Kidney disease affects millions worldwide, affecting their health and daily lives. Those who suffer from it should be mindful of what they eat. The food we consume daily can impact our health negatively or positively. A well-balanced kidney disease treatment diet is essential for managing kidney health. 

The kidneys play a vital role in the body. They remove waste products and additional bodily fluids, which are then excreted as urine.   

When kidney functionality gets disturbed due to kidney disease, these vital functions become compromised. This will result in complications like high blood pressure and spiked sugar levels.

 

Types of kidney diseases 

 

1. Acute Kidney Injury

When the kidney starts to deteriorate rapidly, it is known as acute kidney injury. Prolonged dehydration or the use of nephrotoxic medicine are some causes of acute kidney injury. Nephrotoxic medicines are drugs or chemicals that can cause kidney damage.

Here are the names of some nephrotoxic medicines: Neomycin, Painkillers, and Antibiotics.

Taking these nephrotoxic medicines for a longer period without a prescription from a doctor can result in acute kidney injury. 

2.Chronic kidney Disease

In chronic kidney disease, the kidneys slowly start to damage themselves, gradually losing the ability to perform their functions.

Getting to the root cause of a problem is the first step to solving it quickly and effectively. Two main reasons behind chronic kidney disease are high blood pressure and diabetes. 

 

Diet for kidney disease

Choosing the right food is very important to slow down its progression. Certain foods put extra strain on the kidneys, but at the same time, some foods can also help regulate high blood pressure and spiked sugar. 

1. Salt (Sodium): Sodium is a naturally present mineral in food. Excess salt in your daily meals can lead to fluid buildup in the body, which in turn results in swelling in the body and legs as well as high blood pressure. For kidney patients, kidneys are less able to filter out waste from the body, which can worsen kidney function. Managing sodium intake is crucial to maintaining balance, preventing the kidneys from further strain, and reducing the risk of cardiovascular problems.

 

2. Phosphorus: Phosphorus is an essential mineral. When kidney function declines, the body can have trouble removing excess phosphorus from the body. Extra phosphorus in the body causes body changes that pull calcium out of your bones. Loss of calcium can make bones weaker. High phosphorus levels directly harm the kidneys, making it difficult for them to perform functions. Loss of function in the kidney can cause kidney failure. 

 

3. Potassium: Potassium is another vital mineral that helps regulate fluids and nerve functions. However, when kidney function is impaired, high potassium levels can lead to serious heart problems. People with kidney disease are always at risk of either too high potassium or too low potassium. To keep your potassium level on track, you should be mindful of what you eat. Patients with high levels of potassium (hyperkalemia) need to be careful about their diet. They need to avoid foods with a higher content of potassium. If you have low potassium, you need to increase the intake of potassium-rich food. 

 

4. Protein: Protein helps build tissues and muscles. Everyone needs protein, but the amount needed depends mainly on age, sex, and kidney damage. If you have kidney problems, your body may be unable to remove the waste from breaking down the protein. Usually, this waste is filtered out by the kidney, including creatinine, which is the byproduct of muscle breakdown. Too much protein can build up in your blood when the kidneys cannot perform their functions. High levels of creatinine can make the kidney damage worse. That’s why people with kidney disease need to be careful about how much protein they eat to protect their kidneys while getting the nutrition they need.

 

Foods to avoid

 

No matter what stage of kidney disease you have been diagnosed with, adjusting your diet is crucial for slowing disease progression and enhancing your overall health and well-being.

People with kidney disease are commonly advised to limit or avoid the following foods: It’s essential to maintain a diet for kidney disease that limits high-potassium and high-phosphorus foods.

• Cereals, oatmeal, and granola
• Nuts and sunflower seeds
• Tomatoes
• Avocados
• Other fruits like bananas, orange apricots, and dry fruits
• Milk and cheese
• Potatoes
• Beans
• Pickles and sauces
• Canned foods

Cereals, oatmeal, and granola

When picking hot or cold cereals, make sure to check the food labels carefully. Many cereals in stores have high amounts of:

• Salt (sodium)
• Phosphorus
• Potassium

It’s a good idea to avoid or eat less cereal that has added phosphorus. Unlike sodium and potassium, phosphorus doesn’t have to be listed on the Nutrition Facts label, so you must review the ingredients for terms like “phosphorus” or “phos.”

For example, a 3/4 cup of bran flakes provides:

• 160 mg of potassium
• 135 mg of phosphorus

One cup of cooked oatmeal offers:

• 180 mg of phosphorus
• 164 mg of potassium

Granola, commonly made from oats, is generally considered a healthy choice for most people. However, due to its high potassium content, it should be restricted to a kidney-friendly diet. Two ounces of granola contain about 306 mg of potassium.

