While diet alone won’t cure kidney disease, smart choices can help slow progression, ease symptoms, and reduce complications. On the other hand, certain foods can put extra strain on your kidneys, raise your blood pressure, or worsen heart health.

Registered dietitians who specialize in kidney care recommend focusing on plant-forward eating patterns like the Mediterranean diet or DASH diet, which emphasize whole, minimally processed ingredients. At the same time, you’ll want to limit foods that are high in sodium, phosphorus, potassium, saturated fat, and added sugars, all of which can be harder for your kidneys to handle.

Here are seven foods and beverages to limit or avoid if you’re living with CKD, along with the reasons why they matter.*

1. Salami and Other Processed Meats

Salami, bacon, sausage, hot dogs, and deli meats fall into the same category: high-sodium, high-fat processed meats. These foods create a “triple whammy” for your kidneys:

• They are packed with sodium, which your kidneys can’t clear efficiently. Too much sodium raises blood pressure and worsens fluid retention.
• They are rich in saturated fat, raising your risk of heart disease, already higher in people with CKD.
• They are sources of animal protein, which in excess, can accelerate kidney decline.

Instead, choose leaner, less processed protein sources such as skinless chicken, fish, eggs, or plant-based proteins (beans or tofu, as your doctor allows).

2. Soda and Sugary Drinks

Regular soda, fruit drinks, sports drinks, and energy drinks contribute huge amounts of added sugar to the diet. These drinks offer virtually no nutritional value, and if you have CKD alongside diabetes, sugar intake becomes especially concerning. About 1 in 3 adults with diabetes also develops CKD, and excess sugar worsens both conditions.

Cutting back on soda helps with blood sugar control, weight management, and heart health. For hydration, stick with water, unsweetened tea, or flavored sparkling water without added sugar or phosphorus additives.

3. Starfruit

Unlike most fruits, starfruit is toxic for people with CKD. It contains a compound called caramboxin, which your kidneys cannot filter. This toxin can build up in the bloodstream, causing neurological problems such as confusion, seizures, or, in severe cases, death.

Starfruit also contains calcium oxalate, another compound that may harm your kidneys. Because the risks are so high, experts recommend avoiding starfruit entirely if you have CKD. For safer fruit options, enjoy berries, grapes, apples, or melons.

4. Potato Chips and Other Ultra-Processed Snacks

Chips, packaged cookies, muffins, breads, cakes, and snack mixes are examples of ultra-processed foods. These products often contain:

• Added salt and sugar
• Preservatives and stabilizers
• Artificial colors and flavors

Not only do they lack nutritional value, but eating a diet high in ultra-processed foods is linked to a 24% higher risk of developing CKD. For people already living with kidney disease, these snacks may speed progression or worsen complications.

Try swapping chips for air-popped popcorn (lightly seasoned), fresh fruit, or raw veggies with hummus.

5. Fast-Food Meals

Fast food is another example of ultra-processed food, typically loaded with sodium, saturated fat, and sugar. For people with CKD, these meals can:

• Spike blood pressure and blood sugar
• Worsen cholesterol levels
• Increase the risk of heart disease, a major complication of CKD

While grabbing fast food occasionally may be convenient, making it a habit can be harmful. If you do eat out, choose grilled rather than fried items, ask for sauces on the side, and add vegetables whenever possible.

Related article: Foods to Choose and Avoid When Dining Out

6. American Cheese and Other Processed Dairy Products

Dairy is a natural source of phosphorus, and your kidneys can’t clear excess phosphorus when you have CKD. High phosphorus levels weaken bones and increase heart disease risk. Processed cheeses like American cheese, cheese spreads, or slices often contain added phosphorus in the form of preservatives.

If cheese is allowed in your meal plan, choose less processed types such as cream cheese, fresh mozzarella, or gouda, and always check food labels for ingredients like:

• Phosphoric acid
• Calcium phosphate
• Disodium phosphate
• Sodium tripolyphosphate

These additives mean the phosphorus is more easily absorbed and more harmful for your kidneys.

7. Frozen Pizzas and Packaged Meals

Frozen pizzas and pre-packaged dinners may seem convenient, but they often contain large amounts of sodium, phosphorus, and potassium additives.

• Potassium: While potassium from whole fruits and vegetables can be beneficial, added potassium in processed foods is absorbed differently and can lead to hyperkalemia (dangerously high potassium).
• Sodium: Most frozen pizzas exceed daily sodium recommendations in just one serving.

Because these products vary, label-reading is essential. If you enjoy pizza, try making your own with fresh ingredients and portion-controlled cheese.

Why These Foods Matter

CKD makes it harder for your kidneys to maintain a healthy balance of sodium, phosphorus, and potassium. Too much of any of these nutrients can:

• Increase swelling and fluid buildup
• Raise blood pressure and heart strain
• Weaken bones and blood vessels
• Trigger heart rhythm problems (especially from high potassium)

When you limit or avoid these 7 foods completely, you reduce strain on your kidneys and protect your overall health.

Now, remember, every person with CKD has unique needs based on kidney function, lab results, and other health conditions. That’s why it’s important to work with a registered dietitian or nephrologist to design a plan that’s right for you.

For more guidance on how to manage your diet with CKD, check out nutrition expert-led webinars:

• Navigating Nutrition for CKD
• Why There’s No One-Size-Fits-All CKD Diet
• Thriving in Summer With CKD
• Nourish and Celebrate: A CKD Guide for Festive Eating 

*Everyday Health. (August 25, 2025) “7 Foods to Avoid or Limit if You Have Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)” https://www.everydayhealth.com/urological-health/foods-to-avoid-if-you-have-chronic-kidney-disease/

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