Your kidneys act as the body's filters for a number of substances, including phosphorus, potassium and calcium, according to the National Kidney Foundation. If you have been diagnosed with kidney failure, your kidney's ability to filter wastes has been severely impaired. To compensate for lost function, your physician may recommend a specialized diet that is designed to avoid the minerals your body is not able to process as much. Speak with your physician before beginning this diet -- she may make special recommendations based on your condition.
Step 1
Eat foods that are low in phosphorus, according to the Medical College of Wisconsin. Because your kidneys cannot adequately filter phosphorus, a buildup can cause weakened bones, joint pain and brittle bones. Low-phosphorus food options include broccoli, non-dairy milk substitutes, sherbet, zucchini squash and hard candies. Pay careful attention to serving sizes to avoid consuming excess amounts of phosphorus. Limit your intake to 800 to 1,000mg per day, according to Dr. Erik Castle, a Mayo Clinic urologist.
Step 2
Choose low-potassium foods such as apples, beans, rice, cucumbers, noodles, cereals, carrots, bread and cherries, according to the Medical College of Wisconsin. Although most foods contain potassium, avoid those with more than 250mg per serving.
Step 3
Avoid foods that contain salt substitutes or phosphorus additives. Read food labels carefully for names such as potassium chloride, calcium phosphate, disodium phosphate, phosphoric acid, tricalcium phosphate, monopotassium phosphate or pyrophosphate polyphosphates, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Step 4
Limit your total daily protein intake, according to the National Kidney Foundation. Protein sources can add wastes to your blood. This does not mean they should be eliminated entirely. Instead, choose high-quality protein sources. If you are on dialysis, your physician may recommend eating 8 to 10 oz. of protein choices, such as egg whites, egg white powder or protein powder.
Step 5
Limit your intake of watery foods. Because your kidneys are not able to filter fluids as much, limit your intake of such fluid-containing foods as soups, gelatin, popsicles, ice cream, watermelon, lettuce, tomatoes and celery, according to Medline Plus.
Step 6
Restrict foods that make you thirsty. Because you are limiting fluid intake, these foods may make you want to drink more. Examples of foods to avoid include those high in sodium. Choose foods that are labeled low-sodium, no salt added, sodium free, reduced sodium or unsalted instead, according to Medline Plus.
Tips and Warnings
- Sucking on ice chips or chewing sugarless gum are low-fluid options that prevent dry mouth and help you to feel less thirsty, according to the Medical College of Wisconsin.
