
What are the best foods to eat for kidney disease?
- Avocado
- Apricots
- Bananas
- Dates
- Melons
- Oranges
- Prunes
- Raisins
- Artichokes
- Winter squash
What foods help to heal the kidneys?
What foods are good for kidneys?
- Water. The kidneys use water to filter toxins out of the body. ...
- Fatty fish. Salmon, tuna, and other cold-water, fatty fish that are high in omega-3 fatty acids can make a beneficial addition to any diet.
- Sweet potatoes. ...
- Dark leafy greens. ...
- Berries. ...
- Apples. ...
- Foods to avoid. ...
- Foods for people with CKD. ...
- Summary. ...
What foods should you avoid on a renal diet?
You should also avoid:
- Bran cereals and granola.
- Salt substitutes or “lite” salt.
- Molasses.
Could a vegan diet reverse disease?
The idea that a low-fat vegetarian or vegan diet could ‘reverse’ heart disease has been circulating for more than 20 years. This way of eating has become more popular in the last couple of years. It has lots of benefits, but the truth is more complex than headlines suggest.

What can vegetarians eat on dialysis?
Protein-enriched foods for vegetarians on a kidney diet may include: Meat analogs (meat substitutes such as soy burgers, tofu, hot dogs and deli slices) Soy products (tofu, tempeh) Beans and lentils. Nuts and nut butters.
Why do dialysis patients need more protein?
While people in the earlier stages of kidney disease are generally told to limit protein intake, dialysis patients require more protein because of protein loss during dialysis and increased body needs . It is more difficult for vegetarian dialysis patients to consume enough protein and keep potassium and phosphorus controlled without using a protein supplement—this is especially true for those who are vegans, because no eggs or milk products are consumed.
How to combine vegetarian and kidney diet?
To combine your vegetarian lifestyle with a kidney diet, you’ll need to devise a meal plan to fit your nutritional needs. Here are some things your dietitian may help with for your new diet: Monitor your calorie intake so you’re getting enough calories.
How to get urea clearance?
Suggest a lower potassium dialysate for those on dialysis to control potassium levels. Adjust your diet as needed for acceptable urea clearances.
What does Pesco vegetarians eat?
Pesco-vegetarians: Eats fish in addition to eating plant foods, dairy products and eggs. Vegan: Consumes only plant foods and no animal products. If you’re a vegetarian, you don’t have to start eating meat because you have chronic kidney disease (CKD) or have started dialysis. To combine your vegetarian lifestyle with a kidney diet, ...
What is a vegetarian?
A vegetarian is a person who follows a specific diet and has specific food choices which include plant foods. Vegetarians do not consume meat, but depending on what type of vegetarian they are, they may eat other products from animal sources. Most vegetarians fall into one of the following categories:
Can you eat beans and nuts on a vegetarian diet?
But with careful dietary planning with your dietitian, certain ones can be included in the vegetarian meal plan.
What is the impact of vegetarian diet on phosphorus levels?
Vegetarian Diets Impact on Phosphorus Levels In CKD. Disturbances in mineral metabolism are common in CKD patients and they usually begin at stage 3 or 4. The capacity for kidney to excrete phosphorus becomes more and more reduced as the renal function decreases.
Why is phosphate consumption restricted for CKD patients?
This why phosphate consumption is restricted for CKD patients and this affects those who are into Western diet mostly because of the high phosphate content in dairy products and protein sources. Proteins from plants are richer in phosphorus than the animal proteins.
Why is it important to eat healthy?
It is important to make healthy food choices irrespective of your health status. If you are suffering from Chronic Kidney Disease, diet becomes of the upmost important. Since the kidneys regulate, so many nutrients the right diet can not only slow down the progression of kidney disease, but many times improve it.
Is vegan diet safe for pregnant women?
Vegan diets are also believed to be safer for patients of CKD who are pregnant. Because pregnancy induces hyperfilteration, foods with limited protein amounts ought to be beneficial for these patients. Piccoli et al. observed that pregnant CKD patients were placed on a diet in which the protein content was compromised between the goal of diminishing hyperfilteration and increased metabolic needs of pregnancy.
