What Are the Best Dietary Options for Someone Dealing with Kidney Disease?
When facing kidney disease, it’s essential to know that you will need to make changes in your diet. You will need to work with your doctor to create a plan. Always remember to consult with your doctor about the best dietary options when dealing with kidney disease, and follow best practices to stay as healthy as possible.
Let’s look at what foods are good or bad, and why?
Some of the Best Dietary Options for Dealing with Kidney Disease
- Garlic
- Onions
- Apples
- Cranberries
- Blueberries
- Red Bell Peppers
- Cauliflower
- Cabbage
- Raspberries
- Strawberries
- Cherries
- Red Grapes
- Egg Whites
- Fish
- Olive Oil
- Italian, French, or sourdough bread
- Corn or rice cereals (Cream of Wheat)
- Herbs and spices instead of salt
Some of the Worse Dietary Options for Dealing with Kidney Disease
- Processed meat such as ham, bacon, sausage, and lunch meat
- Pickled foods such as olives and pickles
- Whole grain bread
- Bran cereals and oatmeal
- Nuts and sunflower seed
- Dark-colored colas
- Very high-protein diets
When Kidneys are damaged, one may not want to consume as much liquid because the kidneys may not expel extra fluid as they normally would. Fluid building up in the body can lead to high blood pressure, painful swelling, and even heart failure. It’s especially important to avoid sodium to reduce thirst. If the nutria label says an item has 20% or more sodium, it is considered high in sodium. The item should be avoided. Seek to eat foods that have moderate levels of protein and very low sodium. Be aware of your fluid intake and choices.
Food choices are important, but even more so, you should know what liquids to avoid, such as:
- Coffee: This can dehydrate you, and it is difficult for the kidney to filter.
- Soups: These typically are very high in sodium.
- Foods that melt, like ice, ice cream, and gelatin: While Jell-O and ice cream may not be seen as a liquid, they dissolve into liquid and are also high in sugar.
- Alcohol: Any intake of alcohol is detrimental to the kidneys. Alcohol is generally full of sugar, which is very bad for people suffering from kidney disease.
Of course, there will be times when you might have to be at a function where alcohol and other foods are being served. In those cases, opt for light-colored sodas like 7-up or Sprite. When possible, choose water, of course. You won’t be able to tell what items are good or bad for you or are full of salt or sugar. Party, food doesn’t come with a label but suffice to say, eat lightly, bite cake rather than an entire piece, make a small plate, and taste rather than binge.
If you are in stage 1 or 2 and even stage 3, you might not feel some of the effects of the food you are eating all the time. The sooner you get on top of things, the longer you can stave off digression and extensive damage. The more you abuse your kidneys with poor food choices, the more they head toward failure.
Vitamins:
To combat the possible side effects of kidney disease such as bone disease and anemia, consuming a proper amount of vitamin D, folic acid, and iron is suggested. Beware of the general multi-vitamin which may not be suitable for you. You may consider PRINE Health’s nephrology formulated, PRINE VITE Complete. As always, consult with your doctor.
Fast Food:
Generally speaking, fast food is often a very poor choice for someone facing renal failure. In fact, fast food is usually not suitable for any diet. The products produced at fast-food restaurants are loaded with salt and sugar, as well as bad fats. These products are processed foods, and your best bet is to eat organic, low salt, and good fats as opposed to something created in a factory.
The Rules of Protein:
When a person eats protein, the body creates waste that the kidneys have to filter through.
You need protein in your diet, but if your kidneys are damaged, you will have to be careful to eat. Typically, lower protein diets are protective for your kidneys.
There are two kinds of protein – plant-based and animal-based.
Animal-Protein Options:
- Fish
- Eggs
- Dairy
- Chicken
- Turkey
- Beef
Planet-Based Protein Options:
- Lentils
- Beans
- Nuts
- Quinoa
- Chickpeas
In general, the main thing is to work with your doctors, both your general practitioner and your specialists, to create a diet you can live with that will give you both the best quality of life and the best kidney health possible.
No one wants to be restricted in their diet. It’s not fun. We all have our favorite foods. For some, it’s pizza and burgers, for others, cake, and ice cream. Within reason, you can have small treats to take the edge off the restricted diet you may need to follow. Still, a solid plan for healthy kidney food will be an essential element of your treatment and overall well-being.
If you seek advice from experts on the best dietary options for Kidney disease or for any questions related to Kidney Disease, please reach out to us at PRINE Health. We have kidney specialists and clinical nutritionists who can work together to create the best path for your future kidney health.
