Whole wheat pasta and shirataki pasta (pasta zero) can be some of your best options when choosing a diabetes and kidney-friendly pasta. These two both have moderate amounts of carbohydrates and are good sources of fiber.
Avoid the temptation to overindulge, as too much potassium and fluid can still make you unwell. Italian and Spanish food: Pasta (spaghetti, noodles) can make an excellent starter or main course, however be aware of what the sauces are made from.
Pastas and noodles are actually good for CKD patients, especially since they can fit a renal healthy diet (also check our useful guide on pizza for kidney dieting). Some dishes may be more suitable for you than others, depending on your specific needs.
Wheat noodles or pasta are allowed on the renal diet, but not on a gluten-free diet. However, the good news is, rice and other types of gluten-free noodles are available. Potatoes and other gluten-free grains (quinoa, buckwheat, and amaranth) are extremely high in potassium (Table 2).
The penne pasta recipe made with whole wheat is low in potassium and phosphorus making it a good choice for kidney patients.
Chickpeas are a nutritious addition to your renal diet for chronic kidney disease. They are low- to moderate in potassium, but when included in healthy portions, they are not an issue. Chickpeas are also a good source of fiber, protein, and vitamins, and minerals.
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.
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.
If you want to reduce your salt intake, try having Salt 'n' Shake crisps (without adding the salt sachet). Better sweet snacks include: • jelly sweets • fruit gums • marshmallows • Turkish delight • mints • doughnuts • shortbread • ginger biscuits • rich tea biscuits • digestive biscuits.
Suitable bread types
White or brown pan loaf, baguettes, pitta bread, ciabatta, chapattis, white or granary bread rolls are all suitable. Your dietitian will decide if you can eat wholemeal bread based on your blood levels. Sourdough bread is not a suitable bread as it is high in phosphate.
Limit intake of foods with high levels of phosphate or phosphate additives such as organ meats, whole grain breads, processed foods, cola beverages, cheese, dried beans, liver, peanut butter, dairy products and chocolate.
Low-sodium canned tuna.
Tuna is kidney-friendly and an inexpensive source of protein. Make homemade tuna salad with yogurt instead of mayo and throw it into a pita for a delicious meal.
If possible, make meat sandwiches from low sodium, fresh-cooked meats such as chicken, turkey breast, roast beef, pork or fish. Use meat leftover from dinner, or cook fresh meat specifically for lunch sandwiches. Consider freezing cooked meat in 2- to 3-ounce portions until needed.
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. If you do eat high-phosphorus foods, ask your doctor for a phosphate binder to be taken with your meals.
A great plant based protein, shiitake mushrooms are an ideal food for those with kidney issues. They are better than white button and portobellos since they contain much less potassium.
Snacking is okay on the kidney diet as long as you make healthy choices. Rather than eating food that is high in sodium, such as a small bag of potato chips, a better option is a piece of kidney-friendly fruit.
For a change, try hot cereal like oatmeal, cream of wheat, cream of rice, or Malto-meal. Buy the original versions without added salt. Add brown sugar, blueberries, or a scattering of raisins. Southern favorites like corn meal mush and grits, with a dab of butter or honey, make great breakfast cereals too.
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.
Avoid peanut butter, nut, seeds, dried beans and lentils. Even though these are high in protein, they are also high in potassium and phosphorous. Use less salt and eat fewer salty foods.
Honey and lemon have miraculous health benefits on the overall health of the individual. Lemons are rich in citric acid which helps to fight with kidney stones by increasing the level of urine citrate. Taking regular lemon juice with honey reduces pain of kidney stones and dissolves kidney stones quickly.
Onions can be helpful for patients recovering from kidney problems. If you're suffering from a kidney ailment, then onions could be your saviour. As they are rich in vitamin C, calcium and phosphorous, onions can be healthy for people suffering from high creatinine levels along with reduced kidney function.
Generally, patients with CKD, especially those who suffer from hyperkalemia, should avoid consuming large amounts of raw vegetables, such as lettuce, in order to reduce their potassium intake from meals.
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.