If you have kidney disease, you may need to follow a special diet. It’s usually one that is low in sodium, phosphorus, and potassium. This may not heal your kidneys, but it can help make them healthier.
Diabetes and high blood pressure are common risk factors for kidney disease. Obesity, smoking, insulin resistance, high uric acid levels, and various other health conditions can contribute.
When the kidneys aren’t working properly, waste builds up in the blood, including waste products from food.
Therefore, people with kidney disease can benefit from following a special diet, known as a renal diet.
Diet and kidney disease
Dietary restrictions vary depending on the level of kidney damage. People with later-stage kidney disease will have different restrictions from those with early kidney disease.
At any stage, the diet will need to boost kidney function while lowering the risk of further damage.
While dietary restrictions vary, people with kidney disease typically need to restrict the following nutrients, as the kidneys may have difficulty removing or processing them, and high levels can cause damage to the body.
Since kidney disease has close links with heart disease, it is also a good idea to combine these choices with a heart-healthy diet, one that contains plenty of fresh, plant-based foods and is low in saturated fats.
People’s experiences of kidney disease vary, so it’s important to talk to a doctor about your individual dietary needs.
- Cauliflower
Cauliflower provides many nutrients, including vitamin K, folate, and fiber. It also contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.
Try mashed cauliflower in place of potato for a low-potassium side dish.
- Blueberries
Blueberries are rich in nutrients and antioxidants known as anthocyanins, which may protect against heart disease, diabetes, and other diseases.
They are also low in sodium, phosphorus, and potassium.
- Sea bass
Sea bass is a fish option that provides high quality protein. It also contains healthy fats called omega-3s. Omega-3s may help prevent a range of diseases and boost the health of those living with long-term conditions.
However, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) recommends eating small portions of meat or fish, as high protein levels can make the kidneys work harder.
- Red grapes
Red grapes are a good source of antioxidants called flavonoids, which may help reduce inflammation and protect against heart disease, diabetes, and other health conditions.
- Egg whites
Egg whites provide a high quality, kidney-friendly source of protein that is low in phosphorus.
Egg whites may be a better choice than whole eggs for people on a renal diet, as egg yolks can be high in phosphorus.
- Garlic
Garlic provides a tasty alternative to salt, adding flavor to dishes while also providing nutritional benefits.
It’s a good source of manganese and vitamin B6. It also contains sulfur compounds with anti-inflammatory properties.
- Buckwheat
Buckwheat is a whole grain that is low in potassium. It also contains B vitamins, magnesium, iron, and fiber.
It’s also gluten-free, making it suitable for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
- Olive oil
Olive oil is a healthy source of vitamin E and mostly unsaturated fat. It is also phosphorus-free, making it a suitable option for people with kidney disease.
Most of the fat in olive oil is oleic acid, which has anti-inflammatory properties.
What’s more, monounsaturated fats are stable at high temperatures, making olive oil a healthy choice for cooking.
- Bulgur
Bulgur is a whole grain wheat product and a kidney-friendly alternative to other whole grains that are higher in potassium and phosphorus.
Bulgur provides B vitamins, magnesium, and iron, as well as plant-based protein and fiber, which is important for digestive health.
- Cabbage
Cabbage belongs to the cruciferous vegetable family and provides vitamins, minerals, and antioxidant compounds.
The authors of a 2021 study note that white, green, and red cabbage can help:
manage blood sugar
reduce the risk of kidney and liver damage
prevent oxidative stress and obesity
- Skinless chicken
Skinless chicken breast has less fat and phosphorus than skin-on chicken.
- Bell peppers
Bell peppers are high in vitamins A and C and other antioxidants but low in potassium.
These nutrients are important for immune function, which is closely linked with kidney disease.
- Onions
Reducing salt can be challenging, but onions are one way of providing sodium-free flavor to renal-diet dishes.
Sautéing onions with garlic, olive oil, and herbs can add flavor to dishes without compromising your kidney health.
Onions provide vitamin C, manganese, and B vitamins, including folate. They also contain prebiotic fibers that help keep your digestive system healthy by feeding beneficial gut bacteria.
- Arugula
Arugula is a flavorful and nutrient-dense green that is low in potassium, making it a good choice for kidney-friendly salads and side dishes.
Arugula provides vitamin K, manganese, and calcium, all of which are important for bone health.
This nutritious green also contains nitrates, which can lower blood pressure, an important benefit for those with kidney disease.
- Macadamia nuts
Most nuts are high in phosphorus and not suitable if you’re following a renal diet.
However, macadamia nuts are a delicious option for people with kidney problems. They are lower in potassium and phosphorus than peanuts or almonds.
They also provide calcium, healthy fats, folate, magnesium, copper, iron, and manganese.
- Radish
Radishes are crunchy vegetables that make a healthy addition to a renal diet. They are very low in potassium and phosphorus but contain other important nutrients, such as folate and vitamin A.
Their peppery taste makes a flavorful addition to low sodium dishes.
- Turnips
Turnips are root vegetables that provide fiber, vitamin C, vitamin B6, and manganese.
They can be roasted or boiled and mashed for a healthy side dish that works well for a renal diet. Alternatively, serve raw, grated turnips with a salad or add them to a winter stew.
- Pineapple
Pineapple can make a sweet treat for people with kidney problems. It is lower in phosphorus, potassium, and sodium than oranges, bananas, or kiwis
Pineapple is also a good source of fiber and vitamin A, and it contains bromelain, an enzyme that may help reduce inflammation.
- Cranberries
Cranberries contain phytonutrients called A-type proanthocyanidins, antioxidants that may prevent urinary tract and kidney infections by reducing bacteria levels in urine. They are also low in potassium, phosphorus, and sodium.
There are close links between urinary tract infections (UTI) and kidney infections, and a UTI can lead to kidney complications.
You can eat cranberries dried, cooked, fresh, or as a juice.
- Shiitake mushrooms
Shiitake mushrooms are a savory ingredient that you can use as a plant-based meat substitute. They are suitable for people with kidney disease who follow a plant-based diet and those on a renal diet who need to limit their protein intake.
They are an excellent source of B vitamins, copper, manganese, and selenium. In addition, they provide a good amount of plant-based protein and dietary fiber.
Shiitake mushrooms are lower in potassium, sodium, and phosphorus than portobella and white button mushrooms, making them a smart choice for those following a renal diet.
Source: www.healthline.com
