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.
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.
Almond Milk and Kidney Health
For those who suffer from kidney conditions, it may be necessary to limit calcium and potassium. Consuming almond milk can provide the ” milk-like” quality, but prevent excess calcium and potassium intake.
Potassium varies greatly in milk substitutes. Soy milk is naturally high in potassium, ranging from 250 to 440 mg for 8 ounces. Almond milk ranges from 150 to 250 mg potassium, and rice milk is lowest with a range from 20 to 80 mg.
Therefore, be sure to read nutrition facts label and ingredient list to make the best choice. Ask your dietitian for guidance before adding oat milk to your meal plan. For many people oat milk can be enjoyed in moderation (8 oz or less/ day) and be part of a kidney-friendly diet.
Studies have linked sodas to conditions like osteoporosis, kidney disease, metabolic syndrome and dental problems. Diet sodas may be lower in calories, but still provide no nutritional value and often contain additives, including artificial sweeteners. Skip the soda and reach for water instead.
Conclusions: About half of the patients with stage 3 CKD progressed to stage 4 or 5, as assessed by eGFR, over 10 years.
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.
Calcium-fortified soy, oat and coconut-based yogurts have a favorable nutritional composition for patients with kidney conditions.
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.
I recommend whole grain, whole wheat or multigrain bread for people with kidney disease. Be careful to check the sodium in whatever bread you buy. Bread is a surprising source of salt! Historically, white bread was recommended because it has less phosphorus in it.
Most people with early-stage CKD or a kidney transplant do not have to limit tomatoes because of potassium. If your laboratory results show higher levels of potassium, your doctor or kidney dietitian may talk with you about how much to eat. Potassium can be a concern depending on the amount you eat.
As much as anything else, life expectancy for kidney disease depends on a person's age and sex. For a 60-year-old man, stage 1 kidney disease life expectancy will be approximately 15 years. That figure falls to 13 years, 8 years, and 6 years in the second, third, and fourth stages of kidney disease respectively.
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.
Low- or non-fat dairy — Skim or 1% milk contains all the protein, vitamins and minerals that whole milk contains, but it has much less saturated fat. This type of milk is typically more heart-healthy than full-fat milk.
Not only is 1% milk udderly delicious and low-fat, but it's also a surprising source of potassium. With about 388 mg of potassium per cup, plus calcium, magnesium, and zinc, drinking 1% milk is an easy way to boost your mineral intake. Slap it in smoothies, coffee, tea, or your post-workout recovery drink.
Oat Milk: Nutrition. Overall, the main differences between almond and oat milk are energy (calories) and carbohydrates, with almond milk offering less of each. Oat milk also contains slightly higher amounts of fiber, protein, and fat than almond milk.