Renal Diet Ideas

The kidneys filter out nutrients we don't need, while balancing nutrients we do. According to the American Association of Kidney Patients or AAKP, a renal diet is low in sodium, potassium, phosphorous, protein and fluid. With so many restrictions, people with renal disease have a hard time figuring out what to eat. When it comes to following a renal diet, keep it simple.

Breakfast

Since the kidneys balance fluids in the body, and sodium can cause fluid retention, sodium needs to be restricted in patients with renal disease, say the authors of "Food, Nutrition and Diet Therapy". Some high sodium foods include bacon, sausage, hot dogs, chips, soup, saltine crackers, fast food, pizza, cheese and cottage cheese. Breakfast choices need should prove in low in sodium. Breakfast renal diet ideas include 2 slices white bread with 2 tsp no salt butter or margarine, 1 boiled egg, 1/2 cup cranberry juice; puffed rice cereal with 1/2 cup non-dairy creamer, and 1/2 cup strawberries; 1 bagel with 2 tsp no salt butter or margarine, 1/2 cup apple juice.

Lunch

According to Davita, those on a renal diet should control phosphorous intake to prevent calcium loss and softening of the bones. Foods high in phosphorous include cheese, milk, chocolate, and nuts. Lunch renal diet ideas include turkey sandwich made with white bread, low sodium turkey, lettuce and low sodium mayonnaise, canned pineapple, shortbread cookies; egg salad sandwich, with 1 egg, low sodium mayonnaise and white bread, 1 medium pear; noodles with low sodium margarine or butter, 1/2 cup green beans and gelatin, says the book "Food, Nutrition, and Diet Therapy."

Dinner

The kidneys control the amount of potassium in the blood, too much potassium could mean problems for the heart reports Davita. Foods high in potassium include oranges, tomatoes, potatoes, and bananas. Dinner renal diet ideas include baked chicken with white rice and 1/2 cup cooked carrots; stuffed cabbage, made with 3 oz ground meat, 1 tbsp chopped onions and garlic, 1/3 cup corn, 1 cup noodles; 3 oz fresh fish grilled, roasted eggplant, 1 cup white rice.

Snacks

"Food, Nutrition and Diet Therapy" says it is important for people with renal disease to maintain good nutritional status. Snacks can help meet calorie and nutrient needs while limiting the restricted nutrients. Snack renal diet ideas include graham crackers, marshmallows, popsicles, applesauce, tangerines, plain popcorn, Melba toast and vanilla wafer cookies.