Renal Diet Foods

Knowing which foods to eat and which to avoid can help regulate the side effects of kidney failure and help your kidneys to function as effectively as possible.

Fluids

If your doctor recommends limiting your intake of liquids, drink fewer beverages and cut down on ice cream, gelatin, apples, grapes, lettuce, melons, oranges and tomatoes.

Potassium

Do not consume foods that are high in potassium, including bananas, chocolate, broccoli, coffee, prunes, mushrooms, bran, nuts, dried fruit, leafy greens and beets. Low-potassium foods include apples, rice, cucumbers, pears, onions, cranberries, carrots and cherries.

Protein

Avoid high-protein foods such as meat, poultry, dairy and eggs. Foods that are low in protein include beans, grains and vegetables.

Phosphorous

Avoid high-phosphorus foods such as peanut butter, colas, cheese, nuts, beer and ice cream and substitute lower-phosphorous items such as broccoli, zucchini, sorbets and clear sodas.

Sodium

Cut out high-sodium foods such as potato chips, bacon, lunch meat, canned soup or vegetables and processed food mixes. Also, try seasoning your food with herbs and spices or lemon juice instead of table salt.

References

• Healthopedia's Diet for Kidney Disease
• American Association of Kidney Patients' Renal Friendly Diet
• Medical College of Wisconsin's Diet for Renal Patients

Resources

• Renal Diet for Vegetarians
• Medline Plus Diet for Chronic Kidney Disease