Kidneys filter waste products and water from the blood. When kidneys are damaged, often from prolonged high blood sugar or blood pressure, they do not work efficiently. A renal diet may be prescribed to help slow further kidney damage. Such a diet restricts several nutrients to varying degrees, depending on the stage of kidney failure. Because a renal diet can be challenging, be sure to talk to your doctor about necessary restrictions and see a registered dietitian for individualized meal planning.
Breakfast
Too much protein worsens the functioning of damaged kidneys. Protein is found mainly in meat, cheese, eggs and dairy products. There is also a small amount of protein in whole grain foods, so choose refined grains instead. Try this low-protein breakfast: two slices of toasted white bread with margarine and jelly, one small apple, 1/2 cup milk and 8 oz. of coffee with non-dairy creamer and sugar.
Lunch
Excess sodium causes fluid retention when damaged kidneys cannot efficiently remove fluid from the blood. Choose low-sodium meats, side dishes and condiments. The 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend restricting sodium to less than 1,500 mg per day if you have chronic kidney disease. To keep sodium intake low at lunch, eat a sandwich made with two slices of white bread, 2 oz. carved fresh turkey, lettuce and mayonnaise; 3/4 oz. unsalted pretzel sticks; 1/2 cup peaches canned in syrup; and 8 oz. iced tea with sugar.
Dinner
When kidneys are not healthy, they are unable to maintain the right level of potassium in the blood. If blood potassium levels rise too high, an irregular heartbeat or a heart attack can occur. Fruits, vegetables and dairy products are the major sources of potassium. This dinner includes a variety of low-potassium fruits and vegetables: 3 oz. chicken, 1/2 cup white rice, 1/2 cup steamed broccoli, tossed salad with salad dressing, a dinner roll with margarine, 1/2 cup pineapple rings and 8 oz. lemonade.
Snacks
If you are hungry between meals, snacks should also meet the aforementioned guidelines. Choose low-potassium fruits such as applesauce or canned pears, or low-potassium vegetables such as sliced cucumbers or green peppers with salad dressing. Unsalted starches such as refined crackers, pretzels and popcorn are also suitable options. Limit protein foods like meats, cheese and nuts.
