Why Is Following A Renal Diet Important?

Living with chronic kidney disease (CKD) can be challenging, but adopting a renal diet can help improve your health and manage complications. People with kidney disease may need to control these important nutrients: sodium, potassium, and phosphorus. Please discuss your specific and individual diet needs with your healthcare provider or the registered dietitian at your dialysis center.

Potassium is a mineral involved in how muscles work. When your kidneys don’t work properly, potassium builds up in your blood. This can cause changes in how your heart beats and possibly even lead to a heart attack. Potassium is found mainly in fruits and vegetables, as well as milk and meats. You’ll need to avoid certain fruits and vegetables and limit the amount of others.

Potassium-rich foods to avoid:

• Melons such as cantaloupe and honeydew. (Watermelon is OK.)

• Bananas.

• Oranges and orange juice.

• Avocado.

• Prune juice.

• Tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato juice.

• Pumpkin and winter squash.

• Cooked greens, spinach, kale, collards, and Swiss chard.

• Broccoli and Brussels sprouts.

• Nuts and nut butters.

• Bran cereals and granola.

• Salt substitutes or “lite” salt.

• Molasses.

Phosphorus is another mineral that can build up in your blood when your kidneys don’t work properly. When this happens, calcium can be pulled from your bones and can collect in your skin or blood vessels. Dairy foods are the major source of phosphorus in the diet. Some vegetables and certain cereals also contain phosphorus:

• Greens.

• Broccoli.

• Mushrooms.

• Brussels sprouts.

• Bran.

• Wheat cereals.

• Oatmeal.

• Granola.

• White or Italian bread and low-salt crackers made with white flour have less phosphorus than whole-grain bread and crackers.

• Soft drinks contain phosphorus, specifically dark ones like colas. Avoid colas, root beers, Dr.Pepper®

• Beer also has phosphorus. Avoid all kinds.