The best diet for patients with kidney disease
Depending on how much your kidneys are damaged, there are several dietary restrictions for you. For instance, if you find yourself in the early stages of the disease, you will most likely get fewer dietary restrictions than those who have kidney failure, a.k.a. end-stage renal disease.
Once you’ve been diagnosed with kidney disease, a healthcare provider will most likely decide the best diet for you. However, no matter what kidney disease stage you’re confronting, it’s crucial to stick with kidney-friendly foods.
Being consistent with a kidney-friendly diet, also known as a renal diet, will minimize the amount of waste in your blood, helping your kidneys to function properly and warding off further damage.
In general, most doctors recommend that all people with kidney disease should resign themselves to the following dietary restrictions:
- Sodium—When you’re suffering from kidney disease, your kidneys are unable to filter large amounts of sodium, leading to high blood levels. Eat no more than 2,000 mg of sodium per day and remember to check the labels before consuming a product.
- Potassium—Those who are dealing with kidney disease should limit their potassium intake, as it can result in high blood levels. Just like sodium, you should consume no more than 2,000 mg of potassium per day.
- Phosphorus—Kidneys that don’t work optimally aren’t able to get rid of excess phosphorus. So, if you’re suffering from kidney disease, limit your phosphorus intake. Stick with no more than 1,000 mg per day (some may even be restricted to eat less).
Protein is also on the list, but those who have kidney failure and have dialysis as treatment may need a higher protein intake. Why? Because dialysis, peritoneal one, in particular, can remove proteins from your body. Proteins are needed to maintain normal body functions, so if you’re on dialysis, talk to your doctor about a high-protein diet that meets your needs.
With that in mind, let’s have a look at 15 foods that are low in sodium, potassium, and phosphorus, making them perfect for people with kidney disease.
