The 20 Best Foods for People with Kidney Disease | ORODHA ya Vyakula Vinavyosaidia Kulinda Afya ya Figo..!!!

The 20 Best Foods for People with Kidney Disease

ORODHA ya Vyakula Vinavyosaidia Kulinda Afya ya Figo..!!!

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Kidney disease is a common problem affecting about 10% of the world’s population (1).

The kidneys are small but powerful bean-shaped organs that perform many important functions.

They are responsible for filtering waste products, releasing hormones that regulate blood pressure, balancing fluids in the body, producing urine, and many other essential tasks (2Trusted Source).

There are various ways in which these vital organs can become damaged.

Diabetes and high blood pressure are the most common risk factors for kidney disease. However, obesity, smoking, genetics, gender, and age can also increase the risk (3Trusted Source).

Uncontrolled blood sugar and high blood pressure cause damage to blood vessels in the kidneys, reducing their ability to function optimally (4Trusted Source).

When the kidneys aren’t working properly, waste builds up in the blood, including waste products from food (5Trusted Source).

Therefore, it’s necessary for people with kidney disease to follow a special diet.

Diet and kidney disease
Dietary restrictions vary depending on the level of kidney damage.

For example, people in the early stages of kidney disease have different restrictions than those with kidney failure, also known as end-stage renal disease (ESRD) (6Trusted Source, 7Trusted Source).

If you have kidney disease, your health care provider will determine the best diet for your needs.

For most people with advanced kidney disease, it’s important to follow a kidney-friendly diet that helps decrease the amount of waste in the blood.

This diet is often referred to as a renal diet.

It helps boost kidney function while preventing further damage (8Trusted Source).

While dietary restrictions vary, it’s commonly recommended that all people with kidney disease restrict the following nutrients:

Sodium. Sodium is found in many foods
and a major component of table salt. Damaged kidneys can’t filter out
excess sodium, causing its blood levels to rise. It’s often recommended to
limit sodium to less than 2,000 mg per day (9Trusted Source, 10Trusted Source).
Potassium. Potassium plays many critical
roles in the body, but those with kidney disease need to limit potassium
to avoid dangerously high blood levels. It’s usually recommended to limit
potassium to less than 2,000 mg per day (11Trusted Source, 12).
Phosphorus. Damaged kidneys can’t
remove excess phosphorus, a mineral in many foods. High levels can cause
damage to the body, so dietary phosphorus is restricted to less than
800–1,000 mg per day in most patients (13, 14Trusted Source).
Protein is another nutrient that people with kidney disease may need to limit, as damaged kidneys can’t clear out waste products from protein metabolism.

However, those with end-stage renal disease undergoing dialysis, a treatment that filters and cleans the blood, have greater protein needs (15Trusted Source, 16Trusted Source).

Each person with kidney disease is different, which is why it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider about your individual dietary needs.

Luckily, many delicious and healthy options are low in phosphorus, potassium, and sodium.

Here are 20 of the best foods for people with kidney disease.

ORODHA ya Vyakula Vinavyosaidia Kulinda Afya ya Figo..!!!

1. Cauliflower
Cauliflower is a nutritious vegetable that’s a good source of many nutrients, including vitamin C, vitamin K, and the B vitamin folate.

It’s also full of anti-inflammatory compounds like indoles and is an excellent source of fiber (17Trusted Source).

Plus, mashed cauliflower can be used in place of potatoes for a low potassium side dish.

One cup (124 grams) of cooked cauliflower contains (18Trusted Source):

sodium: 19 mg
potassium: 176 mg
phosphorus: 40 mg

2. Blueberries

Blueberries are packed with nutrients and one of the best sources of antioxidants you can eat (19Trusted Source).

In particular, these sweet berries contain antioxidants called anthocyanins, which may protect against heart disease, certain cancers, cognitive decline, and diabetes (20).

They also make a fantastic addition to a kidney-friendly diet, as they are low in sodium, phosphorus, and potassium.

One cup (148 grams) of fresh blueberries contains (21Trusted Source):

sodium: 1.5 mg
potassium: 114 mg
phosphorus: 18 mg

3. Sea bass

Sea bass is a high quality protein that contains incredibly healthy fats called omega-3s.

Omega-3s help reduce inflammation and may help decrease the risk of cognitive decline, depression, and anxiety (22Trusted Source, 23Trusted Source, 24Trusted Source).

While all fish are high in phosphorus, sea bass contains lower amounts than other seafood.

However, it’s important to consume small portions to keep your phosphorus levels in check.

Three ounces (85 grams) of cooked sea bass contain (25Trusted Source):

sodium: 74 mg
potassium: 279 mg
phosphorus: 211 mg

4. Red grapes

Red grapes are not only delicious but also deliver a ton of nutrition in a small package.

They’re high in vitamin C and contain antioxidants called flavonoids, which have been shown to reduce inflammation (26Trusted Source).

Additionally, red grapes are high in resveratrol, a type of flavonoid that has been shown to benefit heart health and protect against diabetes and cognitive decline (27Trusted Source, 28Trusted Source).

These sweet fruits are kidney-friendly, with a half cup (75 grams) containing (29Trusted Source):

sodium: 1.5 mg
potassium: 144 mg
phosphorus: 15 mg