By: Caitlin Haggerty, student dietitian
Reviewed by Sharon Cruise, R.D., and Leanne Bradley, R.D.
Knowing what to eat and what not to eat can feel overwhelming when you start your kidney-friendly diet. Many people still believe that when you have kidney disease, your food choices automatically become limited, and you’re forced to cut back on all your favourites. But this is not the case! As science evolves, so does our understanding of chronic diseases and how we can best treat them.
What do you mean by modern?
Gone are the days of severe diet restriction. Now we focus on an inclusive, well-rounded plate, with an emphasis on fruits, vegetables, and plant-based proteins. Let’s start by going through some myths about a kidney healthy diet:
Myth: Bananas are bad for your kidneys!
Fact: Bananas are completely fine for you to eat. They have had a bad reputation in the past because they contain potassium. But because it is a natural source of potassium it is not well absorbed by your body. They are also loaded with other vitamins and minerals and are a good source of fibre. Fibre can help keep your bowels regular and can contribute to maintaining normal potassium levels. Choosing fresh fruits and vegetables is the best choice for a kidney diet.
Myth: Eating a kidney healthy diet is bland.
Fact: Just because you shouldn’t use salt to cook doesn’t mean your food has to be bland! Using herbs, spices, and citrus can be a great way to add more flavour to your food without adding salt. Garlic, pepper, rosemary, oregano, coriander, lemon, cumin, ginger, and more can be used to bring out and enhance the natural flavours of your food. Salt can contribute to high blood pressure and fluid retention, which is not good for your kidneys.
Myth: Everyone with kidney disease eats the same way
Fact: Your kidney diet depends entirely on YOUR body and YOUR circumstances. The diet depends on your kidney function stage, medical conditions, medications, blood work, and even your home environment. Your diet depends on many individual factors and should be tailored to you.
Myth: I need to eat white bread and avoid whole grains
Fact: Whole grain products are higher in natural phosphorus and potassium compared to white bread. Considering these minerals are natural, your body only absorbs about half of the amount. Whole grains are also higher in fibre and help with blood sugar management, make you feel fuller for longer, plus they are also good sources of other vitamins and minerals.
Myth: You shouldn’t eat beans, lentils, legumes, or tofu if you have kidney disease.
Fact: Plant based proteins are actually a fantastic way to get protein AND fibre in your diet. They are natural sources of phosphorus and potassium, but your body absorbs much less from them than animal proteins and processed meats. Plant proteins soak up the flavour of what you’re cooking, so marinating them in a small amount of oil and spices ahead of time can pack a powerful flavour punch! Plant-based protein sources are also great for your health by helping to lower your LDL cholesterol (the “bad” cholesterol).
Eating in a kidney healthy way does not have to be bland, boring, or involve getting rid of all your favourite foods. Adopting some new salt-free spice blend recipes, trying some new plant-based protein meals, and making sure to incorporate more fruits and vegetables can be easy ways to maintain a kidney-friendly diet.