For kidney-friendly soft drinks, choose water, fruit-infused water, or herbal teas, with sparkling water and clear, non-cola diet sodas (like lemon-lime or ginger ale) being better options in moderation if you need fizz, but always check labels for hidden phosphate additives (in dark sodas), high sugar, sodium, or potassium. Avoid regular and diet colas, sugary drinks, and excess caffeine, as these can strain kidneys.
Crush® and Sunkist® orange diet sodas are acceptable for a kidney diet because there are no phosphate additives. Fanta® orange soda does contain phosphate additives. Look for almond milk marked 'original' and check ingredients to select a product free of phosphate additives.
Drinking both regular and diet sodas may increase your risk for chronic kidney disease. Excess soda can contribute to weight gain and increase your risk of Type 2 diabetes, raising your odds for kidney disease. Limit carbonated beverages to avoid the adverse effects on your nutrition and your kidneys.
What drinks should people with kidney disease avoid?
Whilst all fluid counts towards your fluid intake, water is one of the healthiest choices when it comes to maintaining kidney health. Sip water little and often. Aim to drink 6-8 glasses of fluid each day.
Diabetes and high blood pressure are the top culprits damaging kidneys most, as they harm the delicate filtering blood vessels, leading to chronic kidney disease (CKD) and failure; other major factors include smoking, obesity, dehydration, poor diet (high sugar/salt/red meat), certain medications (NSAIDs), lack of sleep, and genetic conditions. These factors create a cycle where damaged kidneys worsen blood pressure, further damaging them.
To strengthen your kidneys, focus on a healthy lifestyle: stay hydrated with water, eat a balanced diet low in salt and processed foods, exercise regularly, maintain a healthy weight, and avoid smoking and excessive alcohol, while also managing blood pressure and blood sugar to prevent damage.
Protect Kidney Health: 5 Foods to Avoid with Kidney Disease
Establishing a Consistent Hydration Routine. Start your day with a glass of water and space your intake evenly. Contrary to popular belief, drinking water at night is bad for kidneys unless it leads to frequent nighttime urination that disrupts sleep.
Symptoms can include:
Water is the best beverage for supporting kidney health. It helps flush out toxins, maintains electrolyte balance, and prevents dehydration. Drinking at least 8–10 glasses of water daily is essential for anyone in recovery, especially those enrolled in an Alcohol Treatment Program or Drug Rehab Programs.
Short answer, no – diet soda is not bad for your kidneys in moderation. However, water is always the preferred choice of beverage. When you dig deeper it gets a bit more complicated: Many times, people living with kidney disease need to be on a fluid restriction.
What can I do to keep my kidneys healthy?
Over-the-counter NSAIDS
They are not safe to use when you have kidney disease. Ibuprofen, such as Advil™ and Motrin™. Naproxen, such as Aleve™ and Naprosyn™. Aspirin for pain relief.
Eat a healthy and balanced diet
Many people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are able to live long lives without being unduly affected by the condition. Although it's not possible to repair damage that has already happened to your kidneys, CKD will not necessarily get worse. CKD only reaches an advanced stage in a small proportion of people.
Certain medications, such as diuretics (water pills) and heart or diabetes medications, can also be the culprit. If you're experiencing nocturia: Stop drinking liquids two or three hours before bedtime. This includes alcohol and beverages with caffeine.
There is growing evidence that changes in sleep duration and time of sleep onset may have detrimental effects on renal function. Short sleep duration and shift work are associated with risk factors for chronic kidney disease (CKD), including hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
To support kidney health, focus on fruits like berries, apples, and red grapes; vegetables such as cauliflower, red peppers, and leafy greens; lean proteins like fish (salmon) and egg whites; and healthy fats from olive oil, using herbs and spices instead of salt for flavor, as a varied diet rich in whole foods helps filter toxins and manage inflammation.
Sleeping on Your Back: While sleeping on your back is not the best position for everyone, it is highly recommended for kidney patients. This position allows the body to maintain a natural alignment, placing less pressure on the kidneys.
If you find yourself occasionally craving a fast food hamburger, it's fine to have one every now and then. Remember to order your hamburger with no salt, pickles or grill seasoning, so you can limit sodium and potassium.
Diabetes and high blood pressure are the top culprits damaging kidneys most, as they harm the delicate filtering blood vessels, leading to chronic kidney disease (CKD) and failure; other major factors include smoking, obesity, dehydration, poor diet (high sugar/salt/red meat), certain medications (NSAIDs), lack of sleep, and genetic conditions. These factors create a cycle where damaged kidneys worsen blood pressure, further damaging them.
Here's a breakdown of the six most common supplements people with CKD may need to support kidney health.
Acute kidney failure can be caused by factors like severe dehydration, infections, or blockages. The good news is that with the right treatment, it's often possible to reverse kidney disease in these cases. Your kidneys can return to normal function after the underlying issue is resolved.