For example, processed meats such as bacon, sausage, and ham are the worst for your kidneys because they contain high levels of sodium. Red meat such as beef, pork, and lamb is also bad for your kidneys, but to a lesser extent than processed meats.
Fresh or frozen red meats without breading, marinades or sauce are better choices for a kidney diet. On average, fresh meat contains 65 mg of phosphorus per ounce and 7 grams of protein per ounce. Seafood is an excellent source of low-fat, high-quality protein.
Lamb is a reasonable choice for those who want to include meat in their diet but are watching their potassium and phosphorus. Lamb is lower in these minerals than beef or pork, and is quite close to chicken, in the same portion size.
Eating Too Much Meat
Animal protein generates high amounts of acid in the blood that can be harmful to the kidneys and cause acidosis – a condition in which kidneys cannot eliminate acid fast enough.
Phosphorus and Dairy Foods
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.
What milk can I have when I have chronic kidney disease? The best milk alternative for damaged kidneys appears to be coconut milk since it has low potassium, sodium, and oxalates. Macadamia milk is also a good choice as it's much lower in sodium than cow's milk.
Avoid foods that have more than 300mg sodium per serving (or 600mg for a complete frozen dinner). Avoid foods that have salt in the first four or five items in the ingredient list. Don't eat ham, bacon, sausage, hot dogs, lunch meats, chicken tenders or nuggets, or regular canned soup.
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.
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)
Low-sodium canned tuna.
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.
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.
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.
Mushrooms are rich in Vitamin D and are essential to regulate kidney function and help prevent kidney disease.
In the United States, diabetes and high blood pressure are the leading causes of kidney failure, accounting for 3 out of 4 new cases.
Most leavening agents used to bake breads may contribute large amounts of phosphorus, potassium, sodium or calcium, making the recipe unfriendly for people with kidney disease.
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.
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.
Yet people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have to limit dairy products in their kidney diet. High levels of phosphorus, potassium and calcium in something like low-fat milk are not good for someone on a kidney diet.
Sandwiches are easy to make and don't take long to prepare. In the dialysis setting, sandwiches are a popular item to eat before or after dialysis treatment. Sandwiches that are low in sodium and phosphorus, plus limit potassium are a great fit with the kidney diet.
There are different types of red meat, and some are worse for your kidneys than others. For example, processed meats such as bacon, sausage, and ham are the worst for your kidneys because they contain high levels of sodium.
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.