A renal diet might be prescribed by a doctor for individuals with impaired kidney function. The severity of kidney disease determines the degree of diet restrictions. Typically, nutrients that must be limited on a renal diet are the minerals potassium, phosphorus and sodium. As kidney function declines, there might be a fluid and/or protein restriction.
Low-Phosphorus Foods
According to the Medical College of Wisconsin's Department of Nephrology, as kidney function declines, the body experiences difficulty keeping the levels of two major minerals, phosphorus and calcium, in balance. Because of this imbalance, the body cannot rid itself of excess phosphorus, causing calcium levels to decrease. Thus, a phosphorus restriction is necessary. Because so many foods are high in phosphorus, a renal patient might need to take a medication that binds phosphorus and removes it from the body.
Some lower phosphorus foods include non-fortified rice milk, non-dairy creamer, sherbet, white bread and crackers, white rice, green or wax beans, cabbage, cucumbers, celery, lettuce, oil, cream cheese, cottage cheese and butter, lemon-lime soda or ginger-ale, hard candy and gumdrops.
Low-Potassium Foods
Potassium is another major mineral excreted by normal, healthy kidneys, and elevated levels of potassium in the bloodstream can be deadly. As with phosphorus, most all foods contain some potassium. Foods that are particularly rich in potassium include fruits, vegetables, nuts, chocolate and dairy products. Instead of these foods, choose lower-potassium fruits such as apples, watermelon, cherries, grapes, pears and cranberries; vegetables such as green or wax beans, cucumbers, onions, lettuce and carrots; grains such as rice, Chinese or rice noodles, some cereals, such as farina, cream of rice, cream of wheat, grits or oatmeal; and other foods such as white or yellow cake and white-bread products. Choose potassium-free salt substitutes and seasonings, such as lemon-pepper.
Low-Sodium Foods
Sodium and fluids might accumulate in your body as kidney function declines. Choosing sodium-rich foods causes fluid retention that might lead to swelling of your extremities. Avoid high-sodium foods, which include most processed foods. Low-potassium fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables as well as plain pasta, rice and hot cereals are all low in sodium. Instead of using salt or potassium-rich salt substitutes, season foods with garlic, pepper and oregano, for example.
Other Foods
According to the National Kidney Foundation, other foods that are low in phosphorus, potassium and sodium include sweet rolls, croissants, plain wafer cookies, couscous, Rice Krispies and Rice Krispies treats, pies or cobblers made with allowed fruits such as cherries or apples; and puddings made with non-dairy creamer or half-and-half. Some soy or "veggie" meat alternatives, such as Worthington canned, diced Chik or Turkee slices, are relatively low in all three nutrients.
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