If you have chronic kidney disease and you have investigated all the restrictions of a renal diet, you might have the feeling all of your favorite foods are off-limits. Fortunately, a number of tasty foods have interesting flavors and textures, making it easier to enjoy them without compromising your kidney function.
Considerations
Before you select food for your meals and snacks, you first have to become familiar with the restrictions of a renal diet. Because too much protein makes your kidneys work harder, you must limit the amount of protein you eat each day. Your doctor or renal dietitian will recommend a daily protein intake based on your weight and the severity of your kidney disease. You must also limit the amount of sodium, phosphorus and potassium you eat each day, as damaged kidneys do not filter these minerals properly. If you have advanced kidney disease or renal failure, you may also have to limit the amount of liquid you consume. This means also limiting your beverages and any foods that turn into liquid in the digestive system.
Adding Flavor
Table salt contains sodium, which adds extra flavor to the foods you eat. Because you must reduce your sodium intake, you will also have to find other ways to flavor your food. Salt-free seasoning blends add flavor to chicken, fish and beef. Basil, cayenne pepper, cloves, chives, dry mustard, garlic, parsley, rosemary, black pepper, marjoram, oregano, thyme and curry powder all contain no salt. Use any or all of them to flavor meats, eggs, vegetables and salads.
Natural Taste
Another way to add flavor to snacks and meals is to find unprocessed foods that have strong flavors or interesting textures. Several fruits and vegetables meet the criteria, but make sure they do not contain high levels of phosphorus or potassium. Apples have a range of flavors, from the sweet taste of the Fuji apple to the tartness of Granny Smiths. Sweet, juicy plums and peaches add flavor to your diet without increasing potassium intake. Green beans, bell peppers, mushrooms and summer squashes add crunch to any salad. Other good choices for a renal diet include wax beans, onions, grapes, watermelon, berries, pineapple and dried cranberries.
Snack Time
Pretzels, potato chips and other snack foods sometimes have too much salt for someone with kidney disease to eat safely. Instead, find low-sodium foods that satisfy your cravings. Low-sodium crackers, celery sticks, baby carrots and green peppers with a low-calorie dressing make good snacks for those with kidney disease. Keep these snacks on hand so you can grab them anytime you get hungry.
Sweet Treats
Chocolate contains a high amount of phosphorus. Renal patients with a sweet tooth must stick with other types of sweets. Try angel food cake, sugar cookies, yellow cake, lemon cake or vanilla wafers instead. Cola drinks also contain phosphorus in the form of phosphoric acid. If you crave a sweet beverage, drink lemon-lime soda or root beer instead of cola, but if your doctor advises you to limit your fluid intake, avoid drinking too many soft drinks.
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