9 Best Food For Kidney Disease To Avoid Dialysis and Kidney Transplant

Diet plays a critical role in managing kidney disease and can help avoid the need for dialysis or kidney transplant.

By following a kidney-friendly diet and avoiding certain foods, patients can significantly support their kidney function and overall health.

This guide provides a comprehensive look at the best food for kidney disease and explains how proper nutrition can delay or even prevent the need for dialysis or a kidney transplant.

Why Diet is Important for Kidney Health

Kidney disease is a common disease affecting 10% of the population worldwide. In chronic kidney conditions, the kidneys can’t easily remove excess water, salt, or potassium from the blood. 

A tailored diet can:

• Reduce waste buildup in the blood.
• Slow kidney damage progression.
• Improve overall health and quality of life.

With discipline and guidance, it is possible to manage kidney health effectively and avoid invasive treatments.

Foods to Avoid or Limit in Kidney Disease

To prevent further kidney damage, it is essential to limit foods high in potassium, phosphorus, and sodium.

Key Guidelines for a Kidney-Friendly Diet

1. Protein restriction: Protein restriction may help to slow the progression of chronic kidney disease. A dietitian can assist in determining the proper protein intake.
2. Salt restriction: To avoid fluid retention and to help control high blood pressure, limit your salt intake to limit sodium intake to less than 2,000 mg per day.
3. Fluid intake: Excessive water consumption does not aid in the prevention of kidney disease. In fact, the doctor might advise you to limit your water intake.
4. Potassium restriction: In advanced kidney disease potassium restriction is necessary because the kidneys are unable to remove potassium. Potassium excess can lead to abnormal heart rhythms. It’s usually recommended to limit potassium to less than 2,000 mg per day.
5. Phosphorus restriction: To protect your bones, you should reduce your phosphorus intake. Too much phosphorus can cause osteoporosis and fractures by removing calcium from the bones. It’s usually recommended to limit Dietary phosphorus to less than 800 – 1,000 mg per day in most patients.

As per the above mentioned key guidelines let’s understand which food to avoid.

Foods to Avoid for Better Kidney Function

a. High Potassium Foods

• Bananas: Bananas are high in potassium and should be avoided if you’re on a renal diet. 1 medium banana provides 422 mg of potassium.
• Apricots: Apricots contain a lot of potassium and should be avoided if you’re on a renal diet. They provide over 400 mg per cup of raw material and over 1,500 mg per cup of dried material.
• Cantaloupe
• Sweet potatoes: Potatoes and sweet potatoes are potassium-rich vegetables. One medium-sized baked potato (156 grams) has 610 milligrams of potassium, while one average-sized baked sweet potato (114 grams) has 541 milligrams.
• Tomatoes: Tomatoes are another high-potassium fruit that may not fit into a renal diet’s guidelines. Potassium levels in tomato sauce can reach 900 mg per cup.
• Oranges and orange juice: On a renal diet, oranges and orange juice are high in potassium and should be avoided. Potassium is found in 333 mg per large orange (184 grams). Furthermore, 1 cup (240 mL) of orange juice contains 473 mg of potassium.
• Spinach: When served raw, the amount of potassium varies between 140–290 mg per cup
• Avocados: avocados are a very rich source of potassium. Avoid avocados to lower your potassium intake. One average-sized avocado provides a whopping 690 mg of potassium.
• Milk: Dairy products are high in phosphorus, potassium, and protein, so they should be consumed in moderation on a renal diet. 1 cup (240 mL) of whole milk provides 222 mg of phosphorus and 349 mg of potassium

b. High Phosphorus Foods

• Cheese
• Nuts
• Dark cola drinks
• Canned iced teas
• Yogurt
• Organ meats
• Sardines
• Oysters
• Baked beans
• Black beans
• Lentils
• Kidney beans
• Soybeans
• Bran cereals
• Caramels
• Whole grain products

Being a kidney patient, You should lower down your potassium, phosphorus, and sodium intake to help your kidney to function without much stress. 

Now let’s understand best food for kidney disease patients,

9 Best Food for Kidney Disease

1. Cauliflower:

Cauliflower is a nutritious vegetable that is high in vitamin C, vitamin K, and B vitamin folate, among other nutrients.

• Per 1 cup (124g): 19 mg sodium, 176 mg potassium, 40 mg phosphorus.

2. Blueberries:

Blueberries are high in nutrients and antioxidants, making them one of the best foods you can eat.

• Per 1 cup (148g): 1.5 mg sodium, 114 mg potassium, 18 mg phosphorus.

3. Red grapes:

Red grapes are not only tasty, but they also pack a lot of nutrients into a small package.

• Per ½ cup (75g): 1.5 mg sodium, 144 mg potassium, 15 mg phosphorus.

4. Olive oil:

Olive oil is a good source of fat and is low in phosphorus, so it’s a good choice for people with kidney disease.

• Per 1 tbsp (13.5g): 0.3 mg sodium, 0.1 mg potassium, 0 mg phosphorus.

5. Garlic:

Garlic is a tasty salt substitute that adds flavor to dishes while also providing nutritional benefits.

• Per 9g: 1.5 mg sodium, 36 mg potassium, 14 mg phosphorus.

6. Cranberries:

Cranberries are good for the urinary tract as well as the kidneys.

• Per 1 cup (100g): 2 mg sodium, 80 mg potassium, 11 mg phosphorus.

7. Pineapple:

Pineapple is high in fiber, manganese, vitamin C, and bromelain, an anti-inflammatory enzyme.

• Per 1 cup (165g): 2 mg sodium, 180 mg potassium, 13 mg phosphorus.

8. Onions:

Onions are a great way to add flavor to renal-diet dishes without adding sodium.

• Per 1 small onion (70g): 3 mg sodium, 102 mg potassium, 20 mg phosphorus.

9. Cabbage:

Cabbage is a member of the cruciferous vegetable family, which means it’s high in vitamins, minerals, and plant compounds.

• Per 1 cup (70g): 13 mg sodium, 119 mg potassium, 18 mg phosphorus.

Now we have understood which are the best food for kidney diseases lets check some word of caution.

Word of Caution

The above guidelines are applicable for 92% of the patients having kidney disease. However, You should take guidance from a renal dietitian who can assist you in creating a renal diet that is designed for your specific needs.

Conclusion

The best food for kidney disease listed above are excellent options for those on a renal diet.

Always consult your dietician about your food choices to ensure that you are following the best diet for your specific needs.

Dietary restrictions differ depending on the type and severity of kidney damage, as well as the medical interventions used, such as medications or dialysis.

While following a renal diet can feel restrictive at times, there are many delicious foods that can be included in a healthy, well-balanced, kidney-friendly meal plan.

Apart from diet you should also be aware of advanced treatment options for kidney disease.

You can find the information in the following link: Advanced treatment option for chronic kidney disease.

FAQ’s

Medical Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider or renal dietitian for personalized guidance regarding kidney disease management and dietary choices.