The potassium in iceberg lettuce is low, making it great for a kidney diet.
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.
Although not as high in vitamins and minerals as darker leafy greens, iceberg lettuce has more to offer than it usually gets credit for. It is naturally low in sugar and sodium and provides a small amount (about 1%) of the daily value for calcium, iron, and potassium.
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.
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.
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.
Most dairy foods are very high in phosphorus. People with kidney disease should limit their daily intake of milk, yogurt, and cheese to ½ cup milk, or ½ cup yogurt or 1-ounce cheese.
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.
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.
If large quantities of lettuce take the place of other nutritious foods, you won't get all your daily nutrients. This type of imbalanced diet will not support your health. While getting more fiber by increasing lettuce intake is healthy, you may experience digestive problems if you overindulge.
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.) Also, only eat 1 cup, not the whole can.
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.
A great plant based protein, shiitake mushrooms are an ideal food for those with kidney issues. They are better than white button and portobellos since they contain much less potassium.
Onions can be helpful for patients recovering from kidney problems. If you're suffering from a kidney ailment, then onions could be your saviour. As they are rich in vitamin C, calcium and phosphorous, onions can be healthy for people suffering from high creatinine levels along with reduced kidney function.
Avocados: Avocados are often touted for their nutritious qualities, including their heart-healthy fats, fiber, and antioxidants, but one thing they aren't good for is your kidneys. This is because avocados are a very rich source of potassium.
Despite the nutritional benefits of potato tuber, patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) should limit the consumption because of its high potassium content.
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.
Cleans your kidney
Consuming cucumbers regularly can help lower uric acid levels in your body by helping your kidneys flush out the compounds out of your blood. Cucumbers can also help dissolve small kidney stones, as well as get rid of toxins in your body.
Greek yogurt requires careful consideration to be included in the meal plan for a person on dialysis. It is high in protein, phosphorus, and potassium. Yogurt can be found on more than one “to avoid” list for persons with chronic kidney disease (CKD).
Water: Water is simply the best drink you can have! Water is a zero-calorie, perfectly hydrating, cheap drink. If you are in the earlier stages of kidney disease, choosing water most of the time to quench your thirst will keep your body and kidneys functioning well.