Yet people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have to limit dairy products in their kidney diet. High levels of phosphorus, potassium and calcium in something like low-fat milk are not good for someone on a kidney diet.
Choose soy, almond, cashew, or rice milk for less phosphorus and less potassium than cow's milk. Avoid cow's milk substitutes that are "Enriched" or have the word phosphorus or "phos" in the ingredient list. For a change, try hot cereal like oatmeal, cream of wheat, cream of rice, or Malto-meal.
You should also limit potassium-rich foods such as avocados, bananas, and kiwis. If you are on hemodialysis, you should have no more than half a cup of milk a day. You should also limit tea, poultry, fish, nuts, beans, and dark-colored soda. Choose lean, low-fat meats that are low in phosphorus.
Water: Water is simply the best drink you can have! Water is a zero-calorie, perfectly hydrating, cheap drink. If you are in the earlier stages of kidney disease, choosing water most of the time to quench your thirst will keep your body and kidneys functioning well.
Sodas. According to the American Kidney Fund, a recent study suggests that drinking two or more carbonated sodas, diet or regular, each day may increase your risk for chronic kidney disease. Carbonated and energy drinks have both been linked to the formation of kidney stones.
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. If you do eat high-phosphorus foods, ask your doctor for a phosphate binder to be taken with your meals.
Milk, yogurt, and cheese can be part of a healthy kidney diet. Shop for natural cheeses, avoiding items labeled “cheese food” or “cheese product.” Greek yogurt and cottage cheese can be easy and tasty snacks, and, in most cases, milk servings should be 1 cup per day.
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.
Conclusions: About half of the patients with stage 3 CKD progressed to stage 4 or 5, as assessed by eGFR, over 10 years.
cereals. Pick those that do not contain dried fruit, nuts or chocolate. Good options include porridge, cornflakes, Rice Krispies, Weetabix, shredded wheat, Special K and Cheerios.
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.
Soy, almond, and cashew milks have a high oxalate content and may be restricted if you have a history of calcium oxalate kidney stones. Consult your doctor or kidney dietitian for more information on oxalate-containing foods.
Greek yogurt is high in phosphorus and potassium, which some people with kidney disease need to limit in their diet. However, it is also a good source of protein, which people on dialysis need. Protein sources contain phosphorus naturally, so a good guide to use is the phosphorus-to-protein ratio.
Most people with CKD can safely eat one medium (80g) tomato daily (as a one of your 5 a day), perhaps served with a cooked breakfast, lunch or salad. Canned tomatoes used in cooking are often divided into several portions for the finished meal.
But carbohydrates are actually a critical part of a healthy diet for kidney disease. Bottom line: Bread is good for kidney disease! But, you want to make sure you choose mostly healthy, fiber-rich bread (more below!). And, that you eat bread and other carbohydrates as part of a balanced diet.
Carrots and the Kidneys
Research shows that beta carotene is one of the best nutrients for helping the kidneys flush out toxins. Beta carotene, which the body converts to Vitamin A, also has anti-inflammatory properties and is especially helpful for preventing and managing urinary tract infections.
Dark chocolate has many health benefits, including lowering blood pressure, improving vascular system function, and reducing total cholesterol and LDL. These significant benefits could reduce chronic kidney disease or kidney failure complications. However, milk chocolate bars can also harm those with kidney disease.