What foods are hard on the kidneys

The 20 Best Foods for People with Kidney Disease

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If you have kidney disease, you may need to follow a special diet, usually low in sodium, phosphorus, and potassium. This may not heal your kidneys, but it can help make them healthier.

When your kidneys arent working properly, waste builds up in the blood, including waste products from food. People with kidney disease can benefit from following a special diet known as a renal diet.

Here, we look at 20 of the best foods for people with kidney disease.

Dietary restrictions vary depending on the level of kidney damage. People with later-stage kidney disease will have different restrictions from those with early kidney disease.

At any stage, the diet will need to boost kidney function while lowering the risk of further damage.

While dietary restrictions vary, people with kidney disease typically need to restrict the following nutrients. The kidneys may have difficulty removing or processing these nutrients, and high levels can cause damage to the body.

Since kidney disease has close links with heart disease, its best to combine these choices with a heart-healthy diet one that contains plenty of fresh, plant-based foods and is low in saturated fats.

Everyones experience of kidney disease varies, so its important to talk with a doctor about your individual dietary needs.

Here are 20 foods that may improve kidney health or prevent it from worsening:

Cauliflower provides many nutrients, including vitamin K, folate, and fiber. It also contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.

Try mashed cauliflower in place of potato for a low potassium side dish.

One-half cup or about 62 grams (g) of boiled cauliflower without salt contains:

• sodium: 9.3 milligrams (mg)
• potassium: 88 mg
• phosphorus: 20 mg
• protein: 1 g

Blueberries are rich in nutrients and antioxidants known as anthocyanins, which may protect against heart disease, diabetes, and other diseases.

Theyre also low in sodium, phosphorus, and potassium.

One cup (148 g) of fresh blueberries contains:

• sodium: 1.5 mg
• potassium: 114 mg
• phosphorus: 18 mg
• protein: 1 g

Sea bass is a fish option that provides high quality protein. It also contains healthy fats called omega-3s. Omega-3s may help prevent a range of diseases and boost the health of those living with long-term conditions.

Three ounces (85 g) of cooked sea bass contains:

• sodium: 74 mg
• potassium: 279 mg
• phosphorus: 211 mg
• protein: 20 g

However, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) recommends eating small portions of meat or fish, as high protein levels can make the kidneys work harder.

One portion is 23 ounces of chicken, fish, or meat, or a piece around the size of a deck of cards.

Red grapes are a good source of antioxidants called flavonoids, which may help reduce inflammation and protect against heart disease, diabetes, and other health conditions.

One half-cup (75 g) of red grapes contains:

• sodium: 1.5 mg
• potassium: 144 mg
• phosphorus: 15 mg
• protein: 0.5 g

Egg whites provide a high quality, kidney-friendly source of protein that is low in phosphorus.

Egg whites may be a better choice than whole eggs for people on a renal diet, as egg yolks can be high in phosphorus.

Two large, raw egg whites (66 g) contain:

• sodium: 110 mg
• potassium: 108 mg
• phosphorus: 10 mg
• protein: 7 g

Garlic provides a tasty alternative to salt, adding flavor to dishes while also providing nutritional benefits.

Its a good source of manganese and vitamin B6. It also contains sulfur compounds with anti-inflammatory properties.

Three cloves (9 g) of garlic contain:

• sodium: 1.5 mg
• potassium: 36 mg
• phosphorus: 14 mg
• protein: 0.5 g

Buckwheat is a whole grain thats low in potassium. It also contains B vitamins, magnesium, iron, and fiber.

Its also gluten-free, making it suitable for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.

A half cup (85 g) of buckwheat contains:

• sodium: 0.8 mg
• potassium: 391 mg
• phosphorus: 295 mg
• protein: 11 g

Olive oil is a healthy source of vitamin E and mostly unsaturated fat. Its also phosphorus-free, making it a suitable option for people with kidney disease.

Most of the fat in olive oil is oleic acid, which has anti-inflammatory properties.

Whats more, monounsaturated fats are stable at high temperatures, making olive oil a healthy choice for cooking.

One tablespoon (14 g) of olive oil contains:

• sodium: 0.3 mg
• potassium: 0.1 mg
• phosphorus: 0 mg
• protein: 0 g

Bulgur is a whole grain wheat product and a kidney-friendly alternative to other whole grains that are higher in potassium and phosphorus.

Bulgur provides B vitamins, magnesium, and iron, as well as plant-based protein and fiber, which is important for digestive health.

A half-cup (70 g) serving of cooked bulgur contains:

• sodium: 154 mg
• potassium: 48 mg
• phosphorus: 28 mg
• protein: 2 g

Cabbage belongs to the cruciferous vegetable family and provides vitamins, minerals, and antioxidant compounds.

