If you have kidney disease, your doctor may recommend limiting your protein intake. It's also important to reduce the sodium in your diet to minimize strain on your kidneys. A low-sodium, low-protein diet can delay the onset of complications from kidney disease, but continue to work with your medical team to stay as healthy as possible.
Grains
Most grains are low in sodium, and many provide only about 1 to 4 g protein per 1-oz. serving of dry grain. Grains can be high in heart-healthy dietary fiber, and low-sodium, low-protein examples include oatmeal, white or wheat pasta and rice. Some grains, such as quinoa, are higher in protein, and processed grains, such as most breads, some breakfast cereals and snack foods such as salted pretzels or flavored popcorn are high in sodium.
Fruits
Fruits are low in protein and most are almost sodium-free. Apples, bananas, oranges, cantaloupe, apricots and kiwis each provide less than 2 g protein per serving, according to Iowa State University, and they are low in sodium. Fruit is high in dietary fiber and essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, vitamin A and potassium. Avocados are different from most other fruits, because they're low in carbohydrates and high in cholesterol-lowering monounsaturated fats -- but like other fruits they're also low in protein and sodium.
Vegetables
Most vegetables, such as spinach, carrots, brussels sprouts and green beans, are low in protein and sodium. Avoid tomato sauce, salty vegetable or tomato juice and canned or frozen vegetables in salty sauces or with added salt. Beans and lentils are exceptions, because they are high in protein. They are low in sodium, but they count as protein foods as well as vegetables in the 2010 Dietary Guidelines from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Fats
Pure oils provide almost no protein, and choices include canola oil, olive oil, soybean oil and other vegetable oils. Unsalted butter, palm oil and coconut oil are also low-protein and low-sodium options, but they are unhealthy because of their saturated fats. Full-fat and low-calorie salad dressings are low in protein, and some versions may be low in sodium. Reduced-fat margarine spreads may contain some carbohydrates along with their fat. They are low in protein, but be sure to read the label for a low-sodium version.
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