Avoid the temptation to overindulge, as too much potassium and fluid can still make you unwell. Italian and Spanish food: Pasta (spaghetti, noodles) can make an excellent starter or main course, however be aware of what the sauces are made from.
Whole wheat pasta and shirataki pasta (pasta zero) can be some of your best options when choosing a diabetes and kidney-friendly pasta. These two both have moderate amounts of carbohydrates and are good sources of fiber.
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.
Another consideration is the type of flour used (e.g., rice, wheat, soy, or another type). Note that soy flour can have higher protein content compared to rice or corn flour. Pastas are usually low on potassium and phosphorus.
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.
Limit intake of foods with high levels of phosphate or phosphate additives such as organ meats, whole grain breads, processed foods, cola beverages, cheese, dried beans, liver, peanut butter, dairy products and chocolate.
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.
Suitable bread types
White or brown pan loaf, baguettes, pitta bread, ciabatta, chapattis, white or granary bread rolls are all suitable. Your dietitian will decide if you can eat wholemeal bread based on your blood levels. Sourdough bread is not a suitable bread as it is high in phosphate.
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and transplant
People limiting their protein intake need to consider the protein content of cheese. For kidney transplant, it is recommended to avoid all unpasteurized dairy products for the life of the transplant (note: most cheese sold in grocery stores are pasteurized).
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.
Tuna. Tuna is a good source of protein for people with kidney disease. When considering tuna, be sure to choose low-sodium canned albacore tuna. Tuna is also low in phosphorus and high in omega-three fatty acids, making it a healthy choice for people with kidney disease.
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.
People with kidney disease CAN enjoy potatoes! YAY! This myth came to be because potatoes are high in potassium. However, most people with kidney disease DO NOT need to limit potassium!
Some kidney patients need to avoid high potassium foods such as tomatoes, which is why making a nomato sauce (a pasta sauce made with no tomatoes) is a great alternative! Instead, the red color in the sauce comes from beets.
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.
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.
Sweet potatoes are packed with fiber, beta-carotene, and numerous other vitamins and minerals that support the kidneys. They also are high in potassium. Eating potassium-rich foods may help balance sodium levels in the body, reducing strain on the kidneys.
For a 60-year-old man, stage 1 kidney disease life expectancy will be approximately 15 years. That figure falls to 13 years, 8 years, and 6 years in the second, third, and fourth stages of kidney disease respectively. For a 60-year old woman, stage 1 life expectancy is 18 years, while stage 2 is only one year less.
You can use vegetables, grains and pasta as the main dish and small pieces of meat, poultry or fish as the side dish. You can also add low-protein pastas to help keep protein within limits.
Stage 3 kidney disease means that the kidney's function has been cut by half, and most patients experience ancillary problems like high blood pressure or bone difficulties. A survey of 13 studies on stage 3 kidney disease found that the all-cause mortality rate varied from 6% in 3 years to 51% in ten years.
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.
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)
Your body needs protein to build tissue and stay strong, so eat the right amount without eating an excess. 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.