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
cholesterol and blood sugar levels to help slow the
progression of kidney disease.
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
registered dietitian or nutritionist can help tailor
an eating plan that is right for you.
General guidelines
To limit sodium:
Make a habit of reading food labels. Avoid
foods that list salt (sodium) or 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.
Ask your doctor if it is all right to use a salt substitute. Some
people with kidney disease need to limit their potassium intake. Most
commercially available salt substitutes are very high in
potassium.
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.
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.
To limit phosphorus:
Limit your intake of dairy products, such as
milk, yogurt, or ice cream.
Avoid nuts, peanut butter, seeds,
lentils, peas, and beans.
Avoid drinks such as beer, cola drinks,
and cocoa.
If you are having trouble keeping your weight up, keep the
following in mind:
You may eat bread, tortillas, and cereals, but
avoid bran breads or cereals. Do not eat pretzels, chips, or other salted snack
foods.
You may use margarine, oil, and mayonnaise to add calories
to your diet. Vegetable oils like olive oil, canola oil, or safflower oil are
the healthiest choices. Soft margarine that comes in a tub is better for you
than stick margarine.
Unless you have diabetes, you may use honey
and sugar to increase energy and add calories.
It is important to
continue to eat meals and snacks at regular times.
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information. For more information, click here.
