Kidney-friendly eating
For people with healthy kidneys, the best habits are the same as for the heart: less salt, plenty of plants, enough water and a healthy weight. If you have chronic kidney disease, the right diet depends on your stage and blood tests, so your doctor or renal dietitian should guide it.
Enjoy more
- Fresh vegetables and fruit
- Home-cooked meals with herbs instead of salt
- Whole grains (unless your renal team says otherwise)
- Moderate portions of protein
- Water as your main drink
Limit
- Salt and salty processed foods
- Cola drinks and processed foods with phosphate additives
- High-dose protein supplements
- Painkillers like ibuprofen used often (ask your doctor)
A sample day
| Breakfast | Oats with apple and cinnamon |
|---|---|
| Lunch | Chicken and vegetable wrap with herbs, no added salt |
| Snack | A handful of grapes or berries |
| Dinner | Grilled fish, rice and green beans with lemon |
Helpful tips
- Keep blood pressure and blood sugar in range; they protect the kidneys.
- Read labels for "phos" ingredients in processed foods.
Check with your doctor
If you have kidney disease, do not follow general advice on potassium, phosphorus, protein or fluids. These limits are individual and must come from your doctor or renal dietitian.
Get a plan built around thisNouri turns these suggestions into daily menus and a grocery list.
Get the appGeneral guidance for adults, not medical advice.