A renal diet can aid in assisting and prolonging kidney function for those with kidney disease. Such a diet calls for limiting intake of liquids, protein, sodium, phosphorous and potassium in order to maintain the body’s delicate balance of fluids, electrolytes and minerals. Renal diets may also be high in calories, since kidney disease contributes to weight loss and dialysis increases caloric requirements. Nutritional requirements can vary from person to person depending on the stage of kidney disease, so patients should consult with a doctor or dietician about individual dietary needs.
Considerations
Dairy foods, such as milk, yogurt and cheese, must be limited, as they contain phosphorous. Vegetables such as white potatoes, sweet potatoes, yams, tomatoes, winter squash, spinach, asparagus and avocados have significant levels of potassium, so reduce intake of these items. Cured, smoked or otherwise processed meats like sausage, ham and bacon should be avoided due to their high sodium content. Limit intake of nuts, beans, lentils, peas and chickpeas, as they harbor considerable amounts of phosphorous. Choose refined grains, such as white rice, white bread and regular pasta, over whole grains, like brown pasta and brown or wild rice, because refined grains contain less phosphorous. Those following the renal diet need to carefully read the labels of canned and jarred products because such products – even canned vegetables – can have astronomically high sodium levels. Instead of using the salt shaker to add flavor to dishes, season with spices and herbs.
“Meat and Potatoes” Dishes
Although potatoes aren’t recommended for the renal diet, the type of meal consisting of a portion of meat, starchy side dish and cooked vegetable can still be enjoyed if you're following a kidney-friendly eating regime. Choose meats with relatively lower protein contents, such as pork chops or ribs, ground beef and fish -- particularly mild varieties like cod, haddock, perch and walleye. Alternatively, enjoy higher-protein meats like chicken, steak and lamb in smaller portions – for instance, savor one chicken drumstick or 3 ounces of steak. Reduce the protein content of hamburgers, meatloaf and other ground meat by mixing in onions, bell pepper, breadcrumbs or cooked barley, bulgur or rice. Suitable starches include rice, noodles and couscous. For vegetables, consider steamed, roasted or sautéed broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini, yellow squash or green beans. Add flavor to starches and vegetables with margarine, oil, a sprinkling of Parmesan and spices and herbs such as garlic, oregano, cumin, basil and cilantro.
Blended Dishes
Many blended dishes – casseroles, stews and soups -- can still be relished on the renal diet. In casseroles, reduce the amount of cheese and meat, increase the starch and swap rice milk or non-dairy creamer for regular milk. Meal ideas include bell peppers stuffed with rice, cheddar and chicken or beef. Cook up a pilaf or risotto with chicken, mushrooms, rice milk and Romano cheese. Or simmer a ratatouille with eggplant, zucchini and bell peppers. If a healthy, restoring chicken noodle or chicken rice soup is on the menu, reduce the water content and beware of sodium levels when using stock. Enjoy rolls or bread with margarine as a side dish.
Italian Cuisine
Instead of the traditional spaghetti marinara, opt for aglio e olio – garlic and oil – or green pesto. Try a homemade pizza using pesto as a base, adding chicken or shrimp, broccoli and red peppers as toppings -- but go easy on the cheese. Concoct a white lasagna with olive oil, a bit of ricotta and a hearty mixture of vegetables: bell pepper, mushrooms, zucchini, carrots and broccoli. And salads make great complements to Italian entrees, but read dressing labels carefully or make your own simple dressing with olive oil, garlic powder and dried herbs.
Ethnic Specialties
Throughout much of the world, meat and dairy are rare, while rice and spices are staples, making many traditional dishes well-suited to the renal diet. Examples of rice-based dishes include Spanish paella, Caribbean arroz con pollo, Cajun jambalaya and gumbo, Indo-British kedgeree and Chinese fried rice. Some recipes may call for sausage or ham, but chicken, shrimp and often pork or egg can make good substitutes. For an Asian entrée, try crispy, sweet, honey-glazed tofu with broccoli over rice; if you don’t prefer tofu, use shrimp or scallops. Get out the griddle and cook up some Korean-style pancakes with mung bean sprouts, onion, shredded zucchini and shrimp or other seafood. But avoid soy sauce as it contains a heavy dose of sodium. For a Middle Eastern flair, grill up shish kabobs and serve with couscous, and on Mexican night, try chicken or turkey fajitas dressed with shredded cabbage, red onion and lime juice.
References
- National Institutes of Health Medline Plus: Diet - Chronic Kidney Disease
- National Kidney Foundation: How to Increase Calories in Your CKD Diet
- Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center: The Renal Diet - A Guide to Eating Healthier for Hemodialysis Patients
- Kidney Times: A Renal Rookie's Cooking Challenge, Ed Robinson
- Medical College of Wisconsin: Diet For Renal Patient
- United States Department of Agriculture: USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, Release 18
- National Kidney Foundation: Dining Out With Confidence
- National Kidney Foundation: Enjoy Your Own Recipes Using Less Protein
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