Nutrition For Renal Failure: A Guide To Healthy Eating

People with compromised kidney function must adhere to a renal or kidney diet to cut down on the amount of waste in their blood. Wastes in the blood come from food and liquids that are consumed. When kidney function is compromised, the kidneys do not filter or remove waste properly. If waste is left in the blood, it can negatively affect a patient’s electrolyte levels. Following a kidney diet may also help promote kidney function and slow the progression of complete kidney failure. A renal diet is one that is low in sodium, phosphorous, and protein. A renal diet also emphasizes the importance of consuming high-quality protein and usually limits fluids.

High-quality protein

When following a renal diet, it is important to limit the amount of protein you consume, as protein comes from both plants and animals. Good protein sources for someone with kidney disease include:

• Beans and lentils (in small amounts, as they also contain phosphorus)
• Fish or seafood
• Lean beef (like sirloin or tenderloin)
• Skinless poultry

A cooked portion of chicken, fish, or meat is about 2 to 3 ounces or about the size of a deck of cards. A portion of dairy foods is ½ cup of milk or yogurt, or one slice of cheese.

It is important to talk to your doctor or dietitian about the best renal diet for you, as portion sizes and foods to avoid will vary from person to person. Your exact renal diet will also depend on your size, age, and the stage of your disease.

Portion sizes

A cooked portion of chicken, fish, or meat is about 2 to 3 ounces or about the size of a deck of cards. A portion of dairy foods is ½ cup of milk or yogurt, or one slice of cheese. A portion of cooked beans is about ½ cup, and a portion of nuts is ¼ cup. A portion of bread is a single slice, and a portion of cooked rice or cooked noodles is ½ cup.

When following a renal diet, it is important to choose fresh foods and cook from scratch as much as you can. Avoid fast food and packaged foods.

Foods to avoid

People with compromised kidney function must adhere to a renal or kidney diet to cut down on the amount of waste in their blood. Wastes in the blood come from food and liquids that are consumed. When kidney function is compromised, the kidneys do not filter or remove waste properly. If waste is left in the blood, it can negatively affect a patient’s electrolyte levels. Following a kidney diet may also help promote kidney function and slow the progression of complete kidney failure. A renal diet is one that is low in sodium, phosphorous, and protein. A renal diet also emphasizes the importance of consuming high-quality protein and usually limits fluids.

Protein is found in foods from plants and animals. Most people eat both types of protein. Talk to your dietitian about how to choose the right combination of protein foods for you. A cooked portion of chicken, fish, or meat is about 2 to 3 ounces or about the size of a deck of cards. A portion of dairy foods is ½ cup of milk or yogurt, or one slice of cheese. A portion of cooked beans is about ½ cup, and a portion of nuts is ¼ cup. A portion of bread is a single slice, and a portion of cooked rice or cooked noodles is ½ cup.

Beans and lentils (in small amounts, as they also contain phosphorus), fish or seafood, lean beef (like sirloin or tenderloin), and skinless poultry are good protein sources for someone with kidney disease.

Choose fresh foods and cook from scratch as much as you can. Avoid fast food and packaged foods.

Renal diet foods

A renal diet is one that is low in sodium, phosphorous, and protein. It also emphasizes the importance of consuming high-quality protein and usually limits fluids.

Good protein sources for someone with kidney disease include:

• Beans and lentils (in small amounts, as they also contain phosphorous)
• Fish or seafood
• Lean beef (like sirloin or tenderloin)
• Skinless poultry

A cooked portion of chicken, fish, or meat is about 2 to 3 ounces or about the size of a deck of cards. A portion of dairy foods is ½ cup of milk or yogurt, or one slice of cheese.

A portion of cooked beans is about ½ cup, and a portion of nuts is ¼ cup. A portion of bread is a single slice, and a portion of cooked rice or cooked noodles is ½ cup.

Choose fresh foods and cook from scratch as much as you can. Avoid fast food and packaged foods.

Talk to your doctor about which iron-rich foods you can eat when you have CKD. DASH stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension. It’s a diet rich in fruits, veggies, low-fat dairy products, whole grains, fish, poultry, beans, seeds, and nuts.

Phosphorus in beans

People with compromised kidney function must adhere to a renal or kidney diet to cut down on the amount of waste in their blood. Wastes in the blood come from food and liquids that are consumed. When kidney function is compromised, the kidneys do not filter or remove waste properly. If waste is left in the blood, it can negatively affect a patient’s electrolyte levels.

Following a kidney diet may also help promote kidney function and slow the progression of complete kidney failure. A renal diet is one that is low in sodium, phosphorous, and protein. A renal diet also emphasizes the importance of consuming high-quality protein and usually limits fluids.

A cooked portion of beans is about ½ cup, and a portion of nuts is ¼ cup. Beans and peas, being plant-based foods, are linked to a decreased risk of inflammatory diseases.

Research has revealed that only 50% or less of the phosphorus in legumes is absorbed. Phytates in plant protein bind phosphorus, preventing absorption. In addition to phosphorus, another concern when including legumes is potassium. Most beans have 250 mg or more potassium in 1/2 cup, which is high. So beans must be planned, with attention to how much and how often to include them. A couple of lower potassium choices include green peas with 88 mg and garbanzo beans with 173 mg in 1/2 cup.

Frequently asked questions