The authors of a 2021 study note that white, green, and red cabbage can help:

• manage blood sugar
• reduce the risk of kidney and liver damage
• prevent oxidative stress and obesity

A cup (70 g) of shredded savoy cabbage contains:

• sodium: 20 mg
• potassium: 161 mg
• phosphorus: 29 mg
• protein: 1.4 g

Skinless chicken breast has less fat and phosphorus than chicken with the skin on.

One cup (140 g) of cooked, skinless chicken breast contains:

• sodium: 104 mg
• potassium: 358 mg
• phosphorus: 319 mg
• protein: 43 g

NIDDK advises people with kidney disease to limit portions of meat and fish to 23 ounces, as high protein levels can make your kidneys work harder.

Bell peppers are high in vitamins A and C and other antioxidants but low in potassium.

These nutrients are important for immune function, which is closely linked with kidney disease.

One medium red pepper (100 g) contains:

• sodium: less than 2.5 mg
• potassium: 213 mg
• phosphorus: 27 mg
• protein: 1 g

Reducing salt can be challenging, but onions are one way of providing sodium-free flavor to renal diet dishes.

Sauting onions with garlic, olive oil, and herbs can add flavor to dishes without compromising your kidney health.

Onions provide vitamin C, manganese, and B vitamins, including folate. They also contain prebiotic fibers that help keep your digestive system healthy by feeding beneficial gut bacteria.

One small onion (70 g) contains:

• sodium: 3 mg
• potassium: 102 mg
• phosphorus: 20 mg
• protein: 0.8 g

Arugula is a flavorful and nutrient-dense green that is low in potassium, making it a good choice for kidney-friendly salads and side dishes.

Arugula provides vitamin K, manganese, and calcium, all of which are important for bone health.

This nutritious green also contains nitrates, which can lower blood pressure an important benefit for those with kidney disease.

One cup (20 g) of raw arugula contains:

• sodium: 5 mg
• potassium: 74 mg
• phosphorus: 10 mg
• protein: 0.5 g

Most nuts are high in phosphorus and are not suitable if youre following a renal diet.

But macadamia nuts are a delicious option for people with kidney problems. Theyre lower in potassium and phosphorus than peanuts or almonds.

They also provide calcium, healthy fats, folate, magnesium, copper, iron, and manganese.

One ounce (28 g) of macadamia nuts contains:

• sodium: 1.4 mg
• potassium: 104 mg
• phosphorus: 53 mg
• protein: 2 g

Radishes are crunchy vegetables that make a nutritious addition to a renal diet. Theyre very low in potassium and phosphorus but contain other important nutrients, such as folate and vitamin A.

Their peppery taste makes a flavorful addition to low sodium dishes.

A half cup (58 g) of sliced radishes contains:

• sodium: 23 mg
• potassium: 135 mg
• phosphorus: 12 mg
• protein: 0.4 g

Turnips are root vegetables that provide fiber, vitamin C, vitamin B6, and manganese.

They can be roasted or boiled and mashed for a healthy side dish that works well for a renal diet. Alternatively, serve raw, grated turnips with a salad or add them to a winter stew.

A half-cup (80 g) of cooked turnip cubes contains:

• sodium: 160 mg
• potassium: 159 mg
• phosphorus: 22 mg
• protein: 1 g

Pineapple can make a sweet treat for people with kidney conditions. Its lower in phosphorus, potassium, and sodium than oranges, bananas, or kiwis.

Pineapple is also a good source of fiber and vitamin A, and it contains bromelain, an enzyme that may help reduce inflammation.

One cup (165 g) of pineapple chunks contains:

• sodium: 2 mg
• potassium: 180 mg
• phosphorus: 13 mg
• protein: 1 g

Cranberries contain phytonutrients called A-type proanthocyanidins. These are antioxidants that may prevent urinary tract and kidney infections by reducing bacteria levels in urine.

Cranberries are also low in potassium, phosphorus, and sodium.

There are close links between urinary tract infections (UTI) and kidney infections, and a UTI can lead to kidney complications.

You can eat cranberries dried, cooked, fresh, or as a juice.

One cup (100 g) of whole, fresh cranberries contains:

• sodium: 2 mg
• potassium: 80 mg
• phosphorus: 11 mg
• protein: 0.5 g

Shiitake mushrooms are a savory ingredient that you can use as a plant-based meat substitute. Theyre suitable for people with kidney disease who follow a plant-based diet and anyone on a renal diet who needs to limit their protein intake.

Theyre an excellent source of B vitamins, copper, manganese, and selenium. They also provide a good amount of plant-based protein and dietary fiber.

