What is a Kidney Friendly Diet?
As a dialysis patient or someone living with chronic kidney disease, you may face unique dietary challenges due to the impact of kidney disease on their body’s ability to manage nutrients and waste products. Eating the right foods is an important part of protecting your kidney health.
But what is a kidney friendly diet? What proteins, vegetables, fruits, and grains are best suited for you?
Top Tips for Kidney Friendly Grocery Shipping
Work with Your Dietitian: Dietitians can provide guidance on managing dietary restrictions, planning meals, and ensuring that nutritional needs are met. Always read food labels carefully and talk to your Innovative Renal Care dietitian for personalized guidance.
Plan Meals and Snacks: Meal planning helps ensure that dietary needs are met while adhering to restrictions. Patients should focus on balanced meals that include appropriate portions of protein, low-sodium vegetables, and controlled amounts of potassium and phosphorus.
Read Food Labels: Understanding food labels is important for managing sodium, potassium, and phosphorus intake. Patients should look for low-sodium options and be aware of hidden sources of these nutrients in packaged foods.
Monitor Weight and Symptoms: Regularly monitoring weight and symptoms helps track the effectiveness of dietary management and make necessary adjustments. Patients should report any significant changes to their healthcare provider.
Kidney Friendly Diet – What to Include?
A well-balanced renal friendly diet helps ensure that patients receive adequate calories, protein, vitamins, and minerals to maintain muscle mass, energy levels, and overall health. Use this kidney-friendly grocery list to help you choose foods that support your treatment goals and overall well-being.
Example Kidney Friendly Grocery List: (want the full grocery list, click here)
Meat and Protein: (fresh or frozen without additives)
- Chicken
- Eggs and egg substitutes
- Fish (salmon, tuna)
Vegetables: (Serving size = ½ cup)
- Green beans
- Spaghetti squash
- Onions
Fruits: (Serving size = 1 small fruit or ½ cup)
- Grapes
- Peaches
- Strawberries
- Tangerines
Breads, Grains and Cereals
- Rice (brown, white)
- Muffins (no nuts, no bran, no whole wheat)
- Pasta (noodles, macaroni, spaghetti)
Dairy and Dairy Substitutes: (Limit to 1–2 servings per day: 4 oz milk or yogurt; 1 oz cheese)
- Cream cheese (regular, light)
- Milk (2%, buttermilk, skim, whole, soy)
- Sour cream
Beverages: (Follow your individual fluid allowance)
- Juice (apple, cranberry, grape, grapefruit, pineapple)
- Nectars (apricot, peach, pear)
- Non-dairy creamers
Fats: (Use sparingly)
- Miracle Whip®
- Salad dressing
- Vegetable oils
Herbs and Spices
- Garlic (fresh, powder)
- Rosemary
- Mint
Download the full “Kidney Friendly Grocery List” here
Looking for more ideas? Download the complete grocery list to help you shop with confidence. By carefully managing your diet, individuals with kidney disease can improve dialysis outcomes, prevent complications, and enhance their overall quality of life.
