Foods that are high in fat, sugar and salt, such as crisps, chocolate, biscuits and cakes, can be included in your diet. However, because they do not contain good nutrients, they should only be included in small amounts occasionally.
White bread is typically recommended over whole wheat bread on a renal diet due to its lower phosphorus and potassium levels. All bread contains sodium, so it's best to compare food labels and choose a lower sodium variety.
Candy not recommended on a kidney diet
Chocolate and nuts contain high amounts of phosphorus and potassium.
There are plenty of great protein choices for your kidney-friendly diet: beans, beef, chicken, edamame, eggs, fish, lamb, lentils, tofu, turkey, quinoa, veal, and wild game. Choosing all-natural, fresh meat is best. Low-sodium, frozen or canned meats (rinsed) are also acceptable.
Put limits on phosphorus- and potassium-laden foods.
To keep phosphorus and potassium levels at a minimum, cut out or reduce your intake of dairy products (milk, cheese, ice cream, creamy soups, chocolate), dried beans, peas, nuts and peanut butter.
Pastas and noodles are actually good for CKD patients, especially since they can fit a renal healthy diet (also check our useful guide on pizza for kidney dieting). Some dishes may be more suitable for you than others, depending on your specific needs.
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.
Thankfully, many Chinese cuisine items are low in potassium and full of healthy veggies. However, it's important to limit or avoid soups, soy sauce, MSG and other high-sodium ingredients.
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.
Hard cheeses such as cheddar, Edam and Red Leicester are high in phosphate. Better options include: cream cheese • cottage cheese • mozzarella • feta • brie • Stilton.
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.)
Lunch and dinner choices for 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.
For the most effective potassium removal, potatoes must be cut into small pieces, sliced thin or grated. If boiled at least 10 minutes in a large pot of water, potassium is reduced by at least half the original amount.
Potatoes are high in potassium (also know as “K”) which is a nutrient that must be limited when following a diet to manage kidney disease. People following a kidney-friendly diet can cut up and soak their potatoes in water to reduce their potassium content.
Snack foods such as chips, crackers, and pretzels are typically high in salt and refined carbs, which makes them unsuitable for those with kidney disease and diabetes. Some snack foods, such as potato chips, are also high in other minerals, such as potassium or phosphorus, either naturally or as a result of additives.
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.
Rice is a great choice for the kidney diet—it provides energy and is low in minerals of concern for people with kidney disease or those on dialysis.
Avoid peanut butter, nut, seeds, dried beans and lentils. Even though these are high in protein, they are also high in potassium and phosphorous. Use less salt and eat fewer salty foods.
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.
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.