Shiitake mushrooms are lower in potassium, sodium, and phosphorus than portabella and white button mushrooms, making them a good choice if youre following a renal diet.

One cup (145 g) of cooked shiitake mushroom pieces without added salt contains:

• sodium: 6 mg
• potassium: 170 mg
• phosphorus: 42 mg
• protein: 2 g

What is the best diet for kidney disease and kidney failure?

It may not be possible to heal your kidneys, but according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, it may be possible to manage your kidney disease with dietary changes such as:

How can I make my kidneys stronger again?

The National Kidney Foundation recommends the following to help keep your kidneys healthy:

• manage high blood pressure levels
• maintain ideal blood sugar levels
• avoid eating too much protein
• lower your salt intake
• avoid nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), aspirin, and naproxen (Naprosyn)
• get your annual flu shot

What is the best drink for healthy kidneys?

Water is the best option as it flushes out the kidneys without adding stress due to toxins. Theres also growing evidence that drinking plain water may help prevent kidney disease.

Unsweetened cranberry juice is also a good option, as it contains antioxidants that may help protect the kidneys from infections. You might also try rice milk thats not enriched with potassium or phosphorus.

Limit or avoid alcohol, as this can increase your chances of developing several health problems.

What are 10 foods that are bad for the kidneys?

Foods to avoid if you have kidney disease are mainly those that are high in sodium, phosphorus, or both.

Here are some items to avoid or limit:

• processed foods or premade meals, which tend to have added sodium
• canned foods with added salt opt for salt-free or rinse them before using them
• large portions of protein foods, such as meat or dairy foods
• high fat items and any food thats not heart healthy
• alcohol
• packaged foods with labels that have PHOS on them (standing for phosphorus)
• deli meats
• bran cereals and oatmeal

Learn more about which foods to avoid if you have kidney disease.

People with kidney disease have to manage their intake of phosphorus, salt, and potassium. At certain stages, they may also need to limit their protein intake.

As nutritional needs and restrictions change during the course of the disease, its best to speak with a doctor before making any dietary changes. They will help you work out a diet suitable for you.

Suitable options may include chicken, shiitake mushrooms, cranberries, macadamia nuts, and a wide range of other tasty and nutritious foods.

LetsGetChecked

What foods are bad for kidneys?

People with kidney disease typically need to follow a diet low in sodium, protein, potassium, and phosphorus. This means limiting or avoiding foods such as avocados, brown rice, and chips.

The kidneys perform many crucial functions for health, including filtering waste products and excess fluid from the body and removing it through urine. They also regulate the bodys mineral balance and produce a hormone that stimulates red blood cell production.

When a person has kidney disease, waste products can build up in their blood. A doctor may recommend dietary changes to help manage the condition and support kidney function.

This article explains which foods to avoid or limit with kidney disease. It also provides an overview of the renal (or kidney-friendly) diet.

A dietitian may ask that individuals following a renal diet avoid the following foods:

Sodium, a main ingredient of salt, is a natural mineral often found in canned foods in high quantities. Manufacturers typically add sodium to canned items to increase shelf life and enhance taste.

With CKD, the kidneys cannot eliminate excess sodium as they should. This means people with CKD should avoid or limit eating canned goods such as soup, vegetables, and beans.

Choosing canned foods labeled low sodium and draining the contents can help reduce the amount of sodium a person consumes.

A buildup of phosphorus and potassium can cause problems for people with CKD. Due to the high content of these minerals in whole wheat bread, people with CKD should instead choose white bread.

For example, one slice of whole wheat bread contains 76.3 mg of phosphorus and 90 mg of potassium. White bread, on the other hand, contains 31.6 mg of phosphorus and 32.8 mg of potassium.

If a person does not wish to stop eating whole wheat bread entirely, they could instead consider reducing the amount they eat. For example, they could eat just one slice with a meal rather than two.

Many manufacturers of dark-colored drinks add phosphorus to their products to enhance flavor, prolong shelf life, and prevent discoloration.

Phosphorus in its additive form, found in dark cola and beer, is highly absorbable by the human body and is not recommended for those following a renal diet.

However, root beer is an exception to this as it contains no phosphorus.

While healthcare professionals generally consider avocados a beneficial addition to a persons diet, people with renal problems may wish to avoid or limit them.

This is because they are high in potassium, with one avocado weighing around 200 g containing 975 mg of potassium. According to the National Kidney Foundation, anything that exceeds 200 mg of potassium per serving is high in potassium.

If needed, a person can still include avocados in their diet, but they should drastically reduce their portion size.

A large banana contains 487 mg of potassium, meaning a person with CKD should avoid or limit eating this fruit. Many other tropical fruits also have high potassium content.

