Take oats. Yes, they're higher in phosphorus, but a randomized study from Clinical Nutrition found that eating a bowl a day, or about half a cup of dry oats, had a net positive effect for people with CKD.
Breakfast is a favorite meal in many households, with staples like fresh fruit, scrambled eggs, and oatmeal that can all fit nicely in a kidney-friendly diet.
Whole grains, including oats, are considered good potassium sources. One serving of instant or steel-cut oatmeal provides about 130 milligrams of potassium. If you're aiming to increase your potassium intake, you can bring this amount up significantly by adding high-potassium fruit to your oatmeal.
Oats may have protective effects for the liver as they contain a specific type of fibre called beta-glucan. One study showed that beta-glucan reduced liver damage and oxidative stress in individuals with obstructive jaundice.
Yet people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have to limit dairy products in their kidney diet. High levels of phosphorus, potassium and calcium in something like low-fat milk are not good for someone on a kidney diet.
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.
We found that the transtubular potassium concentration gradient had a significant negative correlation with the creatinine clearance level in the healthy elderly group, while there was no correlation in the CKD group.
POWERHOUSE NUTRIENTS
Almonds are one of the highest dietary sources of vitamin E (7.3 mg) and magnesium (76 mg/oz.), and also are an important plant-based source of important minerals like calcium (75 mg/oz.) and potassium (210 mg/ oz.).
Individuals with kidney disease should limit their intake of yogurt because it is high in potassium and phosphorus. Yogurt is high in protein, a nutrient that dialysis patients require. It's also high in calcium and vitamin D.
Avoid foods that have salt in the first four or five items in the ingredient list. Don't eat ham, bacon, sausage, hot dogs, lunch meats, chicken tenders or nuggets, or regular canned soup. Only eat reduced-sodium soups that don't have potassium chloride as an ingredient (check the food label.)
Consider adding healthy greens to your diet such as mustard greens, dandelion leaves, and turnip greens. Dandelion especially increases urine production, cleaning out the kidneys and reducing blood pressure.
People with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are often concerned about eating tomatoes if they have been advised by their renal dietitian to follow a low potassium diet. However, in the right amount and served with the right foods, tomatoes can still be enjoyed safely.
Finding low-potassium produce can sometimes be a challenge for people with kidney disease, yet the cucumber offers a tasty treat that is versatile and kidney-friendly.
I'd recommend anyone with a chronic kidney disease avoid consuming large amounts of coconut water. As mentioned before, coconut water has high potassium content. A large intake of potassium in kidney patients can lead to life-threatening hyperkalemia (too much potassium in the blood).
Your body needs protein to build tissue and stay strong, so eat the right amount without eating an excess. Most people with chronic kidney disease need between 60-70 grams of protein a day, which is the amount in about 7 ounces of meat or 10 large eggs.
Weight loss and increased urine output may be signs your kidney function is returning.