Diet is undoubtedly very important, along with medication, for improving kidney function so that you can avoid dialysis and kidney transplant. you can also avoid dialysis and kidney transplant with best food for kidney disease.
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.
If you support your body with the right diet along with the medication, you can manage your disease in a much better way and therefore you can defer any need of Dialysis and in the long run even kidney transplant.
There are patients who are able to manage their kidney function with discipline on diet with a high emphasis on what not to eat and what to limit. You can also be one of them.
Foods to Avoid or Limit If You Have Kidney Disease
Damaged kidneys are unable to function properly and fluid can build up in the body and waste can accumulate in the blood. However, avoiding or restricting certain foods from your diet may help to reduce waste product accumulation in the blood, improve kidney function, and prevent further damage.
Following are a few key dietary guidelines that can help slow the progression of kidney disease and reduce the risk of complications.
- Protein restriction: Protein restriction may help to slow the progression of chronic kidney disease. A dietitian can assist in determining the proper protein intake.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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. Potassium-rich 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. Phosphorus-rich 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,
Best food for kidney disease
- Cauliflower: Cauliflower is a nutritious vegetable that is high in vitamin C, vitamin K, and B vitamin folate, among other nutrients. One cup (124 grams) of cooked cauliflower contains: sodium: 19 mg, potassium: 176 mg, phosphorus: 40 mg. due to its nutrition’s cauliflower is consider as the best food for kidney disease.
- Blueberries: Blueberries are high in nutrients and antioxidants, making them one of the best foods you can eat. One cup (148 grams) of fresh blueberries contains: sodium: 1.5 mg, potassium: 114 mg, phosphorus: 18 mg.
- Red grapes: Red grapes are not only tasty, but they also pack a lot of nutrients into a small package. These sweet fruits are kidney-friendly, with a half-cup (75 grams) containing: sodium: 1.5 mg, potassium: 144 mg, phosphorus: 15 mg.
- 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. One tablespoon (13.5 grams) of olive oil contains: sodium: 0.3 mg, potassium: 0.1 mg, phosphorus: 0 mg. olive oil is the best food for kidney disease.
- Garlic: Garlic is a tasty salt substitute that adds flavor to dishes while also providing nutritional benefits. 9 grams of garlic contain: sodium: 1.5 mg, potassium: 36 mg, phosphorus: 14 mg.
- Cranberries: Cranberries are good for the urinary tract as well as the kidneys. One cup (100 grams) of fresh cranberries contains: sodium: 2 mg, potassium: 80 mg, phosphorus: 11 mg.
- Pineapple: Pineapple is high in fiber, manganese, vitamin C, and bromelain, an anti-inflammatory enzyme. One cup (165 grams) of pineapple chunks contains: sodium: 2 mg, potassium: 180 mg, phosphorus: 13 mg.
- Onions: Onions are a great way to add flavor to renal-diet dishes without adding sodium. One small onion (70 grams) contains : sodium: 3 mg, potassium: 102 mg, phosphorus: 20 mg
- Cabbage: Cabbage is a member of the cruciferous vegetable family, which means it’s high in vitamins, minerals, and plant compounds. One cup (70 grams) of shredded cabbage containing: sodium: 13 mg, potassium: 119 mg, phosphorus: 18 mg
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.
You should also be aware of advanced treatment options for kidney disease. This information will give you comfort that there are advanced treatments that are available now which can also avoid the need of dialysis and kidney transplant. You can find the information in the following link: advanced treatment option for chronic kidney disease.
