Foods You Should Say No to if You Have Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

Your kidneys perform several very important jobs that are key to maintaining good health. Kidneys produce hormones, balance minerals and fluids in your body.  They filter blood, removing the waste through urine, passing it out of your body.  Damaged kidneys are no longer able to perform these jobs properly, which can lead to a buildup of fluid in the body, as well as an accumulation of waste in the blood.  It is possible for you to help to improve kidney function and prevent further damage by following some guidelines concerning changes to your diet. The foods you choose to eat each day can have a significant impact on how your chronic kidney disease is managed.

Restrictions on the type of diet you eat depends on what stage your kidney disease is.  People who are in the early stages of chronic kidney disease are going to follow a different diet than people with end stage renal disease (kidney failure).  The majority of patients in end stage renal failure who require dialysis treatments will need to follow a renal diet to avoid the buildup of specific chemicals or nutrients in the blood.  The kidneys of a person with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) are unable to adequately remove excess sodium, potassium, and phosphorus.  Therefore putting them at risk of high blood levels of those minerals, 

The renal diet, (or kidney-friendly diet), generally limits sodium to under 2300 mg per day, and limits a person's intake of potassium and phosphorus.  The National Kidney Foundation’s most recent Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative (KDOQI) guidelines  do not set specific limits on potassium and phosphorus. Patients are encouraged to work with their medical doctor and dietitian in order to determine how much potassium  and phosphorus should be limited in their diet plan. 

Damaged kidneys also have difficulty in filtering protein waste products. People with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) should limit the amount of protein in their diet.  This is even more important as the disease progresses.  Those in stages 3-5 should be especially mindful of limiting their protein intake unless they have started to receive dialysis treatments. People with end stage renal disease undergoing dialysis require a diet that includes an increase in the amount of protein they are eating.

Below is a list of 17 foods that should be limited or avoided by those following a renal diet.

‍

Dark-colored soda ‍

Sodas, which typically are loaded with sugar and calories and have no nutritional benefit seem a bad choice to add to any healthy diet. For someone with CKD following a renal diet, dark-colored soda is a bad choice due not only to the empty calories, but because of additives containing phosphorus. Phosphorus as an additive is absorbed into the body in greater amounts than phosphorus that is found naturally in the foods we eat.  The amount of phosphorus varies depending on the type of soda, with dark-colored types of soda containing the most phosphorus, 50-100 mg in a 200 ml serving.  According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) food database; a 12 ounce cola drink contains 33.5 mg of phosphorus.

Avocados‍

Avocados are a nutritious addition to a healthy diet; except for those people with kidney disease.  Avocados have a very high potassium content, with one average size avocado containing 690 mg of potassium. 

Canned foods

Because salt is often added as a preservative, most canned foods contain high amounts of sodium.  If following a renal diet, look for canned foods that are labeled “no salt added”.

Whole wheat bread

Usually considered a better nutritional choice than white bread, wheat is the wrong choice if following a renal diet.  Whole wheat breads contain high levels of phosphorus and potassium, and the more bran and whole grains in the bread, the higher the phosphorus and potassium content.  

Brown rice

Brown rice is a whole grain and like whole wheat bread, brown rice has higher potassium and phosphorus content than white rice. 

Bananas

Bananas have a very high amount of potassium. One medium banana contains 422 mg of potassium.

Dairy

Dairy products contain high amounts of phosphorus, potassium, and protein, making them foods to be limited or avoided by people following a renal diet.  

Oranges and orange juice

Oranges and orange juice are not only a good source of vitamin C, potassium is also found in high quantities.  One large orange has 333 mg of potassium, and one cup of orange juice contains 473 mg of potassium. Oranges, therefore, should be avoided in favor of fruits and their juices that have much lower amounts of potassium such as apples, grapes, and cranberries.  

Processed meats

Processed meats are meats that have been salted, dried, cured, or canned.  They are typically high in sodium content due to large amounts of salt used to preserve them.  Examples include hot dogs, bacon, pepperoni, jerky, and sausage. 

Pickled foods

Pickles, processed olives, and relish are all examples of pickled or cured foods.  During the pickling process, large quantities of salt are added, and, for this reason these foods should be limited or avoided.  There is more than 300 mg of sodium in just one pickle spear, and 2 tablespoons of sweet pickle relish has 244 mg of sodium. Pickled foods that are labeled “reduced sodium” are still very high in sodium content. 

Apricots

Fresh Apricots are high in potassium, having 427 mg of potassium in one cup of fresh apricots.  Dried apricots have an even higher concentration of potassium with one cup dried apricots having 1,500 mg of potassium! 

