Most people with kidney disease or transplants do not have to limit fish. When you reach the later stages of kidney disease your doctor may want you to limit the amount of protein you eat. Eating fish can still be a great option but you might need to eat smaller portions.
Fish and seafood
Cod, flounder, halibut, whitefish, catfish, salmon, tuna steaks and shrimp are good choices for your kidney diet. Fish requires more attention than broiled meat or chicken because it cooks quickly.
One study showed that consuming fish such as Florida pompano, red drum, spotted eagle ray, big-scale pomfret, Cortez flounder, largemouth bass, and Periche mojarra, is especially good for people with kidney disease. However, avoid or limit seafood that is rich in sodium, potassium, and phosphorus: Swordfish.
Eating at least two portions of oily fish such as mackerel, sardines or herrings a week is linked to a lower risk of chronic kidney disease and a slower decline in the organ's function, research suggests.
The health benefits of salmon make it an excellent choice for the kidney diet. Salmon is loaded with omega-3 fatty acids that help decrease chronic inflammation and protect against heart disease and cancer.
Red meat such as beef, pork, and lamb is also bad for your kidneys, but to a lesser extent than processed meats. If you want to protect your kidneys, it's best to limit your intake of red meat. Try to replace at least some of your red meat with fish or poultry instead.
Some good protein options include: Skinless chicken or turkey. Fish or seafood. Lean beef like sirloin or tenderloin.
Dietitians generally recommend one to two servings of fish per week—and, of course, portion size is important. No matter what fish you choose to eat with kidney disease, one serving should be about three ounces.
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.
Examples of foods to deep-fry for a kidney diet are protein sources such as small, whole fish, fillets or fish sticks; calamari, shrimp or scallops; and chicken. Deep-fried vegetables low in potassium include onions, mushrooms, stuffed jalapeno peppers zucchini and potatoes.
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.
Increases in urine output—urine output is a key indicator of kidney health. While too little or no urine output is a sign of kidney injury or kidney damage, an increase in urine output after AKI or AKF can be a sign that your kidneys are recovering.
When a person eats the meat, their body absorbs the creatinine, and their levels may rise. Eating less red meat and fewer fish products may reduce high creatinine levels. A person might try incorporating more sources of vegetable protein, such as beans, in their diet.
Most people in the early stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD) don't have problems with mineral balance, and can include all types of rice. For people who are limiting phosphorus and potassium in their diet, white or wild rice is recommended over brown rice, because brown rice is rich in these minerals.
Choose foods that are healthy for your heart and your entire body: fresh fruits, fresh or frozen vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat or fat-free dairy products. Eat healthy meals, and cut back on salt and added sugars. Aim for less than 2,300 milligrams of sodium each day.
Stay Hydrated
One of the best things you can do to improve kidney health is to drink plenty of water. Water helps flush out toxins and other waste in your system, allowing the kidneys time to filter them away. Therefore, it is recommended that you drink at least eight glasses of water per day.
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.
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.
Depending on the individualized protein needs of a CKD patient, the choice of whole egg or egg whites provides versality in adding or limiting protein in the renal diet plan. Whole eggs provide a nutrient-dense source of calories to meet the increased energy demands of CKD patients.
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)
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.