Lunch and dinner choices for the dialysis diet Also, cheese is limited for those on the dialysis diet. However, there are several condiments you can add to your renal-friendly hamburger, including: lettuce, onion, one slice of tomato, mayonnaise, mustard and pepper.
Mayonnaise is very low in protein – so low that just about every nutrition label will say zero! This is great for people with chronic kidney disease who are not on dialysis and following a lower protein diet. However, it is still fine for people with higher protein needs to enjoy mayonnaise.
Lower calorie and fat-free mayonnaises are available on the market, but they are often higher in sodium and sugar, and may contain other additives. A healthier swap involves replacing your mayonnaise with plain non-fat Greek yogurt, which is high in protein and mixes nicely to bind salads.
I recommend whole grain, whole wheat or multigrain bread for people with kidney disease. Be careful to check the sodium in whatever bread you buy. Bread is a surprising source of salt! Historically, white bread was recommended because it has less phosphorus in it.
Tuna is kidney-friendly and an inexpensive source of protein. Make homemade tuna salad with yogurt instead of mayo and throw it into a pita for a delicious meal. Low-sodium chicken broth or bouillon cubes.
Butter contains saturated fat, which increases your risk for heart disease. The National Kidney Foundation notes that heart disease is a major risk factor for kidney disease and vice versa. Consume less butter, lard and shortening to reduce your intake of saturated fat and lower your risk for heart and kidney disease.
Most people with early-stage CKD or a kidney transplant do not have to limit tomatoes because of potassium. If your laboratory results show higher levels of potassium, your doctor or kidney dietitian may talk with you about how much to eat. Potassium can be a concern depending on the amount you eat.
Avoid salty items like soy sauce, French fries (also high in potassium), and macaroni and cheese. Instead, order vegetables like carrots, green beans, or corn.
Excessive consumption of mayonnaise can also increase the blood sugar level. If you eat a lot of mayonnaise every day, then it can increase the risk of diabetes. On the other hand, if you are a diabetic patient, then you should avoid eating mayonnaise.
High in vitamin K, vitamin C and fiber, cabbage is also a good source of vitamin B6 and folic acid. Low in potassium and low in cost, it's an affordable addition to the kidney diet. Raw cabbage makes a great addition to the dialysis diet as coleslaw or topping for fish tacos.
Whole eggs provide a nutrient-dense source of calories to meet the increased energy demands of CKD patients. Additionally, eggs are naturally low in sodium, a nutrient which is restricted in renal diets.
Better options include: cream cheese • cottage cheese • mozzarella • feta • brie • Stilton. If you do have hard cheeses, then good ways to help reduce the quantity used include: grating the cheese instead of having slices or chunks • using mature cheeses, as just a little can still add lots of flavour.
Yes, these exotic mushrooms work as a superfood for the kidneys as they are loaded with minerals of B vitamins, copper, manganese, and selenium. Apart from that, these fiber and protein rich mushrooms make for a healthy alternative for kidney patients and people following a diet to improve renal health.
Pasta (spaghetti, noodles) can make an excellent starter or main course, however be aware of what the sauces are made from. Creamy and cheesy sauces such as Carbonara tend to be high in fat, so try not to over-indulge in them.
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.
Generally, patients with CKD, especially those who suffer from hyperkalemia, should avoid consuming large amounts of raw vegetables, such as lettuce, in order to reduce their potassium intake from meals.
Particularly, junk food such as chips, cookies, and ice cream, can negatively impact your kidney function. Of course, the key is good balance. While high-sugar and high-salt meals can negatively impact your kidneys, it does not necessarily mean that you must cut them out completely.
Calcium-fortified soy, oat and coconut-based yogurts have a favorable nutritional composition for patients with kidney conditions.
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) Transplant. Hemodialysis (3 times/week)
Packing your sack lunch
Here are a few tips for putting together a super sack lunch: Fresh is always best. If possible, make meat sandwiches from low sodium, fresh-cooked meats such as chicken, turkey breast, roast beef, pork or fish. Use meat leftover from dinner, or cook fresh meat specifically for lunch sandwiches.
Lunch meats that are advertised as being “natural” can be good choices. The “natural” lunch meats are less likely to contain phosphate additives. Highly processed lunch meats such as bologna, salami, pastrami or hot dogs should be limited or avoided. These processed lunch meats are higher in sodium and phosphorus.