Pineapples may be a suitable alternative as they contain a much smaller amount of potassium compared with other tropical fruits.

Dried fruits are concentrated sources of many of the nutrients found in fresh fruits. This means it can be easier to exceed recommended daily intakes from them.

People following a renal diet should avoid apricots, dates, prunes, and raisins, which are all high in potassium.

Tomatoes are another high potassium fruit that a person following a renal diet should limit.

For reference, a cup (245 g) of tomato sauce contains 728 mg of potassium.

While it is nutritious, brown rice has a higher phosphorus and potassium content than white rice.

A cup (155 g) of cooked brown rice contains 149 mg of phosphorus and 94.6 mg of potassium, while a cup (186 g) of cooked white rice contains 68.8 mg of phosphorus and 53.9 mg of potassium.

Bulgur, buckwheat, and couscous are also alternatives to brown rice.

Despite dairy and milk traditionally being promoted for bone health, for people with CKD, consuming too much can be detrimental to bone health. The reason for this is that dairy is a natural source of phosphorus and potassium.

A cup (244 g) of whole milk contains 205 mg of phosphorus and 322 mg of potassium.

Kidney damage can cause an excess of phosphorus to build up in the blood (known as hyperphosphatemia). This condition can cause the body to pull calcium from the bones, resulting in thin, weak bones.

It is important for people following a renal diet to limit dairy products to avoid this buildup of protein waste in the blood.

Coconut milk may be a favorable substitute for people with CKD based on its low potassium, sodium, and oxalate content.

Processed meats are meats that manufacturers have salted, dried, cured, or canned. Some examples include hot dogs, bacon, and pepperoni. To improve their taste and preserve flavor, they often contain lots of salt.

If a person regularly eats highly processed foods, keeping their sodium intake to 2,300 mg per day (the amount recommended by the National Kidney Foundation) may be difficult.

Pickles, processed olives, and relish are all examples of cured or pickled foods.

During the curing or pickling process, manufacturers typically add salt to the food.

For reference, five green pickled olives (considered a small serving) equates to almost 10% of the daily recommended amount of sodium.

Many cereals contain a mixture of potassium, phosphorus, and sodium. A person following a renal diet should avoid all of these.

For example, a 30 g serving of bran flakes contains 160 mg of potassium, 135 mg of phosphorus, and 162 mg of sodium. A 100 g serving of granola contains 539 mg of potassium.

Potatoes, including sweet potatoes, are potassium-rich vegetables.

A medium-sized baked potato contains around 610 mg of potassium, and a medium-sized sweet potato contains 542 mg of potassium.

Leaching is one way a person can reduce the high potassium content in potatoes. This method essentially involves soaking or boiling potatoes in water before cooking, which, according to older research, reduces the original potassium content by at least 50%.

Processed foods include pizza, instant noodles, and convenience meals designed for the microwave. These foods typically contain high levels of salt, sugar, and fat.

As mentioned above, the National Kidney Foundation recommends keeping sodium intake to 2,300 mg per day. This may prove difficult if a person is eating highly processed foods regularly.

Foods such as pretzels, chips, and crackers are typically high in sodium and lacking in nutrients. Because chips come from potatoes, they are also high in potassium.

A small bag of potato chips contains around 148 mg of sodium and 336 mg of potassium, and 60 g of pretzels contain roughly 744 mg of sodium and 134 mg of potassium.

The portion sizes of these snacks can often lead to greater salt intake than intended.

There are many green, leafy vegetables that people following a renal diet may need to avoid or limit due to their high potassium content. This is the case for Swiss chard, spinach, and beet greens.

For example, a cup of raw Swiss chard contains 136 mg of potassium. As with spinach, this vegetable shrinks when boiled, meaning a person may eat more than they would raw. A person with CKD should consider this as it will, in turn, increase their intake of potassium.

Although an individual with CKD must adapt their diet, there are still many suitable options for them to try.

People should choose foods with lower levels of sodium, potassium, and phosphorus. These include:

• Fruit: Options include apples, cranberries, grapes, pineapple, and strawberries.
• Vegetables: Options include cauliflower, lettuce, onions, peppers, and radishes.
• Baked goods: Options include pita, tortillas, and sourdough bread.
• Protein: Options include beef and chicken.
• Carbohydrates: Options include white rice and unsalted popcorn.

Learn about other foods that are good for the kidneys.

If an individual has CKD, doctors typically recommend reducing their intake of potassium, phosphorus, and sodium to help manage the condition. The dietary restrictions depend on the stage of the disease.

Although there is a long list of foods that are best to avoid on a renal diet, there is also a wide range of foods that people can eat without affecting their kidney health.

An individual may work with a renal dietitian to find the most suitable diet for them.