Kidney Health
Eating with Kidney Disease
What you eat and drink directly affects how well your kidneys function. A kidney-friendly diet can slow disease progression, reduce symptoms, and improve your quality of life.
Visit Kidney KitchenImportant: Dietary needs vary by CKD stage, dialysis status, lab values, and other health conditions. Always work with your nephrologist and a renal dietitian to create a personalized meal plan.
Why Diet Matters for Your Kidneys
Healthy kidneys filter waste and excess nutrients from your blood. When kidneys are damaged, certain nutrients can build up to harmful levels. Managing what you eat helps reduce the workload on your kidneys and keeps your blood chemistry balanced.
The five key nutrients to monitor are sodium, potassium, phosphorus, protein, and fluids. Your specific limits depend on your stage of kidney disease and current lab results.
Key Nutrients to Manage
Sodium
Why It Matters
Too much sodium causes fluid retention and raises blood pressure, putting extra strain on damaged kidneys.
Tips
- Limit to 1,500–2,000 mg per day
- Avoid processed, canned, and fast foods
- Use herbs and spices instead of salt
- Rinse canned vegetables before cooking
Foods to Limit or Avoid
- Table salt
- Soy sauce
- Pickled foods
- Deli meats
- Canned soups
Potassium
Why It Matters
Damaged kidneys cannot filter excess potassium, which can build up in the blood and affect heart rhythm.
Tips
- Target 2,000–3,000 mg/day (ask your dietitian)
- Leach high-potassium vegetables by soaking in water
- Choose lower-potassium fruits like apples, berries, grapes
- Avoid salt substitutes — they are high in potassium
Foods to Limit or Avoid
- Bananas
- Oranges
- Potatoes
- Tomatoes
- Avocados
- Nuts
Phosphorus
Why It Matters
High phosphorus weakens bones and causes calcium deposits in blood vessels over time.
Tips
- Limit dairy to ½ cup per day
- Avoid dark colas and processed foods with phosphate additives
- Choose rice milk or unenriched almond milk
- Take phosphate binders as prescribed with meals
Foods to Limit or Avoid
- Dark colas
- Dairy products
- Nuts & seeds
- Whole grains
- Processed meats
Protein
Why It Matters
Too much protein creates waste products the kidneys must filter. The right amount depends on your CKD stage.
Tips
- Non-dialysis CKD: 0.6–0.8 g/kg body weight per day
- On dialysis: higher protein needs — follow your dietitian's plan
- Choose high-quality proteins: eggs, fish, poultry
- Limit red and processed meats
Foods to Limit or Avoid
- Large portions of red meat
- Processed meats
- High-protein supplements (unless prescribed)
Fluids
Why It Matters
As kidney function declines, the kidneys may not be able to remove excess fluid, leading to swelling and high blood pressure.
Tips
- Fluid limits vary — ask your care team for your personal target
- Count all liquids: soups, ice cream, gelatin, ice
- Use a measured cup to track daily intake
- Suck on ice chips to manage thirst with less fluid
Foods to Limit or Avoid
- Excess water
- Juices
- Sodas
- Alcohol
- Broths and soups in large amounts
Kidney-Friendly Foods
Fruits
- Apples
- Blueberries
- Strawberries
- Grapes
- Cranberries
- Pineapple
Vegetables
- Cabbage
- Cauliflower
- Green beans
- Onions
- Garlic
- Bell peppers
Grains
- White rice
- White bread
- Pasta
- Cream of wheat
- Unsalted crackers
Protein
- Egg whites
- Fish
- Skinless chicken
- Turkey
- Tofu (in moderation)
American Kidney Fund
Kidney Kitchen®
Explore hundreds of kidney-friendly recipes, meal plans, and nutrition tips created specifically for people living with kidney disease — all free from the American Kidney Fund.