoid.
The kidneys filter toxins, waste, and excess water from your blood, generating urine. Kidney disease occurs when the kidneys get damaged and are unable to filter the blood effectively. This can cause an accumulation of fluids and waste in the body, resulting in additional health issues like heart disease and stroke.
The meals and beverages you consume have a direct impact on your kidneys. When you have chronic kidney disease (CKD), eating a kidney-friendly diet is essential for staying healthy and preventing further kidney damage.
Working with a nutrition specialist, such as a registered dietitian or nutritionist, can help you determine which foods and beverages are acceptable to consume while on a renal disease diet.
Benefits of a Kidney Disease Diet
According to the National renal Foundation, 37 million American people suffer from chronic renal disease. People with CKD frequently need to adjust their diets to prevent further renal damage.
Following a renal (kidney) disease diet can help retain kidney function and avoid further loss of ability to filter waste and fluids from the circulation. This can help to alleviate some kidney disease symptoms, such as weariness, loss of appetite, urinary issues, and kidney discomfort.
A good renal diet can also help you gain energy, maintain a healthy weight, reduce infections, and prevent muscle loss. Continue reading to learn more about the diet of persons with kidney illness.
How It Works
Depending on the severity of kidney disease, your dietician may recommend varying levels of dietary restriction. Some persons with early renal disease may not need to adjust their diet.
The more severe the damage to your kidneys, the stricter your diet should be. Working with trained dietitians is vital because they can educate you on the amounts of different foods and beverages that are appropriate for your specific needs based on your blood tests.
Discuss Your Food Choices With Your Healthcare Provider
If you have kidney illness, your doctor will want to examine your blood often to ensure that certain nutrients are within normal limits. This may comprise sodium, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, vitamin D, and albumin. Depending on your blood test results, your doctor or nutritionist may advise you to limit or avoid specific foods.
To reach and maintain appropriate blood levels of these substances, it is critical to consult with your healthcare provider on the most specialized kidney-friendly diet, as the foods you eat can affect your kidney function.
A licensed dietician can educate you on which foods to avoid and help you identify meals and beverages that are safe for you to consume.
What to Eat
The following foods are low in sodium, potassium, and/or phosphorus and are commonly tolerated on a renal diet:
- Apples
- Blueberries
- Cranberries
- Grapes
- Pineapple
- Raspberries
- Strawberries
- Arugula
- Cabbage
- Cauliflower
- Garlic
- Onions
- Bell peppers
- Radishes
- Summer squash
- Lettuce
- Sourdough bread
- Buckwheat
- Bulgur
- White bread
- White rice
- Unsalted popcorn
- Macadamia nuts
- Egg whites
- Fish
- Chicken
- Pork loin
- Silken tofu
- Olive oil
What Not to Eat
The items listed below are high in potassium, salt, and/or phosphorus and may be reduced or avoided on a renal diet:
- Avocado
- Apricots
- Bananas
- Dates
- Melons
- Oranges
- Prunes
- Raisins
- Artichokes
- Winter squash
- Spinach (cooked)
- Potatoes
- Tomatoes
- Brown rice
- Whole wheat bread
- Bran cereal
- Oats
- Most nuts
- Sunflower seeds
- Processed meats
- Pickles and olives
- Pretzels, chips, and crackers
- Beans
- Milk and other dairy products
- Dark-colored cola drinks
- Packaged instant or premade meals
- Canned and highly processed foods that contain extra salt
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