Renal Diet: What can you really eat?!


Renal Diet

Being a Kidney Patient is difficult. It is not just 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!

But, focusing on what we CAN eat with kidney disease in tow, instead of what we CANNOT 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 ProteinSodiumPotassiumPhosphorus & 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):

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.

Renal Diet what can you eat 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?

Renal Diet what can you eat 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?

Renal Diet what can you eat

 

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!

 

Renal Diet Fruits Allowed

Renal Diet Chart vegetables

Renal Diet dairy milk milk substitute

kidney safe foods cereals wheat rice couscous semolina buckwheat corn

Renal Diet Lentils pulses nuts soy products

Renal diet meat

Renal diet fats oils spreads

Spicing up your renal diet

Renal Diet desserts

renal diet fluids beverages

 

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.


 

Found this post helpful? Then please do not hesitate to share it (by clicking on the Share-Buttons below) with your social circle. Spread this piece of information as much as you can and contribute your two cents towards empowering the Kidney Community!

If you have a query on this topic, feel free to write to Team ATK by clicking the button below:

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REFERENCES:

  1. Cleveland Clinic-Renal Diet Basics

  2. National Kidney Foundation: Kidney friendly seasonings

  3. Kidney disease and your diet – stjoes

  4. DaVita – Renal diet

  5. DaVita – Renal Diet global

  6. Mayo Clinic – Chronic Kidney Disease Diet

 


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