What Dietary Restrictions Do I Need to Follow If I Have Kidney Disease?

AdminKidneyMD
Jan 14
2 min read

A brightly lit image showcasing various kidney-friendly foods spread across a wooden kitchen counter. An outline of a healthy kidney icon is featured on the right.

The foods include fresh vegetables like broccoli, kale, and spinach, a bowl of mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries), whole grains in jars and a bowl (oats/barley), olive oil, tofu, black beans, avocado, walnuts, garlic, lemons, and lentils. A tablet is visible in the background.

Living with chronic kidney disease (CKD) means your kidneys can’t filter wastes and balance minerals as well as they should. Because of this, what you eat matters more than ever. The right dietary choices can help slow CKD progression, manage symptoms, and lower your risk of heart problems.

Here’s what you need to know about nutrition when you have CKD:

Focus on a Plant-Dominant Diet

Emphasize fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts, and healthy fats.
Diet patterns like the DASH or Mediterranean diet are good guides.
Try to minimize ultraprocessed foods (packaged snacks, frozen meals, deli meats).
Benefits include lower blood pressure, less inflammation, and better heart health.

Be Mindful of Protein

For most people with CKD not on dialysis: aim for 0.8 g protein per kg body weight per day.
For patients on dialysis: higher protein is needed (about 1.0–1.2 g/kg/day).
Too much protein (>1.3 g/kg/day) can stress your kidneys and worsen CKD.
Choose more plant-based proteins (beans, lentils, tofu) if possible.
Always work with a renal dietitian to avoid malnutrition or protein-energy wasting.

Limit Sodium

Keep sodium under 2 grams per day.
High sodium raises blood pressure and increases protein leakage in urine.
Tips:
- Cook fresh meals instead of relying on packaged foods.
- Avoid adding salt at the table.
- Watch out for “hidden sodium” in sauces, breads, and dressings.

Potassium: Individualized Approach

Not all CKD patients need to limit potassium.
Restrict only if you have high blood potassium (hyperkalemia) or advanced CKD.
Prefer natural sources (fruits, veggies) over potassium additives in processed foods.
Ask your doctor or dietitian whether you need to limit or monitor potassium.

Phosphorus: Important in Later CKD

Too much phosphorus can weaken bones and harden blood vessels.
Avoid inorganic phosphorus found in processed foods, fast food, and sodas.
Natural sources (like beans, dairy, nuts) are less harmful than additives but may still need moderation in advanced CKD.

Dietary Quality Matters

High-fiber, plant-based foods improve gut health, reduce acidosis, and may lower protein in urine.
Healthy eating is about overall balance, not just restriction.

Partner With a Dietitian

CKD diets can feel overwhelming—especially when protein, potassium, phosphorus, and sodium all need attention. A renal dietitian can personalize your plan based on your labs, CKD stage, and preferences.