Your kidneys are essential. They clean your blood, balance electrolytes, and manage fluid. That’s why it’s so important to take care of your kidneys—so they can take care of you.
The good news is, you don’t have to sacrifice flavor to take care of your kidneys. Eating kidney-smart can be easy and delicious! This post will give you helpful tips and ideas to take with you on your next grocery run.
Produce Aisle Powerhouses (Fruits & Vegetables)
Fruits and vegetables are on every healthy eating list for a reason. Here are a few of our top recommendations for produce:
Top Fruit Picks (Low-Potassium/Sodium Stars):
- Apples and Berries: These fruits are high in fiber, which helps manage your blood sugar, gut health, and maintaining a healthy weight. They’re also low in potassium and sodium.
- Grapes: Grapes are naturally hydrating and sweet, helping you avoid high blood sugar spikes from sugar.
Smart Vegetable Choices:
- Frozen Vegetables: Bell peppers, cabbage, and green beans are all lower in potassium than tomatoes or spinach. They also provide much needed fiber.
Kidney-Smart Grains
Grains can be a fantastic side dish for those looking to support kidney health. While some whole grains are higher in potassium and phosphorus than their refined counterparts, options like quinoa and white rice are more versatile and kidney-friendly.
- White Rice: While whole grain brown rice is usually the healthy choice, white rice provides a safer choice for people with advanced kidney disease. White rice contains lower levels of phosphorus and potassium, helpful for those who need to limit their intake.
- Quinoa: This whole grain has many benefits, including lower levels of phosphorus and potassium. Compared to traditional white rice, it does have a higher potassium level, but the fiber and protein benefits often outweigh this difference for those without high-potassium restrictions.
Dairy & Other Drink Alternatives
Dairy (high in phosphorus) and other drinks high in sodium and refined sugars can be detrimental to your kidneys if you’ve been diagnosed with kidney disease. Here are a few alternatives:
- Unsweetened Almond Milk
- Clear Diet Soda
- Lemonade
- Unsweetened Tea
Pack In the Protein
Giving your body the fuel it needs and balancing a kidney-safe diet isn’t as hard as you would think. There are a variety of quality lean proteins that will support your kidney health, including:
- Egg Whites: Low in phosphorus (which is primarily found in the egg yolk)
- Skinless Chicken: Easy on the kidneys and a high-quality protein source
- Fish: Tilapia or cod are excellent choices because they offer high-quality protein without excessive potassium or sodium
Flavor, Not Salt: Tips for Seasoning
Added salt can be a serious problem for your kidneys. When you consume too much sodium, your kidneys have to work harder to remove it from your blood. Over time, this extra effort can lead to high blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for kidney disease. High sodium intake can also cause fluid retention, putting more strain on your kidneys.
All that said, you don’t have to live with bland food! Here are a few options for flavor that are natural and fresh:
- Fresh Garlic or Garlic Powder
- Olive Oil
- Lemon Juice
These options enhance flavor without overloading the kidneys with sodium or phosphorus.
Keep Your Kidneys Happy
The Golden Rule of kidney-smart grocery shopping is always to check the label. If you have chronic kidney disease, it’s important to limit the amount of sodium, potassium, and phosphorus you eat, since weakened kidneys struggle to filter them out.
When in doubt, fresh cooking is always the best. Learn more about kidney diets and get a personalized plan by visiting with a renal dietitian today.