Does vegetarian diet help with CKD?
A vegetarian diet has shown to reduce the formation of these substances.
Does diet affect CKD?
Diet and its impact on people with CKD has been studied extensively and it has been asserted that improper nutrition has negative effects on the prognosis of kidney disease. Over nutrition is linked with the development of too much sodium, hyperkalemia, hypophosphatemia and fluid overload as well as the elevation in uremic metabolic (kidney toxin) ...
Is vegetarian diet safe for pre-dialysis patients?
Vegetarian diet complemented with a very-low-protein diet was shown to be safe for pre-dialysis patients, since it wielded no negative impact on the long and short term effects of patients, even the ones already placed on renal replacement therapy.
Why is it important to eat healthy when you have kidney disease?
Healthy diet is highly important, especially in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Proper nutrition provides the energy to perform everyday activities , prevents infection, builds muscle, and helps to prevent kidney disease from getting worse.
Is vegan diet good for CKD?
However, there are sparse reports suggesting that a vegan diet is not appropriate for CKD patients and those undergoing dialysis due to the difficulty in consuming enough protein and in maintaining proper potassium and phosphorus levels.
Is vegetarianism good for CKD?
The National Kidney Foundation recommends vegetarianism, or part-time vegetarian diet as being beneficial to CKD patients. Their recommendations are supported by the results of studies demonstrating that a plant-based diet may hamper the development or progression of some complications of chronic kidney disease, such as heart disease, ...
Is plant based diet bad for CKD?
Moreover, there is a negative relationship between several components of plant-based diets and numerous factors related to CKD progression such as uraemic toxins, inflammation, oxidative stress, metabolic acidosis, phosphate load and insulin resistance. In fact, results from different studies seem to confirm a kidney-protective effect ...
Is protein intake good for kidneys?
While dietary restriction of protein intake has long been proposed as a possible kidney-protective treatment , the effects of changes in the quality of ingested proteins on the prevalence and risk of progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) have been scarcely studied; these two aspects are reviewed in the present article.
What is a vegetarian meal plan?
A meal plan from a registered dietitian will help you meet your needs for calories and other important nutrients. Type of vegetarian diet. Protein sources. Vegan — allows only plant-based foods. Soy protein (tofu, tempeh) Wheat protein (seitan) and whole grains. Nut butters. Soy milk or yogurt.
Why is it important to have potassium and phosphorus in your diet?
So it's important to have the right amount of potassium and phosphorus in your diet to avoid overwhelming your kidneys' ability to maintain healthy levels. Here's some basic information: Protein.
What foods contain potassium chloride?
If you need to limit sodium, cut back on the salt you add during cooking and at the table. Also be sure to check food labels. Many ready-to-eat foods, canned beans, vegan meats, and soy- and rice-based cheeses are high in sodium.
How to control potassium levels?
By limiting dairy and choosing fruits and vegetables that are lower in potassium, you can control your potassium level. Nuts, seeds, lentils and beans also can raise potassium if eaten regularly. Soaking and cooking canned and dried legumes can greatly reduce the amount of potassium they contain.
What foods contain phosphorus?
Dairy foods are a main source of phosphorus in a typical diet. Dairy products can be replaced with unenriched rice or soy alternatives. Many nondairy plant-based milks and yogurt are now available, but most are enriched with phosphorus-containing additives. Read ingredient lists carefully.
What foods are high in sodium?
Many ready-to-eat foods, canned beans, vegan meats, and soy- and rice-based cheeses are high in sodium. Your meal plan should also include guidelines for other food groups, such as grains, fats and sweets. A meal plan from a registered dietitian will help you meet your needs for calories and other important nutrients.
What are some good sources of protein for vegetarians?
Protein. In the chart below, you'll find some examples of high-quality protein sources for vegetarians, but follow your dietitian's recommendations. Phosphorus. If phosphorus is a concern, it's best to avoid foods high in inorganic phosphate, such as highly processed foods. Dairy foods are a main source of phosphorus in a typical diet.
Can I follow a plant-based diet if I have early kidney disease?
