Kidney disease makes it difficult for the kidneys to perform their functions, which include electrolyte balance, fluid balance and the filtering of waste products from the blood. Healthy renal diets may be used to decrease the workload of the kidneys and slow the progression of kidney disease. This can help increase the quality of life for someone who has this condition.
Low-Sodium Diet
Excess sodium can cause fluid retention, which increases blood pressure and makes the kidneys work harder. As a result, people with reduced kidney function should eat a diet that restricts sodium intake. High-sodium foods should be avoided, and table salt should not be used to season foods. Avoid canned soups, frozen dinners, fast foods, canned vegetables, luncheon meats, pickles, salted nuts, snack foods and soy sauce. Replace table salt with herbs and spices that do not contain sodium. These can provide flavor without increasing the workload of the kidneys.
Renal Diabetic Diet
People with both kidney disease and diabetes face special challenges in eating nutritious foods with flavor. In addition to reducing sodium, potassium, phosphorus and protein intake, diabetics must control blood sugar by avoiding foods that have high levels of carbohydrates. Meet with a dietitian to develop a meal plan that helps to control diabetes and blood sugar. Professionals from Davita, a company that provides kidney dialysis services to people with kidney disease, recommend eating lean cuts of meat, skim or low-fat milk, unsweetened fruit juices, water, diet clear sodas (colas contain phosphorus in the form of phosphoric acid) and low-fat mayonnaise, cream cheese, sour cream and soft margarine.
Low-Protein Diet
Protein puts a heavy workload on the kidneys, so people with decreased kidney function may be required to restrict their protein intake. The amount of protein someone with kidney disease can have is affected by the stage of kidney disease and the results of laboratory tests. According to the National Institutes of Health, a low-protein diet should include 0.6 grams of protein for every kilogram of body weight. That means a 200 lb. person would need 54.6 grams of protein each day. Some types of kidney disease lead to the loss of protein in the urine. Someone with this type of kidney disease may be advised to eat 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of weight each day. For a 200 lb. person with this type of kidney disease, this would be 72.7 grams of protein on a daily basis.
Low-Potassium Diet
When kidney function declines, it becomes more difficult to maintain normal blood potassium levels. Potassium levels that are too high can cause serious consequences, including heart attacks and death, so potassium intake may be restricted as part of a renal patient's diet. Avoid high-potassium fruits like bananas, dates, nectarines, oranges, apricots, honeydew melon, prunes, kiwifruit and raisins. High-potassium vegetables to avoid include avocados, artichokes, fresh beets, Brussels sprouts, okra, greens, parsnips, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, spinach, yams and winter squash. Other high-potassium foods include nuts, dried beans, soy milk, yogurt, bran buds, salt substitute and potato chips.
Low-Phosphorus Diet
Kidney disease patients may be advised to restrict their phosphorus intake. Dr. Erik Castle of the Mayo Clinic explains that kidney disease makes it difficult for the kidneys to regulate blood phosphorus levels. This can cause the levels of calcium in the blood to decline, leading to bone disease. Avoid high-phosphorus foods like peanut butter, sardines, nuts, chicken liver, beef liver, beer, ice cream, caramels, cola beverages and cheese.
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