Kidney Dialysis and Spa Atlanta

Foods to Avoid With Kidney Disease

If you have chronic kidney disease, there are certain foods that you should avoid

Adopting a diet that includes beneficial foods and avoids harmful products can help promote healthier kidneys and improve your symptoms. One of the best ways to accomplish this is by following a kidney friendly diet.

Goals of a Kidney Friendly Diet

There are two broad goals of a kidney friendly diet: 

  • Slow the progression of kidney disease 
  • Manage related health problems

A kidney friendly diet accomplishes these goals by limiting foods that put strain on the kidneys and by promoting foods that support kidney health. By adopting a kidney friendly diet, individuals with kidney disease can better achieve the following goals for their health.

Provide Enough Energy for Everyday Tasks

A kidney friendly diet should provide enough calories and nutrients to help you feel energetic throughout the day. Depending on your stage of kidney disease, you may need to limit certain foods or beverages that are high in calories, fat, sodium, potassium, phosphorus, or fluid.

For example, people with early-stage kidney disease who are not yet on dialysis may need to limit their sodium intake. People with end stage renal disease who are on dialysis often need a diet that is high in calories and protein but low in phosphorus, potassium, and fluid.

Maintain Fluid, Electrolytes, and Mineral Levels

For people with kidney disease, it is important to maintain healthy levels of fluid, electrolytes, and minerals in the body. Some individuals may need to limit their intake of fluids if they trouble removing excess fluid from their bodies.

Control Blood Pressure

A balanced diet can help to lower and control high blood pressure. Maintaining a healthy blood pressure can prevent your kidney disease from worsening. 

Limit Waste Buildup

People with kidney disease often need to limit foods that contain high levels of phosphorus and potassium. These minerals can build up in the blood, which worsens the strain on the kidneys.

Foods You Should Avoid if You Have Kidney Disease

While the goals of a kidney diet are to provide enough energy, limit waste buildup, and control blood pressure, there are certain foods that you should avoid if you have kidney disease. These foods can put strain on your kidneys or worsen your symptoms.

High-Sodium Foods

If you have kidney disease, you should avoid foods that are high in sodium. Reducing your sodium intake can help prevent further damage to the kidneys. Excess sodium can cause fluid retention and increase blood pressure.

Foods that are high in sodium include:

  • Processed foods, like hot dogs
  • Packaged foods
  • Fast food
  • Most canned foods, like soups
  • Cured meats
  • Pickled vegetables

Where possible, using salt substitutes can be beneficial in reducing your daily sodium intake.

Potassium-Rich Foods

Potassium is a mineral that is found in many fruits and vegetables. It is also added to some processed foods as a preservative. Potassium helps to regulate fluid balance in the body, but it can build up in the blood if you have kidney disease. Foods that are high in potassium include:

  • Bananas
  • Oranges
  • Potatoes
  • Tomatoes & tomato sauce
  • Leafy green vegetables, like spinach or beet greens
  • Granola

Foods With Phosphorus

Phosphorus is a mineral that is found in many foods, including dairy products, meats, poultry, fish, nuts, and beans. It is also added to some processed foods as a preservative. Phosphorus helps to build strong bones and teeth, but it can build up in the blood if you have kidney disease.

Foods with high phosphorus and potassium content, such as whole grain bread and brown rice, can be especially damaging.

High-Protein Foods

While protein is an important part of a kidney-friendly diet, you should avoid eating too much protein if you have kidney disease. Protein-rich foods can increase waste products in the blood and worsen kidney function. Foods that are high in protein include red meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy products.

High-Fat Foods

If you have kidney disease, you should avoid eating high-fat foods. Fat can build up in the blood and cause heart disease. Foods that are high in fat include fried foods, fatty meats, full-fat dairy products, and oils.

What to Eat and Avoid With Other Kidney Conditions

Your diet plays an important role in the health of your kidneys. When you have certain conditions, it is important to adjust your diet to support healthy kidneys and prevent further damage.