Yes. In fact, you may benefit from a plant-based diet if you have early kidney disease. Studies show it can:
What if I have kidney failure?
If you have kidney failure, you may still be able to follow a plant-based diet – if that is what you want. But you must make sure you are getting the right nutrients in safe amounts. Nutrients are chemicals you get from food that help you stay well.
What else should I know?
There is no one diet that is right for everyone with kidney disease or kidney failure. What you can and cannot eat will change over time, depending on how much kidney function you have and whether you have other health problems like diabetes or heart disease. That’s why it’s so important to talk to your healthcare team or a dietitian. Ask whether a plant-based diet is right for you. Your healthcare team can refer you to a dietitian with special training in kidney disease.
Why do people with kidney failure need a dietitian?
Why consult a dietitian? Studies suggest that a plant-based or vegetarian diet may have certain health benefits , but it may also have some risks for people with kidney failure. Having kidney failure puts you at risk for poor nutrition (called “malnutrition”). One reason this happens is from the dialysis process itself. Unfortunately, some proteins are lost during dialysis. Weakness, low energy, loss of muscle mass, poor health, and decreased quality of life can result. To lower the risk of poor nutrition, you may have been told to include some protein-rich animal products in your diet. You may also have been told to limit fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, which helps control potassium and phosphorus levels in your blood.
How does plant based diet help with heart disease?
Why? Among other things, healthy kidneys help control blood pressure. But if your kidneys cannot do this well, you may get high blood pressure. Over time, high blood pressure can lead to heart disease and cause further damage to your kidneys. A plant-based diet also helps your heart in other ways – by lowering “bad” cholesterol and helping control weight gain.
What are some ways to improve kidney function?
Improve antioxidant levels. Antioxidants are compounds found in food that help protect your cells from damage. They are abundant in plant-based foods, such as fruits and vegetables. Vitamin C and E are examples of antioxidants. Help keep your kidney disease from getting worse.
What is a plant based diet?
What is a plant-based diet? It means eating mostly whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes (beans, peas, and lentils), unsalted nuts, and healthy oils, while reducing animal foods such as dairy, eggs, fish, meat, and poultry. To make a plant-based diet as healthy as possible, you also avoid processed foods like many types ...
What is the best diet for kidney disease?
A vegetarian diet is suitable for people with kidney disease. This diet heavily consists of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and plant-based protein. CKD patients need all these food sources for their daily ammunition of protein, calories, and other essential vitamins and minerals.
How to reduce CKD progression?
Help lower blood pressure Help manage healthy weight. Slow down the reduction of glomerular filtration rate (GFR), subsequently reducing the risk of CKD progression (provided that a healthy diet is complemented with regular exercise. Prevent tissue and kidney damage.
Why is it important to limit your SPPP intake?
The primary duty of your kidneys is to filter out potassium and phosphorus, and prevent it from building up in your blood.
How much phosphorus is in meat?
The amount of phosphorus that is absorbed in your blood depends on the food you eat. About 60-80% of phosphorus content in meat is absorbed, whereas only 30 to 40% of phosphorus is absorbed from vegetarian sources.
What minerals are monitored in the kidneys?
Fact is, monitoring your sodium, protein, potassium, and phosphorus (SPPP), choosing and modifying the sources for these minerals and controlling the portions you consume per day still apply in this diet (with respect to your kidney function).
What are the benefits of a vegetarian diet?
Research conducted by a group of nephrologists in Spain shows that following a plant-based diet (rich in fiber, low in saturated fat and processed meats, and including balanced SPPP levels) can: Reduce protein content in urine. Help lower blood pressure Help manage healthy weight.
What are the different types of vegetarian diets?
Lacto-vegetarian - Dairy products and plant foods, but no eggs. Pesco-vegetarian (or pescatarian) - Consists of fish, eggs, dairy products, and plant foods. Vegan - Diet which only consists of plant foods ...
What is metabolic acidosis?
Metabolic acidosis is a common complication of CKD resulting from the inability of the kidney to excrete the daily dietary acid load. Metabolic acidosis increases the risks of hypertension [31], heart failure [32], muscle wasting [33], bone loss, chronic inflammation, progression of renal failure, and death [34].
