From the Guidelines
A kidney-friendly diet should include a balanced intake of 0.8 g/kg body weight per day of protein, limited sodium intake to less than 2,300 mg/day, and individualized restriction of potassium and phosphorus based on kidney function. The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet is an excellent example, as it emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and limits sodium, which benefits kidney health 1. For those with kidney disease, it is essential to moderate protein intake, limit sodium, and restrict potassium and phosphorus based on individual kidney function. Foods to emphasize include egg whites, fish, chicken, berries, apples, cauliflower, onions, and olive oil. Foods to limit include processed meats, full-fat dairy, bananas, oranges, potatoes, tomatoes, and packaged foods high in sodium. This diet helps reduce the workload on kidneys, manages blood pressure, prevents mineral buildup in the bloodstream, and slows progression of kidney disease.
Some key points to consider when implementing a kidney-friendly diet include:
- Limiting dietary sodium to less than 2,300 mg/day to control blood pressure and reduce cardiovascular risk
- Restricting dietary potassium to control serum potassium concentration, especially for patients with reduced eGFR
- Avoiding high levels of dietary protein intake (>20% of daily calories from protein or >1.3 g/kg/day) as it may be associated with increased albuminuria, more rapid kidney function loss, and CVD mortality
- Consulting with a nephrologist and renal dietitian to determine individualized dietary needs based on kidney function, comorbid conditions, medication use, blood pressure, and laboratory data 1.
Overall, a kidney-friendly diet is essential for managing kidney disease and reducing the risk of progression and cardiovascular complications. By following a balanced diet and restricting certain nutrients based on individual kidney function, patients with kidney disease can help slow the progression of their disease and improve their overall health.
From the FDA Drug Label
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Kidney Diet Overview
- A kidney diet is crucial for individuals with kidney disease or those at risk of developing kidney stones.
- The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet has been shown to be effective in reducing the risk of kidney stones 2.
- The DASH diet is rich in fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products, and low in meats and sweets 3.
Key Components of a Kidney Diet
- High intake of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes
- High intake of low-fat dairy products
- High intake of whole grains
- Low intake of sodium
- Low intake of sweetened beverages
- Low intake of red and processed meats
- Adequate intake of calcium, potassium, magnesium, and vitamin C 2
Benefits of a Kidney Diet
- Reduced risk of kidney stones 2
- Lower blood pressure 3
- Improved overall health and well-being
- Reduced risk of cardiovascular disease 4, 5, 6
Phosphate Binders and Kidney Diet
- Phosphate binders are commonly used to control serum phosphorus levels in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) 4, 5, 6.
- The use of phosphate binders can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and other complications associated with CKD 4, 5, 6.
- A kidney diet that is low in phosphorus and high in calcium, potassium, and magnesium can help reduce the risk of kidney stones and other kidney problems 2.