The first step to healthy eating is stocking your kitchen with the right foods. Many foods are hidden sources of sugar and sodium, so it’s important to know what’s in your refrigerator. The two main causes of kidney disease are diabetes and high blood pressure, but kidney disease can be prevented or reduced if these conditions are under control. Making healthy food choices and controlling your sugar, fat, sodium, and salt intake can have an important impact on controlling kidney disease and protecting your kidneys.

Include these five foods in your daily diet to maintain kidney health:

leafy greens such as spinach, kale, and Swiss chard, which are rich in essential vitamins and minerals that support kidney function; berries like blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries, which are packed with antioxidants and can reduce inflammation; fish high in omega-3, such as salmon and mackerel, which help reduce inflammation and protect kidney health; garlic, which lowers cholesterol and reduces inflammation, and adds flavor without the need for salt; and cauliflower, which is high in fiber and antioxidants while being low in potassium and sodium, making it an excellent choice for kidney-friendly diets. By including these foods, you can help maintain healthy kidneys and control conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes.

Sparkling water: Soda has no nutritional value and is full of natural and chemical sugars. This can lead to consuming too many calories in the diet, which ultimately leads to unnecessary weight gain. A typical 12-ounce serving of Coke contains 152 calories and in some places as much as baking soda!

There are stores in America that sell 50 ounce soft drinks. Studies have linked soda to conditions like osteoporosis, kidney disease, metabolic syndrome and dental problems. Diet soda may be low in calories, but it has no nutritional value and often contains additives like artificial sweeteners. Drink water instead of soda. If you don’t like the taste of plain water, add a fruit or two for more flavor.

Processed meats: Avoid cold cuts like bologna and pork from your diet! Processed meats can be sources of sodium and nitrates, which are linked to cancer. Choose lean meats, such as freshly roasted turkey or chicken, and always choose meats that are low in sodium and nitrates.

Cream: Butter is made from animal fat and is high in cholesterol, calories, and saturated fat. Margarine, made from vegetable oil, contains healthier fats but may not always be a good choice due to the presence of trans fats. A better alternative is using canola or olive oil, as these oils are rich in beneficial fats. If you opt for a spread, select one that is low in calories and free from both saturated fats and trans fats for a healthier option.

Mayonnaise: One tablespoon of mayonnaise contains 103 calories. Not only are they high in calories, they are also high in fat. There are low-calorie, fat-free mayonnaises on the market, but they are often high in sodium and sugar and may contain other additives. A healthier option is to replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt, which is full of protein and pairs well with salad dressings.

Processed Foods: Studies have shown that processed foods can contribute to type 2 diabetes. Heavy processing can mean hidden sugar, sodium and fat. However, not all frozen meals are created equal! Being able to prepare fresh, whole foods is always a good idea, but sometimes convenience is key, so read the labels carefully if you choose frozen foods. Avoid “low sodium” or “no added sodium” foods and frozen foods that contain sugar, fillers, or other additives. If frozen meals are not included, add fresh fruits and vegetables to balance the meal.

Healthy food for kidney patients

Garlic

1 clove garlic = 1 mg sodium, 12 mg potassium, 4 mg phosphorus

Garlic has antibacterial properties that can reduce plaque, cholesterol and inflammation in your teeth.

Buy fresh, canned, ground or dried and add to meat, vegetables or pasta. You can fry a head of garlic and spread it on bread. Garlic has a sweet taste and garlic powder is a good alternative to garlic salt in dialysis diet.

Apple

Medium apple with peel = 0 sodium, 158 mg potassium, 10 mg phosphorus.

Apples help lower cholesterol, prevent constipation, prevent heart disease and reduce the risk of cancer. An apple a day is rich in fiber and anti-inflammatory compounds, which is good news for kidney patients who need to see the doctor.

This kidney diet can be combined with your favorite onions to make a unique onion and onion omelette. Apples are versatile. You can eat apples raw or roasted, drink their juice or drink it in the form of apple juice or cut apples.

Blueberries

Half a cup of fresh berries contains 4 mg of sodium, 65 mg of potassium, and 7 mg of phosphorus. Blueberries are rich in anthocyanin, an anti-inflammatory nutrient that gives them their blue color. These berries also contain natural compounds that help reduce inflammation. Blueberries are a good source of vitamin C, fiber, and manganese, which supports bone health. Additionally, they help protect the brain from the effects of aging, and their antioxidants aid in reducing bone loss. You can enjoy blueberries fresh, frozen, or dried, and they can be used to make juices or added to smoothies. Raspberry juice is another flavorful option.

Raspberries

Half a cup of berries provides 0 mg of sodium, 93 mg of potassium, and 7 mg of phosphorus. Raspberries are rich in a phytonutrient called ellagic acid, which helps neutralize harmful free radicals in the body. They also contain anthocyanins, flavonoids responsible for their red color. Strawberries are a great source of manganese, vitamin C, fiber, folate, and B vitamins. Additionally, strawberries possess properties that can inhibit the growth of cancer cells and reduce tumor formation. You can incorporate strawberries into cereals, purees, and desserts, or use them in soups and vinaigrettes for added flavor and nutrition.

Cherry

1/2 cup fresh sweet cherries = 0 mg sodium, 160 mg potassium, 15 mg phosphorus.

Studies have shown that eating cherries daily can reduce inflammation. It also contains heart-protective antioxidants and phytochemicals.

Eat fresh cherries as a snack or make cherry soup with lamb or pork. Another way to enjoy this delicious treat is with cherry juice.

Reference

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/what-foods-are-bad-for-kidneys#:~:text=People%20with%20kidney%20disease%20typically,%2C%20brown%20rice%2C%20and%20chips.

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods-to-avoid-with-kidney-disease

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/15641-renal-diet-basics

https://www.kidney.org/kidney-topics/keep-your-kidneys-healthy-5-foods-to-avoid

https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/kidney-disease/chronic-kidney-disease-ckd/eating-nutrition/nutrition-advanced-chronic-kidney-disease-adults

https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/diet-and-chronic-kidney-disease

https://www.kidneyfund.org/living-kidney-disease/healthy-eating-activity/kidney-friendly-eating-plan

https://www.davita.com/diet-nutrition/articles/advice/top-15-healthy-foods-for-people-with-kidney-disease

https://health.selfdecode.com/blog/the-renal-diet/

https://www.everydayhealth.com/kidney-diseases/diet-tips-to-help-prevent-or-manage-chronic-kidney-disease/