Renal Diet Food List

Renal Diet Food List

Kidney disease is a common issue affecting about 10% of the global population. Kidneys are bean-shaped small organs that perform various crucial and decisive bodily functions.

The kidneys balance bodily fluids, filter waste products, produce urine, and release hormones that regulate blood pressure, among other crucial functions.

There are several ways to damage these crucial organs. High blood pressure (BP) and diabetes are the most common risks for kidney disease.

In addition, age, gender, genetics, and smoking can also increase this risk.

High blood pressure and unregulated blood sugar can damage blood vessels in the kidneys,, reducing their ability to work optimally.

In addition, when the kidneys aren’t functioning well, waste products, including waste from food, accumulate in the blood.

As a result, it’s crucial for individuals suffering from kidney disease to stick to a special diet.

Kidney Disease and Diet

For people with advanced kidney disease, it’s vital to follow a kidney-friendly diet that helps decrease the amount of waste in the bloodstream.

This diet is known as the renal diet, and it helps enhance kidney function while preventing further harm.

It’s widely suggested that all persons with kidney disease limit the following nutrients:

Phosphorus: Damaged kidneys can’t expel excess phosphorus, a mineral in many foods.

High phosphorus levels can harm the body; therefore, the amount of phosphorus consumed is limited to less than 800-1000 milligrams (mg) per day.

Potassium plays several significant roles in the body, but those with kidney disease need to restrict potassium to avoid severely high blood levels.

Limiting potassium to less than 2,000 milligrams (mg) per day is usually suggested.

Sodium: Sodium is found in several foods and is a significant constituent of table salt.

Damaged kidneys cannot remove excess sodium, causing blood levels to climb. Therefore, it’s often recommended that sodium intake be restricted to less than 2,000 milligrams (mg) per day.

Foods to Eat on the Renal Diet

Blueberries

Renal Diet Food List

Renal Diet Food List – Blueberries

Blueberries are filled with nutrients and are one of the top sources of antioxidants you can take.

Notably, these sweet berries have antioxidants known as anthocyanins, which can shield against certain cancers, cognitive decline, diabetes, and heart disease.

They are also an incredible addition to a kidney-friendly diet because they are low in phosphorus, potassium, and sodium. One serving (142 grams) of fresh blueberries contains

  • Phosphorus: 18 mg
  • Potassium: 114 mg
  • Sodium: 1.5 mg

Buckwheat

Renal Diet Food List

Renal Diet Food List – Buckwheat

Most whole grains have high phosphorus levels, but buckwheat is a healthy alternative.

Buckwheats are highly wholesome, providing good iron, fiber, magnesium, and vitamin C. A half-cup (84 grams) of prepared buckwheat has

  • Phosphorus: 59 mg
  • Potassium: 74 mg
  • Sodium: 3.5 mg

Cauliflower

Renal Diet Food List

Cauliflower

This nutritious vegetable is an ideal source of many nutrients, including vitamins B, C, and K.

It’s also filled with anti-inflammatory compounds like indoles, an excellent fiber source.

In addition, mashed cauliflower can be used instead of a low-potassium side dish. One serving (124 grams) of cooked cauliflower comprises

  • Phosphorus: 40 mg
  • Potassium: 176 mg
  • Sodium: 19 mg

Egg Whites

Renal Diet Food List

Egg Whites

Although egg yolks are wholesome, they contain high phosphorus levels, making egg whites the perfect option for people on a renal diet.

Egg whites are a kidney-friendly source of protein. They’re an impressive choice for people undergoing dialysis treatment.

 Two large egg whites contain

  • Phosphorus: 10 mg
  • Potassium: 108 mg
  • Sodium: 110 mg

Garlic

Renal Diet Food List

Garlic

It is recommended that people with kidney problems reduce their sodium intake. Garlic is a sumptuous alternative to salt, adding flavor to dishes and providing nutritional benefits.

It’s an impressive source of manganese, vitamin B6, and vitamin C and has sulfur compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties. Three cloves of garlic have

  • Phosphorus: 14 mg
  • Potassium: 36 mg
  • Sodium: 1.5 mg

Olive Oil

Renal Diet Food List

Olive Oil

Olive oil is a vital source of fat. It is also phosphorus-free, making it an excellent option for people with kidney disease.

Often, persons with advanced kidney disease have trouble maintaining weight, making healthy, high-calorie foods like olive oil vital.

One spoon (13.0 grams) of olive oil has

  • Phosphorus: 0 mg
  • Potassium: 0.1 mg
  • Sodium: 0.3 mg

Red Grapes

Renal Diet Food List

Renal Diet Food List – Red Grapes

Red grapes are not only sumptuous but also deliver a load of nutrition in a small package.

They’re high in vitamin C, and they have antioxidants known as flavonoids, which have been proven to reduce inflammation.

These delicious fruits are kidney-friendly, containing half a serving (75 grams).

  • Phosphorus: 15 mg
  • Potassium: 114 mg
  • Sodium: 1.5 mg

Sea Bass

Renal Diet Food List – Sea Bass

Sea bass is a top-notch protein with incredibly healthy fats known as omega-3. Omega-3s help lessen inflammation and can reduce the risk of anxiety, cognitive decline, and depression.

85 grams (three ounces) of cooked sea bass have

  • Phosphorus: 211 mg
  • Potassium: 279 mg
  • Sodium: 74 mg

What not to take on a Renal Diet

Limit Calcium and Phosphorus

These minerals maintain bone health and strength. When your kidneys are healthy, they eradicate the phosphorous you don’t need.

However, if you have CKD, your phosphorus levels can be a bit too high.

This puts you at increased risk of contracting heart disease. In addition, your calcium amounts start to decrease. To make up for it, your body gets it from your bones.

This can make them feeble and more straightforward to break.

What about Fluids?

If you have early-stage CKD, you don’t need to reduce fluids. However, if your condition worsens, your physician will inform you if you need to cut those, too.

To reduce fluids, you can:

  1. Manage your thirst with ice chips, frozen grapes, or sugar-free hard candies.
  2. Stay away from salty foods.
  3. Track your fluid intake in a journal.

Final Thought

The kidney-friendly foods illustrated above are top options for people sticking to the renal diet.

First, however, you should discuss your food choices with a physician to ensure that you follow the best diet for your needs.

Printable Renal Diet Food List in PDF

Foods to Eat On The Renal DietFoods to limit on the Renal Diet
BlueberriesLimit Calcium and Phosphorus
BuckwheatTo reduce fluids, you can:
CauliflowerManage your thirst with ice chips, frozen grapes, or sugar-free hard candies.
Egg WhitesStay away from salty foods.
GarlicTrack your fluid intake in a journal.
Olive Oil
Red Grapes
Sea Bass

See Also

Blood Type B Diet Food List

Keto Diet and Stage 3 Kidney Disease

Blood Type O Food List

Blood Type A Food List

GAPS Diet Food List

No Sugar Diet Food List

Keto Food List for Beginners

Intermittent Fasting Food List

List of Keto Vegetables

Damla Sengul

Damla Sengul, a seasoned Food Editor at Dietsmealplan.com, boasts a 5-year worth of expertise as a digital editor, with a specific focus on authentic recipe content. Her expertise extends to various crucial aspects of the cookery world, including in-depth research on renowned chefs worldwide and innovative recipe development. Additionally, Damla is an enthusiastic baker who dedicates part of her time crafting delightful celebration cakes for her friends.