People who are affected by severe kidney or liver disease may be told by their physician to limit protein and salt intake. Protein is a vital nutrient to the body and all of its functions including, but not limited to, hair growth, muscle growth and cell regeneration. Healthy individuals who are not affected by liver or kidney disease need to consume approximately 0.8 to 1.7g protein per kilogram of body weight. Foods with the least amount of protein and salt include fruits, fats, vegetables and starches.
Fruits
Fruits are an excellent source of fiber, vitamins and minerals. Fruits that are low in sodium and protein include apples, apricots, bananas, fresh blueberries, fresh raspberries, sweet cherries, grapefruit, grapes, nectarines, peaches, plums, tangerines and pears.
Fats and Oils
The body needs fats for many of its functions. Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats should compose most of the calories from fats in a healthy diet. Excess amounts of saturated fat leads to health problems and disease. The American Heart Associated recommends not exceeding 25 to 35 percent of daily calories from fat. Fats and oils that are low in protein and salt include unsalted butter, beef fat/tallow, chicken fat, vegetable shortening, canola oil, corn oil, olive oil, peanut oil, safflower oil, soybean oil and sunflower oil.
Vegetables
Vegetables are a rich source of fiber, vitamins and minerals. Vegetables tend to have slightly more protein and salt than fruit, but there are still some that contain little of both. Vegetables with low protein and salt include green string beans, corn, eggplant, Romaine lettuce, fresh mushrooms, onions, snow peas, red hot chili, bell peppers, pumpkin, shallots and tomatoes.
Starches, Breads, Cereals, Grains
Many bread and grain products are high in salt unless they are specifically made to be "low-sodium." The foods in this category that are low in salt and protein include rice cakes, corn tortillas, taco shells, tapioca, puffed rice cereal, puffed wheat cereal and air-popped popcorn.
Convenience Foods
Fast food and store-bought convenience foods are almost always high in sodium. More and more food companies are offering low-sodium foods. Take a look at the food label under sodium and protein to verify the food fits into your required diet. If you have further questions on how to stay healthy on a low-protein, low-salt diet consult with a registered dietitian or specialized physician.
References
- Understanding Nutrition; Ellie Whitne and Sharon Rady Rolfes; 2005
- Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology
- American Heart Association
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