The kidneys help remove wastes from the body and regulate the concentration of various vitamins and minerals. In chronic kidney disease, this ability is significantly decreased. People with chronic kidney disease need to start managing their diets to protect the kidneys, according to The National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Careful selection of meals and avoidance of certain foods can slow down the progression of kidney disease.
High Potassium Foods
The kidneys help regulate the amount of potassium in the blood; too much or too little potassium can cause health problems, according to the National Kidney Foundation. If a patient's potassium level increases, the dietitian may reduce the amount of high-potassium containing foods in the diet. Oranges, melons, potatoes, sweet potatoes and bananas all are foods that should be eaten in moderation or avoided in patients with chronic kidney disease, according to The National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse.
High Sodium Foods
Sodium causes the body to retain fluid and the excess fluid creates a strain on both the kidneys and heart, according to The National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Patients with chronic kidney disease should eat low sodium or no-salt foods and avoid high-salt products. Canned vegetables and soup, hot dogs and snack foods like chips and crackers should be consumed in moderation as well.
Foods with High Phosphorus Levels
The kidneys regulate the levels of phosphorus in the blood, according to the MayoClinic.com. In chronic kidney disease, the amounts of phosphorus in the body increase which can decrease the levels of calcium in the body. Low calcium levels can lead to bone disease or osteoporosis. Decreasing the number of high phosphorus-containing foods that a person eats can help the kidneys by lowering the amount of the mineral that the kidneys have to eliminate from the body. Examples of these foods include milk, hard cheeses, ice cream, peas, lentils, starchy vegetables and chocolate.
Animal Protein
Protein is important for the health of the body; the waste products created from protein need to be cleared by the kidneys, according to The National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse. According to the American Association of Kidney Patients, patients with chronic kidney disease should eat 0.6 to 0.75 g per kilogram ideal body weight of protein each day; this is a slight reduction in the Recommended Daily Allowance for healthy people. Patients should limit their intake of meat to two 3-oz. servings per day; these patients also should reduce the amount of high protein foods like ground beef, chicken breast, and salmon.
Saturated Fats
People with chronic kidney disease should avoid unhealthy fats like saturated and trans fats that can increase cholesterol levels and lead to clogged arteries. According to The National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse, red meats, poultry, whole milk, cookies and cakes all contain saturated fats or trans fats and should be avoided. A dietician can work with the patient to find ways to increase intake of healthy fats like corn or olive oil.
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