Red meat such as beef, pork, and lamb is also bad for your kidneys, but to a lesser extent than processed meats. If you want to protect your kidneys, it's best to limit your intake of red meat. Try to replace at least some of your red meat with fish or poultry instead.
Fresh or frozen red meats without breading, marinades or sauce are better choices for a kidney diet. On average, fresh meat contains 65 mg of phosphorus per ounce and 7 grams of protein per ounce. Seafood is an excellent source of low-fat, high-quality protein.
Grilled beef, pork, chicken and seafood
The protein in meat contains all the essential amino acids, so regardless of the portion for a high protein dialysis diet or low protein chronic kidney disease diet, it is one of the best sources of high quality protein.
Eating Too Much Meat
Animal protein generates high amounts of acid in the blood that can be harmful to the kidneys and cause acidosis – a condition in which kidneys cannot eliminate acid fast enough.
Broccoli is a medium potassium food, low in sodium and phosphorus, and suitable for all the following kidney conditions and treatments: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
Healthy options for kidney disease are protein, egg whites, fish, unsaturated fats, fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables, apple juice, grape and cranberry juice, light colored soda. The amount of protein intake per day varies depending on the stage of kidney disease.
Lamb is a reasonable choice for those who want to include meat in their diet but are watching their potassium and phosphorus. Lamb is lower in these minerals than beef or pork, and is quite close to chicken, in the same portion size.
As you just learned, egg white protein is hands down the best dietary protein for your kidneys, especially if you have impaired kidney function.
Your body needs protein to build tissue and stay strong, so eat the right amount without eating an excess. Most people with chronic kidney disease need between 60-70 grams of protein a day, which is the amount in about 7 ounces of meat or 10 large eggs.
By DaVita® dietitian Tammy Sanders, RD, LDN, CDE
But for people with kidney disease who are on dialysis, whey happens to be a great source of high-quality protein.
Phosphorus and Dairy Foods
Most dairy foods are very high in phosphorus. People with kidney disease should limit their daily intake of milk, yogurt, and cheese to ½ cup milk, or ½ cup yogurt or 1-ounce cheese.
Beta-Carotene Benefits
Beta-carotene, the water-soluble form of vitamin A in carrots, helps the kidneys filter toxins out of the blood and prevent urinary tract infections, according to Dr. George D.
Exercise may help kidney health
Being active and having a healthy body weight is also important to kidney health. Some studies show kidney function improves with exercise. Talk with your healthcare professional or dietitian if you need to lose weight.
Maintain a healthy diet and weight.
Research shows that a kidney-friendly diet and regular exercise, may help protect your kidneys from the risk factors that can lead to kidney damage. “A kidney-healthy diet is low in sodium and carbohydrates and includes lots of fruits and vegetables,” Peev says.
While it's not possible to reverse kidney damage, you can take steps to slow it down. Taking prescribed medicine, being physically active, and eating well will help. You'll also feel better and improve your overall well-being.
Weight loss and increased urine output may be signs your kidney function is returning.