What can you eat if you have kidney disease?

So, you’ve been diagnosed with kidney disease. That doesn’t mean your life is over – in fact, it just means you’ll need to make some changes to your diet. But don’t worry, we’re here to help! In this article, we’ll provide an overview of what foods are safe and not safe for those with kidney disease.

The Basics: Understanding Kidney Function

Before diving into which foods are best for those with kidney disease, let’s first understand how our kidneys function. Our kidneys are responsible for filtering waste and extra fluid from our blood. They also control the balance of electrolytes in our body such as sodium, potassium and calcium.

When someone has kidney disease, their kidneys aren’t functioning properly or at all which can lead to a buildup of harmful waste products and excess fluids in the body that should be removed through urine. This is why making dietary changes can be an essential part of treatment.

Symptoms Of Kidney Disease

The symptoms associated with kidney diseases vary depending on the type but there are some general symptoms you may notice:

  • Nausea
  • Fatigue
  • Swelling/Edema
  • Shortness breath
  • Frequent urination at night

These symptoms worsen when eating certain types of food so It is important that one adapts his/her lifestyle including diets after recognizing they have these symptoms.

Foods To Avoid If You Have Kidney Disease

Now lets move onto Which foods Should Someone With Chronic Kidney Diseases Stay away From? Well… Here is a List!

Processed Foods & Fast Food Meals!

Fast food meals or processed foods usually contain high amounts salt, fat, sugary drinks etc.,which cause more harm than good if consumed regularly especially by CKD patients so Its better stay away from them as much as possible if managing chronic renal failure .

Dairy Products with High Phosphorus Content!

Most Dairy products contain high levels of phosphorous which isn’t good for renal failure. Foods like milk, cheese and yogurt should be limited or substitute it with its low-phosphorus alternatives- almond milk, rice milk.

Salty Snacks!!

Salty snacks (french fries, chips) are also a no-no! , Anyone with CKD most decrease their salt intake as much possible since sodium can increase blood pressure levels that already elevated in advanced chronic kidney disease patients.

What Can Someone With Kidney Disease Eat?

Having discussed what shouldn’t be eaten by people experiencing renal failure lets delve into what they could cook!

Fruits

Fruits are a great option…Stick to fruits with lower potassium such as apples and berries.

Fruits Potassium
Apples ~150mg
Berries ~200mg

Vegetables

Vegetables both canned/ fresh ones is another option however limit those veggies containing large amounts of potassium such as avocados & potatoes. Non-starchy vegetables maybe steamed or boiled then lightly seasoned for flavor since heavy spices contains excess amount of salt.

For the best dietary outcome choose:

  • lettuce
  • Broccoli
  • carrots (raw)

Grains And Legumes!

Grains and legumes ( beans )continue being an imperative part of any balanced diet during kidney disease hence substituting high-protein options like meat/chicken occasionally wouldn’t ruin its nutritional value so long one scrutinizes its contents wisely when purchasing from a grocery store.

Examples include:

  • Barley/Oatmeal pancakes paired w/egg whites.
  • Green pea Salad

Legumes must be rinsed before cooking them inorder to remove some minerals that may not react well on someone managing ESRD but don’t forget not to exceed your daily recommended protein intake .

Beverages

Staying hydrated is important but What are the beverages that one can drink while on a kidney disease diet ?

-The best fluid to drink during this period is water ( clearly) hence drinking \~10-12 glasses per day helps flush out toxins that would be harmful in a patient’s body.

-Sports drinks aren’t as recommended, prefer drinking homemade fresh juices from fruits found with low potassium content like melon,strawberries and Lime.

Herbs!

For those who love spicing up their meals with herbs worry not! They’re healthy part of your meal for people with renal

Conclusion

Though managing Kidney diseases alongside its dietary precautions might seem daunting yet it shouldn’t cause someone anxiety since there exist options one could turn to instead of exciting his/her favourite chow-meal like:

-Avoiding Processed foods,
-limit or substitute high-phosphorus dairy products,
-aboard from salty snacks,

Fruits & Vegetables!
Grains And Legumes!!
Beverages!!!

These liberating alternatives will help you enjoy life fully without feeling left-out next time you attend social activities . You don’t need to abandon food; rather use Your creativity while designing/ choosing what suites both your personal taste together with good nutrition.

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