By avoiding foods high in phosphorus, potassium and sodium, you can help prevent or delay health problems associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD). When you have CKD, it is also recommended that you limit fluids and protein and get enough calories if you are losing weight. A special diet is also important in patients with CKD who are receiving dialysis because dialysis alone does not effectively remove all waste products from the body.
Carbohydrates, Protein and Fats
Carbohydrates are a source of energy in the body. If a low-protein diet has been recommended by your health care provider, you can replace calories from protein with carbohydrates such as fruits, vegetables and grains. Protein is essential in the diet but also breaks down into waste products that must be filtered from the blood by the kidneys. Consuming additional protein may put added stress on the kidneys and cause their function to decline. Low-protein diets are helpful before dialysis but after dialysis has been started, you will need more protein to help replace muscles and other tissues being lost. Fat provides calories for energy in the diet. Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats such as olive oil, canola oil and safflower oil are healthy fats that help protect your arteries.
Sodium
Too much sodium in the diet can be harmful because it causes blood to hold onto fluid. Extra fluid in the body can raise blood pressure and strain the heart and kidneys. A goal of less than 1,500 mg a day is recommended for patients with CKD. Avoid table salt as well as salty seasonings and processed foods. Also avoid salt substitutes because these products contain potassium, which should also be limited.
Potassium
Potassium is a mineral the helps the heart and muscles function. Potassium can build up when the kidneys no longer function properly. Potassium is found in many fruits and vegetables such as bananas, dried fruits, potatoes, avocados, melons, orange, tomatoes and spinach, to name a few.
Phosphorus
Phosphorus is a mineral found in many foods such as dairy products. Too much phosphorus in the diet can weaken bones by pulling out calcium, which can cause a higher risk for bone breakage. Foods such as milk, cheese, yogurt, dried beans, colas, peanut butter and sherbet contain phosphorus. Some fruits and vegetables also contain small amounts of phosphorus. As CKD progresses, your health care provider may prescribe phosphate binders, which help bind phosphorus while it is in the stomach.
Fluids
As CKD progresses, fluids may need to be limited because the kidneys are not able to remove the extra fluid, which can put strain on the heart. Foods that contain water such as soups, Jell-O, popsicles, lettuce and celery may also need to be limited.
