Dark leafy greens, such as spinach or kale, are packed with vitamins and minerals that promote healthy kidney function. These vegetables also contain antioxidants which can help make the kidneys' job of filtering out the blood easier.
Various leafy green veggies, such as spinach, beet greens, and chard, are high in potassium and oxalic acid. Oxalic acid can increase your risk of developing kidney stones.
Broccoli is a medium potassium food, low in sodium and phosphorus, and suitable for all the following kidney conditions and treatments: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
Tomatoes are a good way to add extra potassium to your diet and decrease the need to take an additional potassium pill. Eating tomatoes will not have an effect on forming kidney stones.
Leafy greens and kidney disease
Leafy greens are rich in potassium, which you may need to watch with kidney disease. The amount of potassium you can have each day will depend on your stage of kidney disease or the type of dialysis you receive. Most people with CKD do not have to limit leafy greens because of potassium.
The potassium in iceberg lettuce is low, making it great for a kidney diet. It also has a higher water content than other types of lettuces which can be a refreshing choice on a summer day.
Mushrooms are rich in Vitamin D and are essential to regulate kidney function and help prevent kidney disease.
Beta-Carotene Benefits
Beta-carotene, the water-soluble form of vitamin A in carrots, helps the kidneys filter toxins out of the blood and prevent urinary tract infections, according to Dr. George D.
Carrots contain a moderate amount of potassium and can healthfully be included in a kidney-friendly diet.
Your safest bets include iceberg, arugula, Bibb, Boston, red leaf or green leaf lettuces. If you are not on a blood thinning medication, raw spinach, romaine and kale are good options as well. Keep your lettuce portion to about 1 cup or ½ cup if choosing kale or raw spinach.
Cabbage, kale, broccoli, Brussels sprouts and cauliflower are all from the cruciferous family of vegetables. They're on the alkaline side, making your diet less acidic and providing less pressure on your kidneys. Plus, they are loaded with vitamins A and C, as well as calcium and other important minerals.
Hard cheeses such as cheddar, Edam and Red Leicester are high in phosphate. Better options include: cream cheese • cottage cheese • mozzarella • feta • brie • Stilton.
Avocados
While avocados are usually a healthy addition to the diet, those with kidney disease may need to avoid them. This is because avocados are a very rich source of potassium.
Most leavening agents used to bake breads may contribute large amounts of phosphorus, potassium, sodium or calcium, making the recipe unfriendly for people with kidney disease.
Some high-protein foods, such as red meat, poultry, and fish, can put a lot of stress on your kidneys. They are high in purines, which can increase the level of uric acid in your blood. This can lead to gout or kidney stones.
Choose soy, almond, cashew, or rice milk for less phosphorus and less potassium than cow's milk. Avoid cow's milk substitutes that are "Enriched" or have the word phosphorus or "phos" in the ingredient list. For a change, try hot cereal like oatmeal, cream of wheat, cream of rice, or Malto-meal.
Onions. Onions are another perfect addition to a recipe for those looking to skip the salt. Onions and garlic used together and cooked in olive oil gives you the best kind of kidney-friendly flavor. They are each high in Vitamin C and B, and will bring great benefits your digestive system as well.
Objective(s): Despite the nutritional benefits of potato tuber, patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) should limit the consumption because of its high potassium content.
Yogurt is packed with protein, a nutrient in high demand for dialysis patients. It's also a good source of calcium and vitamin D. Although high in potassium and phosphorus, dietitians may recommend limiting to a 4-ounce portion if you are following a low-potassium, low-phosphorus kidney diet.