Are you an early-stage chronic kidney disease (CKD) trying to prevent your condition from worsening? Or are you a dialysis patient struggling with what you should and should not eat? 

Dr. Frita McRae Fisher, a nephrologist (kidney doctor) at Emory University Hospital and medical director of a dialysis clinic, discusses five general tips on eating right with CKD.*

Protein

If you have an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR, a measurement of remaining kidney function) of less than 60, or have stage 3-5 CKD but are not on dialysis, consuming a modest amount of protein can delay the progression of CKD. According to Dr. Frita, between 0.6-0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight is recommended. 

If you are on dialysis and/or have end-stage kidney disease, a protein restriction is typically not warranted. Studies actually show that, at this stage of CKD, having more protein in the diet can help to prolong your life. 

Salt (Sodium)

Consuming between 1500-2000 milligrams (mg) of sodium is recommended to slow the progression of CKD and treat high blood pressure. Some tips Dr. Frita gave to reduce sodium intake include: 

• Get in the habit of being a food label reader and checking the sodium content
• Taste your food before you add salt to it
• Avoid heavily-processed foods like salty chips, popcorn, and fried foods 

Potassium

Potassium is a mineral found in many foods we eat and also in your blood. In CKD stages 4-5 or are on dialysis, your kidney is unable to filter out excess potassium and it may build up. Hyperkalemia (too much potassium in the blood) can cause abnormal heart rhythms and potentially cause the heart to stop. 

Your doctor will tell you if you have hyperkalemia and need to follow a low-potassium diet. Foods high in potassium, that you may need to avoid, include bananas, potatoes, avocados, oranges, and tomatoes. 

Phosphorus

Phosphorus is another mineral in the body that is also common in foods. Phosphorus, along with calcium, help support bone health. Too much phosphorus, however, can lead to weakened bones, increased risk for bone fractures, and heart-related issues. 

If you are in CKD stages 3-5 or are on dialysis, you may be told you have hyperphosphatemia (high levels of phosphorus in your blood). If you need to follow a low-phosphorus diet, Dr. Frita recommends avoiding processed foods such as chocolate, cheese, milk, and ice cream. 

Water and Fluid

Consuming the right amount of water and other fluids is key in treating CKD and preventing its progression. For people in earlier stages of CKD, and who do not have a condition that causes fluid build-up such as congestive heart failure (CHF), Dr. Frita recommends around 2-3 liters of fluid daily. 

As CKD progresses to the later stages, it is important to discuss with your doctor how much fluid is right for you. Fluid overload is a common reason later-stage CKD and dialysis patients go to the hospital.  

The recommendations Dr. Frita gives are general guidelines for those with CKD. It is important to discuss specific diet recommendations for your particular situation with your doctor and/or registered dietitian.

*Dr. Frita. (2020, March 31). Kidney Disease Diet: How To Eat Right With CKD! [Video]. Retrieved from. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TplgDQRpb88