What Food is Good for a Kidney Patient?

Best Foods for Kidney Patients: A Complete Guide to Renal Nutrition

The kidneys are vital organs in the body that perform a host of crucial functions apart from filtering impurities. They regulate blood pressure levels, balance electrolytes, and produce urine to flush waste from the body. Studies show that nearly 10% of the total population suffers from kidney disease. Now, given the fact that chronic kidney disease currently has no cure, it is essential to maintain lifestyle habits that prevent further damage.

Diet is the most important aspect of lifestyle modifications recommended for kidney patients. Individuals should follow a balanced diet with nutritious foods that promote kidney health. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the dietary choices and nutritional aspects suitable for kidney patients.

Keep reading to find out!  

Nutritional Choices for Kidney Patients 

Kidney patients must have a balanced diet that includes foods that prevent further damage to their kidneys. Most of the foods included in their diet should focus on removing wastes and toxins from the body.

Here are the essential aspects of nutrients to be taken care of in a renal diet:

1. Reduce the Intake of Fluids

If the kidneys are not functioning efficiently, you will need to limit your fluid intake, as they cannot effectively flush excess fluids from the body. Accumulation of excess fluids can disrupt blood pressure levels and lead to swelling around the hands and feet. Hence, patients should do the following:

• Limit water intake and foods with high water content, such as melons, grapes, apples, oranges, soups, ice cream, and gelatin.
• Restrict the intake of salt to feel less thirsty.
• Use a measuring cup to drink water.
• Chew any sugar-free gum and rinse their mouth with cold water whenever they feel thirsty.

2. Reduce Potassium Intake

Potassium is essential for heart health. Kidneys regulate the amount of potassium required to maintain a healthy heartbeat. If kidneys don’t function properly, then potassium levels can rise and cause various cardiac diseases, which can be life-threatening.

To regulate potassium levels in your body, do the following:

• Avoid consuming foods rich in potassium, such as bananas, spinach, potatoes, milk, and other dairy products.
• Include foods low in potassium, like green beans, onions, eggplant, apples, grapes, and pineapples.

3. Limit Intake of Phosphorus

The kidneys regulate the amount of phosphorus in the bloodstream. When they are not functioning well, phosphorus may accumulate in the body, making the bones weak and brittle. To counter such issues:

• Include low-phosphorus foods in your diet, such as corn, rice, and cream of wheat.
• Avoid whole-grain bread, bran cereals, oatmeal, and nuts, which are rich in phosphorus.   

4. Choose the Right Amount of Sodium

Excess sodium can make you feel thirsty and force the heart to pump fluids at a faster rate throughout the body. If this continues for a prolonged time, then it may lead to heart failure. Restrict the intake of salt and frozen foods that contain high amounts of sodium.

5. Include the Right Amount of Protein

Kidney patients receiving dialysis treatment should include high-quality proteins in their diet. It helps to improve muscle strength and repair damaged tissues. Fish, poultry, and egg whites should be included in the diet.

However, those not undergoing dialysis should follow a low-protein diet, focusing mostly on plant-based proteins.

Super Foods for Kidney Patients

People with chronic kidney disease should follow a nutritious diet that reduces the progression of kidney damage. Here are a few superfoods that kidney patients must have to promote kidney health:

1. Fruits

Fruits are an excellent source of antioxidants, fibres, and Vitamin C that help repair damaged tissues and promote kidney health:

• Blueberries and cranberries are high in antioxidants called anthocyanidins and proanthocyanidins, respectively.
• They are low in potassium, sodium, and phosphorus, making them a superfood for kidney patients. Also, they promote heart health and prevent cancer.
• Raspberries and strawberries are rich in vitamin C and fibre and are loaded with anti-inflammatory properties.

2. Vegetables

• Vegetables like cabbage, red bell peppers, onion, and broccoli are low in potassium, which makes them a superfood for kidney patients.
• Cauliflower is loaded with vitamin K, folate, fibre, and thiocyanates that help the liver remove toxic substances which may damage healthy tissues.

3. Proteins

• Include sea bass fish that have high-quality protein, omega-3s, and healthy fats.
• Egg whites are another such source of high-quality proteins. However, avoid egg yolks as they are rich in phosphorus.
• Skinless chicken breasts are low in fat and provide healthy proteins.

However, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), individuals with kidney disease should limit their intake of fish and meat, as they are high in protein, which can put pressure on the kidneys.

Managing kidney disease is complicated. Proper guidance will help prepare a balanced diet plan. It is advisable to consult a healthcare professional, as the diet and portion sizes vary for different stages of kidney disease. Remember to include superfoods to avoid further damage and improve your overall health.

Also Read:

→ What is Stage 1 Kidney Disease

→ What is Stage 5 Kidney Disease

→ Can a Kidney Repair Itself

→ Can I Improve My Kidney Function

→ What is the Cause of Kidney Failure