What is vitamin K?
Vitamin K refers to a group of fat-soluble vitamins that are cofactors for γ-glutamyl carboxylase, the enzyme that activates several vitamin K-dependent proteins involved in coagulation, bone formation, and inhibition of vascular calcification. Since vitamin K is involved in the carboxylation of matrix γ-carboxyglutamate (GLA) protein (MGP) and bone GLA protein (BGP or osteocalcin), vitamin K deficiency is associated with an increased risk of vascular calcification and bone demineralization, which may be especially relevant in the CKD population [87].
What are the complications of CKD?
Low-grade inflammation and oxidative stress are common findings in CKD, and have been associated with the progression of renal dysfunction, as well as other complications of CKD, such as atherosclerosis, cardiovascular risk, or protein-energy wasting [99].
What is the best source of vitamin K1?
The main dietary sources of vitamin K1 are green vegetables, especially spinach, broccoli, kale, and brussels sprouts. Vitamin K2 is predominantly found in fermented foods, such as cheese, curd, and natto. While vitamin K1 is important for the hepatic gamma carboxylation of clotting factors, vitamin K2 is important for the extrahepatic carboxylation of proteins, such as MGP or osteocalcin.
Does CKD cause protein fermentation?
In the absence of fermentable carbohydrates, protein fermentation induces the formation of potentially deleterious byproducts, such as sulfides, amines, ammonia, and phenols [24] that can accumulate in CKD and exert their harmful effects on the host [10]. In contrast, in vegan or vegetarian patients there is a reduced abundance of pathobionts and a greater abundance of symbionts [25].
Does fiber help with CKD?
In experimental studies, a diet rich in undigestible fiber improves the markers of oxidative stress, and reduces inflammation and kidney damage in CKD rats [103]. Similar results have been reported in CKD patients [104,105]. Vegetarian diets have been associated with a reduction in inflammation [106]. A diet rich in fiber improves the uremic dysbiosis with a decrease in pathobionts and an increase in commensal bacteria, and enhances the production of SCFA that help to maintain the intestinal barrier functionality and integrity by inducing intestinal epithelial cell secretion of IL-18, antimicrobial peptides, mucin, and up regulating the expression of the tight junctions. SCFA are involved in immune system activation by inducing neutrophil chemotaxis and enhancing their phagocytosis and through regulation of T cell function, both through the regulation of dendritic cells and the proliferation of regulatory T lymphocytes (Tregs) [107].
Is vitamin K deficient in CKD?
Several studies have evaluated the dietary intake of vitamin K in dialysis and CKD patients, and found that the usual CKD diet is deficient in vitamin K [88,89] in hemodialysis patients, and in CKD patients in some [90], but not all studies [91]. Dietary restrictions in CKD patients, such as low-potassium (poorer in green leafy vegetables rich in K1) and low-phosphate diets (lower consumption of dairy products rich in K2) can favor this deficiency. However, the vitamin K status depends not only on diet, but also on gut bacterial synthesis, the endogenous recycling and drug interferences (e.g., warfarin, phosphate binders). A deficient production of vitamin K by gut microbiota due to the uremic dysbiosis could also play a role in this deficiency [92]. In some cases, the deficient vitamin K status in CKD might also be due to its depletion due to its high requirements by vitamin K-dependent proteins to inhibit calcification [93]. Statins, commonly prescribed in this high cardiovascular risk population, may further aggravate vascular calcification in CKD by inhibiting the synthesis of vitamin K2 from vitamin K1 in vascular smooth muscle cells [94]; while the prescription of vitamin K antagonists for the prevention of thromboembolic events in atrial fibrillation, a common arrhythmia in this population, further aggravate vascular calcification and arterial stiffness [95]. A deficiency in vitamin K2 can be especially relevant in CKD patients who are prone to vascular calcification and osteoporosis. In fact, plasma levels of dephosphorylated uncarboxylated MGP (dp-ucMGP), as a marker of vitamin K deficiency in CKD, is associated with cardiovascular disease and with overall survival [96], as well as with low bone mineral density and increased fracture risk [97].