Potatoes and sweet potatoes

Both varieties of potato are high in potassium. One medium size baked potato has 610 mg of potassium. One medium size baked sweet potato has 541 mg of potassium.  If following a renal diet, it is possible to reduce the potassium content by leaching, soaking the potatoes, boiling, or double cooking can decrease potassium content.  

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are another high potassium fruit that should be limited or avoided on a renal diet. This includes tomato sauces such as spaghetti sauce.  Just one cup of tomato sauce can add 900 mg of potassium to your daily diet.  

Packaged, instant, and pre-made meals

Processed foods account for a majority of the sodium we consume in our diets.  Foods that are packaged, instant, and pre-made are heavily processed and contain higher levels of sodium. Examples of foods in this category are frozen pizza, microwaveable meals, and instant noodles.

Swiss chard, spinach, and beet greens

These leafy green vegetables are all high in potassium and should be limited whether served raw or cooked.  These are also high in oxalates, which increase the risk of kidney stones in some individuals. Kidney stones could lead to further kidney damage.  

Dates, raisins, and prunes

When fruits are dried all nutrients become concentrated, including potassium.  ! cup of prunes has 1,274 mg of potassium.  That is almost five times the amount of potassium in 1 cup of plums.  These dried fruits are best avoided on a renal diet.

Pretzels, chips and crackers

These snack foods are all high in salt, low in nutritional value, and best if avoided by people following a renal diet.  Especially chips made from potatoes, which also have a high potassium content. 

Diet plays an important part in managing kidney disease; and, reducing phosphorus, potassium, and sodium intake are key in helping you be as healthy and comfortable as possible. Although a renal diet may appear to be a little overwhelming due to the restrictions, success can be found by working closely with your healthcare professionals.  A renal dietitian will be helpful in your success at following a kidney friendly diet; and can help to design a diet specific to your personal nutritional needs.  

‍

Video

This video by National Health Remedies gives a more in-depth review of foods that people with CKD need to avoid.

‍

Video Transcript

Our kidneys are important for filtering out toxins in the body and transforming waste and toxins into urine which we expel. The kidneys also balance fluids within the body help with the production of red blood cells and regulate blood pressure.

People with Chronic Kidney Disease have kidneys that don't function as well as they should. Usually this means that the kidneys don't filter out toxins as effectively as healthy kidneys can. In order to manage the disease, it's important for people with Chronic Kidney Disease to follow a healthy diet and avoid certain foods. People with kidney disease should adopt a low sodium diet and ensure that they're not eating high levels of potassium and phosphorus.  

Kidneys that have sustained damage may also have trouble filtering out large amounts of protein. In this case, you may need to closely monitor your protein consumption and make sure you don't eat too much.

Certain fruits and vegetables also aren't suitable for people with poor kidney function. It's important to note that people in the early stages of kidney disease may have different requirements to people in the late stages.

Let's take a look at the main foods kidney patients should avoid. Too much phosphorus in the body can lead to brittle bones that are more likely to break this is because calcium is pulled out of the bones while your body tries to regulate levels within the blood.

Medicines such as phosphate binders may help with the buildup of phosphorus in the blood.

‍

Soda‍

Soda especially dark colored sodas such as cola drinks contains additives like phosphorus which are used as preservatives for the beverage. Phosphorus as an additive is bound to proteins and absorbed in the intestinal tract. People with kidney problems should limit phosphorus consumption and this means limiting soda consumption.

‍

Milk

Milk contains large amounts of phosphorus so it's important that you portion your milk intake to only one cup a day if you have Chronic Kidney Disease. For dairy foods like yogurt or cheese make sure to consume no more than one ounce per day while calcium is present. In milk and dairy products, phosphorus can cause weakened bones in people with kidney disease.

Peanut Butter

Peanut butter is a guilty pleasure for many of us but if you're dealing with Chronic Kidney Disease you should consume it only sparingly. Peanut butter contains high levels of potassium and a small amount of phosphorus.

Whole Wheat Bread and Wheat Cereals

Whole wheat bread contains high levels of both phosphorus and potassium so it should typically be avoided by kidney patients. White bread is favored over whole wheat bread. For this reason, potassium when the kidneys aren't functioning as they should, potassium builds up in the blood. Worryingly, this can have an effect on the heart causing it to change the way that it beats and put you more at risk of a heart attack. Kidney patients may need to limit their potassium intake for this reason.

Bananas

You might think bananas are good for you and mostly they are. However, bananas contain high potassium levels so people with kidney problems should eat them in moderation. If you're a big fruit fan there's still plenty more that's safe to enjoy. Other fruits such as pineapple can be eaten instead as they contain lower levels of potassium.

