Healthy Things To Eat & Drink For A Stage 3 Kidney Problem

The National Kidney Foundation reports that someone with a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of 30 to 59 mL/min has stage three kidney disease. GFR measures how well the kidneys filter wastes out of the blood. In stage three of chronic kidney disease, nutrition plays an important role in preventing complications. A renal diet restricts the intake of sodium, potassium, protein and phosphorus, which reduces the workload of the kidneys and may slow the progression of kidney disease.

Low-Sodium Snacks

Kidneys with impaired function have difficulty maintaining normal levels of sodium and fluid in the blood. When sodium levels increase, the body retains fluid, causing swelling of the eyelids, ankles, feet, legs and hands. Eating low-sodium snacks reduces the amount of sodium in the bloodstream and prevents the retention of excess fluid. Avoid high-sodium snacks like potato chips, salted pretzels, salted popcorn and fast foods. Replace them with low-sodium alternatives, such as unsalted popcorn, unsalted pretzels and unsalted crackers.

Low-Potassium Fruits & Vegetables

When the kidneys stop working properly, it becomes difficult for them to control the amount of potassium in the blood. Elevated potassium levels lead to fatigue, muscle paralysis, irregular heartbeat and other serious problems, so reducing the amount of potassium in the diet helps prevent complications. Avoid fruits and vegetables with high levels of potassium. These foods include bananas, oranges, kiwifruit, potatoes and sweet potatoes. Replace these foods with bell peppers, onions, apples, watermelon, cranberries, carrots, cucumbers and grapes, according to the Medical College of Wisconsin.

Low-Phosphorus Foods

Phosphorus levels increase when the kidneys do not maintain normal mineral levels in the blood. Increased phosphorus levels lead to low calcium levels, secondary hyperparathyroidism and bone changes, according to The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. Restricting the intake of dietary phosphorus helps to restore phosphorus levels to normal and prevent these complications. Replace high-phosphorus foods with lower-phosphorus alternatives, such as hard candy, frozen fruit pops, sherbet, cream cheese, rice milk, popcorn and clear soft drinks.

Lean Meats

The American Association of Kidney Patients reports that kidney disease patients should eat 0.6g of protein per kg of body weight each day. This means that someone who weighs 150 lbs. would need to eat 41g of protein on a daily basis. Small servings of poultry and lean meats fulfill this requirement without putting additional strain on the kidneys.

Low-Calorie Beverages

Since the kidneys control fluid levels in the body, the beverages you drink also play a role in the management of your kidney disease. Someone with a stage three kidney problem may have to restrict fluid intake to prevent swelling and other symptoms of excess fluid in the body. Drink water, low-fat milk and clear soft drinks. Avoid cola soft drinks, as they contain phosphoric acid and may increase levels of the phosphorus in the blood.