Nuts and Sunflower Seeds

Nuts and seeds are commonly considered healthy snacks for many individuals. However, they may pose a risk to someone with kidney disease.

A 1-ounce portion, roughly 23 almonds, provides:

• 208 mg of potassium
• 136 mg of phosphorus

Cashews offer approximately:

• 187 mg of potassium
• 168 mg of phosphorus

If you like nuts and sunflower seeds, pair them with meals that are low in potassium and phosphorus. Alternatively, you can opt for nuts that have a lower phosphorus content.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are rich in potassium. In the early stages of kidney disease, they typically do not need to limit their intake of tomatoes. However, if your doctor indicates that your potassium levels are elevated, tomatoes may need to be included in your restricted foods list. This applies to fresh tomatoes and tomato-based products like sauce and ketchup.

For instance, one cup of tomato sauce contains approximately 910 mg of potassium, while a medium-sized tomato has around 292 mg.

Avocados

Avocados are an excellent source of healthy fats, along with essential vitamins and minerals. However, they are also high in potassium and should be excluded from a kidney-friendly diet.

One avocado contains about 690 mg of potassium.

If your doctor has advised you to restrict potassium intake, it’s best to avoid or reduce the consumption of avocados or guacamole.

Other Fruits 

• Bananas: This fruit is among the highest in potassium. A medium banana provides about 422 mg of potassium.
• Oranges: Oranges also contain a significant amount of potassium. One orange contains approximately 255 mg, and one cup of orange juice contains 443 mg.
• Apricots: As kidney disease progresses, it’s better to avoid apricots due to their high potassium levels. A cup of sliced apricots contains 427 mg of potassium.
• Dried Fruits: Dried fruits, including dried apricots, raisins, and prunes, are high in potassium, sugar, and calories. A cup of dried apricots contains around 1,510 mg of potassium, which could easily exceed your daily potassium limit. Likewise, one cup of prunes provides 1,270 mg of potassium. However, fresh plums have much less potassium, with one cup containing just 259 mg. Dried fruits can also pose a challenge. In addition to dried apricots, options like raisins and prunes are packed with potassium, sugar, and calories. For example, a single cup of dried apricots contains approximately 1,510 mg of potassium, which can quickly exceed your daily potassium limit. Similarly, a cup of prunes provides around 1,270 mg of potassium. However, their raw counterparts contain far less potassium. For instance, a cup of fresh plums has only about 259 mg of potassium, making them a more kidney-friendly choice.

Dairy

Dairy foods like milk, cheese, yogurt, and ice cream are good for providing calcium and protein, but they also have high amounts of potassium and phosphorus. These minerals can be a problem for people with kidney disease.

If you are in the later stages of kidney disease, you should cut back on foods high in protein, phosphorus, and potassium, which means you may need to limit dairy products.

For example, one cup of 2% milk has:

• 8 grams of protein
• 252 mg of phosphorus
• 390 mg of potassium

Keeping track of dairy intake helps protect your kidneys and enables you to stay healthy.     

Potatoes and Beans

Potatoes and beans are nutritious but can be challenging for kidney health due to their high potassium and phosphorus content. A medium potato has 610 mg of potassium, which can be reduced by soaking and boiling. Beans, like pinto beans, are a good source of protein. Consuming in moderation is the key to health. However, they contain phosphorus that can strain the kidneys. Managing the intake of both foods helps protect kidney function.

Pickles and Canned Foods

Pickles and canned foods are high in sodium, harming kidney health. A large pickle contains about 1,630 mg of sodium, and most canned foods are preserved with salt, leading to high sodium levels. Excessive sodium can worsen fluid retention and blood pressure in people with kidney issues. To protect kidney function, it’s best to limit the intake of pickles and canned foods.

 

Conclusion

Looking after your kidneys is essential for staying healthy, especially if you’re dealing with kidney disease. The choices you make every day—like the food you eat—play a huge role in how well your kidneys can function. Including foods for kidney health in your diet can support your kidneys and help them work more effectively. Nutrient-rich options like leafy greens, berries, and low-potassium fruits are great examples of what foods help repair kidneys naturally. Avoiding foods that are hard on your kidneys, such as those high in salt, sugar, or protein, can also go a long way in slowing down damage and helping you feel better.

At SRIAAS AYURVEDIC KIDNEY CARE, we understand how overwhelming kidney problems can feel. That’s why we are here to provide natural Ayurvedic solutions that are personalized just for you. We combine years of experience with genuine care to help you take control of your kidney health and feel your best again. We aim to walk alongside you on this journey, helping you live a healthier, more balanced life and giving you hope for a brighter future.