Certain nutrients are usually limited when you have renal failure: sodium, potassium, phosphorus and fluids. Protein may also need to be restricted if you have renal failure but are not yet receiving dialysis. These nutrients are restricted because your kidneys are no longer able to eliminate them from your body, leading to potential unpleasant and damaging side effects. However, there are still a wide range of foods you can enjoy. For additional help, consider meeting with a registered dietitian who has experience working with renal disease clients.
Low-Potassium Fruits and Vegetables
While fruits and vegetables are very beneficial to you due to their high fiber and nutrient content, certain ones are very high in potassium. A certain amount of potassium is needed in your diet, but too much can lead to weakness, muscle cramps and even heart attack, according to Helen Dorrough, a renal dietitian. Vegetables lower in potassium include green beans, cabbage, carrots, onion, lettuce, cucumber and broccoli. Fruits lower in potassium include apples, berries, pineapple, watermelon, grapes, plums and pears.
Moderate Amounts of Fresh, Lean Protein
If you have renal failure but are not on dialysis, you may have a restriction on your protein intake. If you are on dialysis, you will have increased protein needs due to the dialysis process, usually about 8 to 10 oz. a day, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Either way, it is important that the protein you do eat is of high biological value, which means your body can use it efficiently. Examples of these types of protein include fresh eggs, meat, poultry and fish. Beware of deli meats and other processed meats that tend to have higher sodium content; fresh is better. Most dairy foods are not good for people with renal failure due to their high potassium and phosphorus levels.
Low-Phosphorus and Low-Potassium Carbs
Certain carbohydrates, particularly whole grains and starchy vegetables like potatoes and dried beans have high potassium or phosphorus levels. Like potassium, your body can no longer eliminate large amounts of phosphorus. As a result, high levels of phosphorus can lead to bone and heart problems. Good carbohydrate options include processed breads like rolls and English muffins, pita bread, tortillas, cooked/puffed cereals, cous cous, pasta, polenta and white rice. Consider green beans and wax beans in place of dried beans and peas.
Healthy Fats
Healthy unsaturated fats can play an important role in providing adequate calories in the kidney failure diet. Unfortunately, many of the foods advocated as healthy sources of fats such as nuts, seeds and avocado are high in potassium and phosphorus. Instead, consider cooking with oils that contain high unsaturated fat content like olive, canola, safflower or peanut oil. Substitutions for nuts include low-salt snack foods such as pretzels, popcorn and crackers, while substitutions for peanut butter include moderate amounts of low-fat cream cheese, jam or fruit spread.
References
- National Kidney Foundation: Nutrition and Kidney Failure (Stage 5)
- Dorrough, H., RD: Potassium, Phosphorus and the Dialysis Diet
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Chronic Kidney Disease Diet
- DaVita: Diet and Nutrition: Phosphorus and Chronic Kidney Disease
- Swafford, C., MS, RD, CSR, LD: Carbohydrates and the Kidney Diet
