Overview
When you have kidney disease, your kidneys are no longer able to
filter waste products and fluids from your blood. You can help control a
buildup of these substances by avoiding foods that tend to make the problem
worse.
It is also important to make sure you get enough
calories. Healthy eating can help control your blood pressure, weight, and
and blood sugar levels to help slow the
progression of kidney disease. Your doctor may recommend calcium supplements or
vitamin D for bone health.
Each person has different needs, based
on body weight, size, and remaining kidney function. Most people need to limit
sodium, fluids, and protein. Some also have to limit potassium, phosphorus, and
calcium. A
or nutritionist can help make an
eating plan that is right for you.
For general ideas on how to
follow the diet your doctor or dietitian recommends, see:
Chronic kidney disease: Changing your diet.
General guidelines
To limit sodium:
- Make a habit of reading food labels. Avoid
foods that list salt (sodium) or monosodium glutamate (MSG) near the beginning
of the list.
- Do not use processed cheeses or canned, pickled, or
smoked meats, which may be high in sodium.
- Do not add salt to your
food. Use lemon, herbs, and other spices to improve the flavor of your meals.
To limit protein:
- Work with a dietitian to develop an eating plan that balances
your need for less protein with enough protein to stay healthy.
- Your dietitian may tell you to limit high-protein foods to 5 to 7
ounces (142 g to
198 g) a day. A 3-ounce (85 g) serving of protein is about the size of a deck of
cards.
- Learn about the sources of protein. Most people know that
meats, fish, and dairy products contain protein. They may not know that foods
such as breads, cereals, and vegetables also contain
protein.
- Choose high-quality protein, such as lean meat, chicken,
fish, cheese, or eggs, in your diet. If you eat tuna, choose water-packed, and
rinse it well before eating.
To limit fluid:
- Do not have more than
48 fl oz (1.4 L) of fluids a
day. Foods that are liquid at room temperature, such as soup, Jell-O, and ice
cream, count as fluids.
- Be aware that some fruits and vegetables
contain a lot of water and will count in your fluid intake. Examples include
grapes, oranges, apples, lettuce, and celery.