Kidney Stones

If you have kidney stones, you should avoid foods that are high in oxalate. Oxalate is a compound that is found in some fruits, vegetables, and grains. It can also be found in chocolate, nuts, and tea. High-oxalate foods can cause kidney stones, so you should try to avoid them if you have concerns about your kidney health.

Kidney Cysts

Kidney cysts are fluid-filled sacs that can develop in the kidneys. If you have kidney cysts, you should avoid foods that are high in saturated fat and cholesterol. Saturated fat and cholesterol can worsen kidney function and increase the risk of heart disease. Foods that are high in saturated fat include fatty meats, full-fat dairy products, and oils. Foods that are high in cholesterol include egg yolks, shrimp, and liver.

Kidney Infection

If you have a kidney infection, you should avoid foods that are high in sugar. Sugar can increase the growth of bacteria in the kidneys and lead to more serious infections. Foods that are high in sugar include candy, cookies, cakes, and sugary drinks.

Renal Diet Foods: What to Eat and What to Avoid

If you are looking to adopt a diet with healthy food for kidney disease, pursuing a renal diet is a great start. Renal diets must limit certain components as well as fluids. Additionally, food for kidney failure should incorporate high-quality proteins.

Renal Diet Restrictions

If you are on a CKD diet, limiting your protein intake will help prevent waste buildup. A low sodium kidney failure diet food list is key for preventing excess fluid retention. Avoiding high phosphorus foods will prevent bone density loss and the development of bone disease. 

Generally, renal diets restrict the intake of:

  • Sodium
  • Phosphorus
  • Potassium
  • Calcium
  • Fluids
  • Certain proteins

Renal Diet Grocery List

Not sure where to start? Here are a few key items to add to your shopping list if you are following a renal diet:

  • Unsweetened tea
  • Clear diet soda
  • Chicken or turkey breast
  • Plant-based proteins
  • Tilapia, cod, or salmon
  • Eggs
  • Asparagus
  • Broccoli
  • Cucumbers
  • Green Beans
  • Mushrooms
  • Onions
  • Butter
  • Olive oil
  • White rice
  • White bread
  • Low-fat milk
  • Low-fat yogurt

Speak with a renal dietitian before starting a new diet to ensure you get the nutrients you need to support healthy kidneys.

Renal Diet Snacks

Though a renal diet can be somewhat restrictive, you can still enjoy a number of tasty snacks, including:

  • Low or no sodium popcorn
  • Nutrition bars that are low in potassium, phosphorus, and sodium
  • Low-sodium crackers or chips
  • Fruit, like apples or dried berries
  • Vegetables, like carrot sticks or bell peppers
  • Rice cakes
  • Unsalted pretzels
  • Gelatine
  • Marshmallows
  • Cottage cheese

Good Foods for Liver and Kidney Health

The liver and kidneys are closely connected when it comes to filtering toxins and keeping you healthy. To support liver health and improve kidney function, the best foods you can incorporate into your diet include:

Lean proteins

Vitamin-rich vegetables

Beans

Unsalted seeds and nuts

Frequently Asked Questions About Foods to Avoid With Kidney Disease

Foods that are low in sodium, phosphorus, and potassium are critical for a kidney healthy diet. Opt for fresh vegetables like cabbage, bell peppers, garlic, onions, and cauliflower when you can. Lean proteins, including fish and eggs, are also good options.

A renal diet is a diet that is designed to help people with kidney disease. This type of diet includes foods that are low in sodium, potassium, and phosphorus. It also includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

If you have kidney stones, it is often recommended to increase your consumption of citrate, which is found in citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and grapefruit.

The amount of phosphorus that is allowed on a renal diet depends on the stage of kidney disease. People with early stage kidney disease may be able to eat more phosphorus than people with late stage kidney disease. However, reducing the amount of phosphorus you consume can help slow the progression of the disease at any stage.

If you are looking to prevent kidney disease or slow its progress, following a renal diet can help. Some of the best foods to include in your meal planning are:

  • Fish
  • Eggs
  • Tofu
  • Olive oil
  • Berries
  • Apples
  • Fresh produce
  • Low-fat or fat-free dairy products
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