Avocados

Avocados also contain high levels of potassium in a small serving.  People with kidney problems should limit their intake of avocados to one-fourth of the fruit.  You should also avoid foods such as guacamole as it's too difficult to properly portion your avocado intake with these products. Guacamole also contains high levels of sodium which needs to be carefully monitored if you have Chronic Kidney Disease.

Cooked Greens

Cooked greens have high potassium levels and should be avoided by anyone on a renal diet.  Cooking greens such as broccoli and kale can actually increase their levels of potassium. We already know that it's important to limit potassium on a renal diet. So you may need to limit cooked greens or eat them in moderation.

‍

Sweet Potato

Sweet potatoes are grouped with other high potassium foods. They contain too much potassium for a renal diet and should be consumed in moderation. This is especially the case for sweet potatoes prepared as fries. So save this dish for a one-off.  Grate and be sure to eat it only in moderation. There are higher levels of sodium in sweet potato fries too which may also negatively impact the health of people with kidney disease.

Sodium

Sodium is found in many packaged foods and condiments such as soy sauce. People with kidney failure need to limit sodium. Intake as excess sodium in the body can cause a whole host of unpleasant symptoms including swollen ankles, high blood pressure, heart failure, and shortness of breath. Sodium typically helps us regulate fluids in our body. But people with kidney problems can't filter it out which can prove dangerous.

Fast Food

You're probably not surprised to see fast food on this list. As disappointing as it might be, fast food contains high levels of sodium. When you're eating out at a restaurant, do your best to pick low sodium options. Instead of items that have salt added; foods like French fries, pizza, and fried food, all contain high levels of sodium that your kidneys will struggle to properly filter out.

Processed Meats

Processed meats might be tasty convenience foods but they're not good for our kidneys. Meats such as bacon salami and hot dogs contain high levels of sodium and protein. It's best to avoid lunch meats and processed meats altogether if you're on a renal diet. Instead swap these processed foods out for fresh meats like oven baked chicken breast in small portions. Even better consider switching to a plant-based diet which will give your body the fuel it needs to thrive.

Canned Soups and Canned Foods

Canned soups and other canned foods contain too much sodium for the renal diet. Salt is added to preserve food and increase its shelf life. Even canned vegetables are stored in salty water. People following a renal diet need to limit the amount of sodium they consume. Soups and canned foods should be replaced with fresh versions or canned goods that are low in sodium.  A salt substitute can also be used to add flavor to your dishes.

High Sodium Condiments

Some condiments can be incredibly high in sodium. Tomato sauce, soy sauce and steak sauce all contain worryingly high amounts of salt. These condiments should be used sparingly as it is. But if you have Chronic Kidney Disease, it's even more important to limit your intake of them. Try swapping high sodium condiments for low sodium substitutes.

Prepackaged Meals

Pre-flavored meals in meats such as frozen dinners should also be avoided as these typically contain high sodium levels as well. Read food packages to determine whether or not the amount of sodium is suitable for your diet.

So, what foods can kidney patients eat?

When picking out foods to eat on a renal diet it's important to read food labels. Food labels tell you exactly how much sodium is in the food you're considering. You can also check whether foods contain high levels of potassium or ingredients that have too much phosphorous. It's wise to look for low potassium foods such as apples, cucumber, celery, and pasta. These foods are all recommended by doctors as part of a kidney-friendly diet. You should also consider adding vegetables such as bellpeppers and onions to your diet both of which are low in potassium and phosphorus while full of flavor so that salt can be reduced.

Conclusion‍

To conclude people with kidney disease should consult their doctor or dietitian when making decisions on what they should eat as part of their renal diet. While healthy kidneys can filter out higher levels of phosphorus, potassium, protein and sodium, damaged kidneys cannot.

Be sure to shop smartly for foods and look after your body with the foods you eat. Opt for low sodium foods in place of high sodium foods. Many condiments these days are made with lower sodium levels so a renal diet doesn't have to be bland. Look at nutrient facts labels to ensure that when you're eating processed foods, you're sticking to your meal plan. Soft drinks and fast food are tough even on healthy kidneys so be sure to consume these in moderation and under the advice of a renal dietitian.

References

‍National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)  

Natural Health Remedies

‍

About the Author

Monica McCarthy has bachelors in Political Science and Criminal Justice from Central Washington University.  A majority of her career was spent as a political consultant.   She currently works at KidneyLuv as a staff writer.

‍

‍

‍

‍

‍

‍

‍

Patient Education Disclaimer

This material is for informational purposes only. It does not replace the advice or counsel of a doctor or health care professional. KidneyLuv makes every effort to provide information that is accurate and timely, but makes no guarantee in this regard. You should consult with, and rely only on the advice of, your physician or health care professional.

‍