The Renal Diet When you have chronic kidney disease, diet is an important part of your treatment plan. Your recommended diet may change over time if your kidney disease gets worse. Not everyone has the same restrictions and everyone’s diet is individualized. Nutrients affecting the kidney are: protein, sodium, potassium & phosphorus Protein • Eating the right amount of protein will help to: -build muscles & repair tissues, fight infections and prevent wastes from building up in your blood • Large protein portions may increase the workload of the kidney -keep portion size to 3 ounces per serving • Protein comes from: -red meats, poultry (chicken, turkey, duck), fish and other seafood, eggs, milk, cheeses, tofu, legumes and beans Tip: There are two kinds of protein. Higher quality protein comes from animal products like meat, poultry, fish, eggs and dairy products. These are the easiest proteins for your body to use. Lower quality protein comes from vegetables and grains. A well balanced diet should include both kinds of proteins every day Sodium
• Limiting sodium (a mineral found in most foods) to 2000-3000 mg per day helps to reduce fluid build up in the body and to control blood pressure within normal ranges ii The Renal Diet • Let's Eat! • Sodium is found in most foods, but is especially high in: -table salt & sea salt -salty seasonings (e.g. soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, garlic salt, and seasoning salt) -most canned foods and some frozen foods -processed meats (e.g. ham, bacon, sausage, cold cuts) -salted snack foods (e.g. chips, crackers, pickles) -most restaurant and take-out foods -canned or dehydrated soups (e.g. packaged noodle soup)
