What you eat and drink can help control blood pressure, protect your kidneys, and keep minerals in your blood at safe levels. There is no single kidney diet. The right plan depends on your stage of kidney disease, your lab results, other conditions such as diabetes, and whether you are on dialysis.
Please do not start a strict diet on your own.
Some changes that help one person can be harmful for another. Talk with Dr. Salim or a kidney dietitian first.Sodium (salt)
Too much sodium raises blood pressure and causes fluid buildup. Most people with kidney disease are advised to stay under 2,300 mg of sodium a day, and some need less.
- Cook at home more often and season with herbs, spices, lemon, or vinegar instead of salt.
- Limit processed and restaurant foods, canned soups, deli meats, frozen meals, and salty snacks.
- Check food labels and compare the sodium in similar products.
- Avoid salt substitutes unless your doctor approves them, because many contain potassium.
Protein
Your body needs protein, but too much can make the kidneys work harder. If you have CKD and are not on dialysis, you may be advised to eat a moderate amount of protein. If you are on dialysis, you usually need more protein, because dialysis removes some of it. Plant proteins such as beans, lentils, and tofu can be good choices for many people.
Potassium
Potassium helps your nerves and muscles, including your heart, work properly. When kidneys are not working well, potassium can build up to unsafe levels. Many people with CKD do not need to limit potassium at all. Limit it only if your blood tests show your potassium is high, and your care team will tell you which foods to watch.
Phosphorus
High phosphorus can weaken bones and harm blood vessels in later stages of CKD. Phosphorus added to processed foods is absorbed more easily than the phosphorus found naturally in food.
- Look for ingredients that contain “phos” on labels, such as sodium phosphate or phosphoric acid.
- Limit dark colas, processed meats, and packaged foods with phosphate additives.
- If you are prescribed a phosphate binder, take it with meals as directed.
Fluids
Most people with early CKD do not need to limit fluids. If you have advanced kidney disease, swelling, heart failure, or are on dialysis, you may be given a daily fluid limit.
If you also have diabetes
Keeping blood sugar in your target range protects your kidneys. Choose high-fiber carbohydrates, keep portions consistent, and work with your care team on a plan that fits both conditions.
Ask for a kidney dietitian
A registered dietitian who specializes in kidney disease can build a meal plan around your labs, your culture, and the foods you enjoy. Ask Dr. Salim whether a referral is right for you.
Questions to ask at your visit
- How much sodium and protein should I aim for each day?
- Do I need to limit potassium or phosphorus right now?
- Do I need a fluid limit?
- Can you refer me to a kidney dietitian?
This guide is general education and is not a substitute for medical advice. Talk with Dr. Salim or your care team about your own situation. Informed by patient materials from the National Kidney Foundation; learn more at kidney.org.