Dante Carrillo
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a condition where the kidneys cannot filter blood as they should, and it can lead to a range of health issues. A kidney-friendly diet can help manage CKD by controlling the levels of electrolytes, minerals, and fluids in the body. This involves limiting foods high in sodium, potassium, and phosphorus, which can build up and cause serious health problems. The diet should also focus on fresh, homemade food, with controlled portions, and include fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, and lean protein. People with CKD should work with a registered dietitian to develop a personalized meal plan that considers their preferences, nutritional needs, and medical goals.
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What You'll Learn
Limit sodium, salt, and potassium
People with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are advised to limit their intake of sodium, salt, and potassium. This is because consuming too much sodium can negatively impact anyone, but those with CKD are more susceptible to health challenges.
A person with CKD should consume no more than 1,500–2,300 mg of sodium per day. To limit sodium intake, one can prepare meals at home using fresh ingredients, and avoid processed, frozen, and canned foods, which tend to be high in sodium. It is also important to read labels, as sodium is often added to packaged foods.
Potassium is another important mineral that people with CKD should monitor. Potassium is found in almost all foods, and a food is considered "high-potassium" if it has 200 mg or more of potassium per serving. People with CKD are at risk of having potassium levels that are too high or too low, which can be managed by watching how much potassium is consumed throughout the day. To lower potassium intake, it is recommended to avoid drinking the liquid from canned fruits, vegetables, or juices from cooked meat.
It is important to work with a registered dietitian to develop a meal plan that includes enjoyable foods while maintaining kidney health.
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Reduce phosphorus and control calcium
When you have chronic kidney disease (CKD), it is important to watch what you eat and drink. This is because your kidneys cannot filter your blood as they should, and a kidney-friendly eating plan can help you stay healthier and slow down damage to your kidneys.
As your kidney function decreases, you may need to reduce the amount of phosphorus in your diet. Phosphorus is a mineral found in bones and is necessary for building strong, healthy bones. However, when you have CKD, phosphorus can build up in your blood, pulling calcium away from your bones, causing them to become thin and weak and more susceptible to breaking. High phosphorus levels can also cause itchy skin and bone and joint pain.
Phosphorus is naturally found in protein-rich foods such as meats, poultry, fish, nuts, beans, and dairy products. It is also added to some foods as a preservative or additive, including fast food, deli meats, and some fresh meat and poultry. Therefore, it is important to check ingredient labels for phosphorus or words with "PHOS". Your doctor may also prescribe a phosphate binder to help control the amount of phosphorus your body absorbs from food.
In addition to reducing phosphorus, it is important to control your calcium intake. While calcium is essential for bone health, too much or too little can be harmful. Your doctor or dietitian can help you understand your calcium needs and ensure you are getting the right amount.
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Manage your protein intake
Managing your protein intake is crucial when living with chronic kidney disease (CKD). While protein is an essential nutrient, people with CKD must be mindful of their intake as the kidneys have to work harder to filter excess protein. As the disease progresses, dietary adjustments may be necessary to manage protein levels and prevent further damage to kidney function.
Protein is found in both plant and animal sources. Animal sources of protein include chicken, fish, meat, eggs, and dairy products like milk, yoghurt, and cheese. Plant-based proteins include beans, nuts, and whole-grain bread. When living with CKD, it is important to monitor your intake of these foods and make adjustments as needed.
The amount of protein you need may vary depending on your weight, the stage of your CKD, your muscle mass, and other factors. A registered dietitian can help you determine the right combination and amount of protein to include in your diet. They may recommend a low-protein diet, especially if you are preparing to start dialysis.
If you are on dialysis, your protein needs may change. Dialysis removes protein from the blood, so it is important to ensure adequate protein intake to maintain overall health. Your healthcare provider may suggest adding more high-protein foods to your diet or using supplements such as egg whites, egg white powder, or protein powder.
It is important to note that a low-protein diet does not mean eliminating protein entirely. Protein is essential for maintaining muscle mass and overall health. The goal is to find the right balance of protein for your individual needs. This may involve substituting some protein sources with other nutrient-dense foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats.
