Salad greens are naturally low in sodium and protein, making them optimal for kidney friendly meals. In fact, a one cup portion of lettuce has less than 15 mg of sodium, and under 1 gram of protein per serving! These leafy greens also provide fiber, which are fantastic at improving digestive health.
Leafy greens are rich in potassium, which you may need to watch with kidney disease. The amount of potassium you can have each day will depend on your stage of kidney disease or the type of dialysis you receive. Most people with CKD do not have to limit leafy greens because of potassium.
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.
Hence, people with CKD are advised to moderate their potassium intake. Low potassium foods like iceberg lettuce can be made a part of a healthy kidney diet.
Low potassium vegetables include cilantro, alfalfa sprouts, lettuce, arugula, kale, Napa cabbage, leeks, spaghetti squash, sweet onions, eggplant, and more. For more low potassium vegetable ideas, see the complete ranking of over 200 vegetables low in potassium.
Hard cheeses such as cheddar, Edam and Red Leicester are high in phosphate. Better options include: cream cheese • cottage cheese • mozzarella • feta • brie • Stilton.
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.
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.
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)
Most leafy green vegetables, including Swiss chard, spinach, and beet greens, are not recommended on a kidney diet due to their potassium content. Opt for lower potassium green vegetables such as green beans, asparagus, lettuce, and celery to limit your daily potassium intake.
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.
The two most common conditions that affect your kidneys are diabetes and high blood pressure. A balanced diet and regular exercise can help keep both under control. With diabetes, it's also important to keep a close eye on your blood sugar and take insulin when you need it.
Fruits and veggies lowest in potassium are: apples, blueberries, limes, and iceberg lettuce.
Milk, yogurt, and cheese can be part of a healthy kidney diet. Shop for natural cheeses, avoiding items labeled “cheese food” or “cheese product.” Greek yogurt and cottage cheese can be easy and tasty snacks, and, in most cases, milk servings should be 1 cup per day.
Objective(s): Despite the nutritional benefits of potato tuber, patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) should limit the consumption because of its high potassium content.
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.
Mushrooms are rich in Vitamin D and are essential to regulate kidney function and help prevent kidney disease.
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.
Fish and seafood
Cod, flounder, halibut, whitefish, catfish, salmon, tuna steaks and shrimp are good choices for your kidney diet.
Red meat is a valuable source of essential amino acids and micronutrients for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).
Candy not recommended on a kidney diet
Chocolate and nuts contain high amounts of phosphorus and potassium.