Kidney Disease- Picking the Right Foods

Managing your health when you have renal disease means you’ll need to pay close attention to your diet. The National Institutes of Health recommends limiting fluids, eating a low-protein diet, limiting salt, potassium, phosphorus and electrolytes, and consuming enough calories to maintain a healthy weight.

Research shows that when you have renal disease, controlling your diet can help maintain existing kidney function and limit the progression of the disease that could lead to the need for dialysis.

But armed with this information, what foods should you pick to include in your diet? Foods high in antioxidants that prevent inflammation and further kidney damage. Here’s a few you should sink your teeth into:

Sweet Peppers
Red and green bell peppers are low in potassium, and contain high levels of antioxidants like vitamin C and vitamin A. They’re also a good source of folic acid and fiber. And you’ll find bell peppers in MagicKitchen.com meals like Chipotle Meatloaf, Lasagna with Meat Sauce, and Stuffed Peppers.

Cruciferous Vegetables

These are vegetables like cabbage, cauliflower, and broccoli, which are good sources of antioxidants and other nutrients found to help prevent cell damage linked to renal disease. Mashed cauliflower works well as a healthy substitute for mashed potatoes for people with renal disease. MagicKitchen.com meals with cruciferous vegetables to add to your meal plan include options like the Breaded Fish Wedge with green beans and cauliflower, Beef Meatballs with Rice & Gravy, peas, carrots and cauliflower, and Meatloaf & Tomato Sauce with Brown Rice & Broccoli, Peas & Corn.

Onions
Onions are another good vegetable to include in your diet when you have renal disease. They contain high levels of flavonoids and antioxidants and are low in potassium. Onions also contain a mineral called chromium, which helps metabolize carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, and is important for those with renal disease. Some of our MagicKitchen.com meals made with onions include Sweet and Sour Chicken with Zucchini & Onion Saute, Beef Lasagna with Zucchini & Onion Saute, and Chipotle Meatloaf with green beans, onions, peppers, and southwest potatoes.

These are just a few of the foods you should include in your diet to manage renal disease. For more information about diet and renal disease, talk to your doctor and take a look at the nutrition recommendations from the National Kidney Foundation.

Please see the video below for more information!