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Choose the right fats
When managing chronic kidney disease (CKD), it is important to watch what you eat and drink because your kidneys cannot remove waste products as efficiently. A kidney-friendly eating plan can help you stay healthier and slow down damage to your kidneys. This involves limiting certain foods and fluids to prevent a buildup of certain minerals in your body.
Fat is an essential nutrient and an important part of a healthy eating plan. While everyone needs some fat in their diet, too much fat or the wrong kinds of fat may cause buildup in your blood vessels, heart, and kidneys. People with CKD are at a higher risk of heart disease and should limit their fat consumption.
Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats are healthy alternatives to saturated and trans fats, which can raise cholesterol levels and clog blood vessels. Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats can be found in foods such as canola oil, corn oil, peanut oil, olive oil, and safflower oil.
To limit your consumption of saturated and trans fats, it is recommended to trim fat from meat and remove skin from poultry before eating. Additionally, you should avoid deep-frying foods and opt for grilling, broiling, baking, roasting, or stir-frying instead. When cooking, use non-stick cooking spray or a small amount of olive oil instead of butter.
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Get the right vitamins and supplements
If you have chronic kidney disease (CKD), your diet may be restricted in some food groups, and you may not be getting all the vitamins and minerals your body needs to function. Some vitamins and minerals are also lost during dialysis treatment.
It is important to consult your doctor or kidney specialist before taking any new supplements or vitamins, as they may interact with your medication or affect your kidney function. They will be able to advise you on which supplements are safe and beneficial for your specific body and condition.
Some vitamins that are recommended for people with CKD include:
- Vitamin B complex: B vitamins help turn food into energy and are important for preventing anemia, a common complication of CKD. Vitamin B6, B12, and folic acid work together with iron to prevent anemia. The daily recommendation for folate for those with CKD is 1 mg per day.
- Vitamin C: This vitamin is usually safe for people with CKD, but it is important not to take very high doses, as this can cause a buildup of oxalate in the bones and soft tissues. The recommended dose is 60 to 100 mg.
- Vitamin D: CKD can impair the body's ability to convert vitamin D into its active form, so injectable vitamin D supplements may be recommended. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium and phosphorus and keeps bones and teeth strong.
- Biotin (Vitamin B7): Biotin supplements can be helpful for treating hair loss, which can be a side effect of CKD. It is recommended to get this vitamin from food sources such as beef, liver, eggs, nuts, and sweet potatoes.
Some vitamins that should be avoided or used with caution in people with CKD include:
- Vitamin A: This vitamin can build up in the body and cause toxicity, especially in those with low kidney function or receiving dialysis treatment.
- Vitamin E: Like vitamin A, this vitamin can also build up in the body and may need to be avoided.
- Vitamin K: While this vitamin is not lost during dialysis, there is a risk of functional vitamin K deficiency in dialysis patients, so supplementation may be recommended in some cases.
In addition to vitamins, people with CKD may also benefit from other supplements, such as:
- Calcium: This mineral helps keep bones strong and can be found in dairy, soybeans, enriched grains, and dark leafy greens.
- Iron: If you have anemia due to CKD, your doctor may prescribe iron supplements to help increase red blood cell production.
It is important to note that the use of herbal supplements is controversial in people with CKD, as they may interact with prescription medications and affect their efficacy. It is always best to check with your healthcare provider before taking any new supplements.
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Frequently asked questions
A kidney-friendly diet helps you stay healthy and can slow down damage to your kidneys. It includes foods that are easy on your kidneys and limits other foods and fluids so certain minerals in those foods, like potassium, do not build up to high levels in your body. Your diet should contain less than 2,300 milligrams of sodium each day. People with CKD may also need to eat foods with less phosphorus and potassium.
Avoid canned foods, frozen foods, and most processed meats, as these contain large amounts of salt. Snack foods such as chips and crackers are also high in salt. Deli meats and some fresh meat and poultry can have added phosphorus.
Eat lots of fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, and lean protein. Eat whole grains, low-fat dairy, fish, poultry, beans, seeds, and nuts.
Your dietitian may suggest taking a special supplement made for people with kidney disease. You may also need to take calcium supplements to prevent bone disease, and vitamin D to control the balance of calcium and phosphorus in your body.
