foods
Being a Kidney Patient is difficult. It is not just because of the health challenges it poses on a day-to-day basis. It is also the “restrictions” that are suddenly “imposed” on us even with something as basic as “what we EAT”!
Admittedly, the Renal Diet appears all the more challenging when it is a festive season! However, Learning proactively about kidney-friendly foods instead of fretting over dietary restrictions opens a whole new horizon of food options & possible food combinations which may go unnoticed otherwise.
As Kidney Warriors, we are asked to “limit” the intake of Protein, Sodium, Potassium, Phosphorus & Fats in our diet. Broadly speaking, this reduces the “burden” on our unwell kidneys and improves our longevity. So, we at Team ATK have previously taken our readers through Comprehensive, All-that-you-need-to-know Guides & Infographics on the following topics (links below):
1. The Renal Diet – General Guidelines
2. Sodium Guide Graphic for CKD warriors
3. Potassium Album for Kidney Patients
4. Phosphorus: How to curb the metabolic menace in CKD
5. Protein: How to be “Protein Smart” in CKD
However, we also completely understand the dilemma a Kidney Warrior faces when attempting to apply the “guidelines” on their day-to-day diet management.
Say, when you consider a certain Fruit, Vegetable or Meat, it is a “congruence” of different nutrients in one. Some of these nutrients may be good for you, while others best limited when navigating CKD.
For instance, something like Carrots can offer good Potassium-control in your diet. This means a “List of Low-Medium Potassium foods” may mention Carrots. However, it is extremely rich in Phosphorus which requires strict control in CKD patients to slow-down / halt the associated bone damage. So can Kidney Patients safely take Carrots or not?
There is a similar conundrum related to Salt & it’s “Low-Sodium” variant. While Salt is itself high in Sodium, which raises your blood pressure & needs to be restricted in kidney disease, the “Low-Sodium” variants are again High in Potassium! Such confusion, right?
It is questions like these that attract a certain degree of “apprehension” when it comes to incorporating a Renal Diet in our lives as a Kidney Patient. What can you really eat on a Renal Diet after all?
So, we decided to come up with Detailed Lists of “Kidney-Safe” Foods classified as per their Food Group and “kidney-friendly portions for each day”.
◾ These will make it easy for you to draw up a “Kidney-friendly” grocery list. (= less headache!)
◾ You can mix-n-match these in measured portions to curate that taste-bud friendly, kidney-safe meal without fear as well! (Win-win!)
Click on the tabs below to go to the specific food group & learn about your kidney-safe food options NOW!
NOTE:
This is a general guide for kidney-safe food groups and their recommended portions. Please, consult your Renal Dietitian for how many servings you can take in each food group listed under respective tabs below, based on your individual kidney health status.
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REFERENCES:
- Cleveland Clinic-Renal Diet Basics
- National Kidney Foundation: Kidney friendly seasonings
- Kidney disease and your diet – stjoes
- DaVita – Renal diet
- DaVita – Renal Diet global
- Mayo Clinic – Chronic Kidney Disease Diet