If you’ve been living with chronic kidney disease (CKD), you know that diet plays a significant role in treatment. While the recommended diet after a kidney transplant may be easier to follow than your dialysis diet, The National Kidney Foundation breaks down these dietary changes and what to look out for with your doctor and dietician.*

How will diet affect my transplant and vice versa?

Certain foods can interact, and interfere, with anti-rejection drugs—the medications you take post-transplant to prevent your body from rejecting the new kidney.

These medications can also cause unwanted changes in your body, such as:

• increased appetite and weight gain;
• increased blood sugar;
• increased blood pressure;
• increased fat (cholesterol and triglyceride) levels;
• increased potassium; and  
• decreased levels of other minerals.

These changes can lead to other health conditions, like diabetes and heart disease, which can cause complications, endanger the transplant, and hinder your healing process. The right diet protects your overall health and supports the new kidney’s efficiency. 

What does a healthy post-transplant diet look like?

To manage increased appetite and prevent unwanted weight gain, your dietician will teach you to create satisfying, balanced meal plans with appropriate portion sizes that take into consideration the changes your body is experiencing.

Blood sugar

The body needs carbohydrates (sugars and starches) for fuel and energy. Some anti-rejection drugs—particularly steroids—make it difficult for your body to use excess carbs, so eating too many can cause your blood sugar levels to rise, which can lead to diabetes.

To control your blood sugar, avoid:

• candy,
• sugary drinks,
• cakes and pastries, and
• other foods and condiments high in sugars, starches, and fats.

Eating foods low in sugar and/or high in fiber can help regulate blood sugar.

These include:

• fresh fruits and vegetables,
• nonfat dairy products, and
• unsweetened drinks.

Blood pressure

Some anti-rejection medications, namely steroids, cause fluid retention. Salt (sodium) does the same thing. Too much fluid in the body increases blood pressure, which can lead to heart disease. 

You should limit foods high in sodium, such as:

• cured meats;
• deli meats (like bologna, salami, and hot dogs);
• frozen dinners and pizzas;
• pre-packaged noodle, potato, and rice mixes;
• canned soups, sauces, and vegetables;
• foods in brine; and
• salty snacks (like chips, nuts, popcorn, and pretzels).

Cholesterol and triglycerides

Right after your transplant, your doctor will likely increase your protein intake. Protein is necessary to build and repair muscle and tissue. Since your cholesterol and triglyceride levels may be elevated, you’ll need to choose your proteins wisely to avoid heart disease.

Some healthy protein sources include: 

• lean meats, most fish, and poultry without the skin;
• milk, yogurt, and cheese;
• eggs (though yolks contain cholesterol);
• peanut butter; and
• beans and peas.

Potassium

Certain anti-rejection medications may increase the potassium level in your blood, while others can decrease it. Your dietician will let you know what food items are safe for you to eat.

Examples of high-potassium food items are:

• oranges and bananas;
• tomatoes and tomato products;
• potatoes; and
• milk and yogurt.

Other minerals

If your kidney disease progressed over a long period of time, your blood may be low in:

• magnesium,
• calcium,
• phosphorus, and
• vitamin D.

Your doctor will include these naturally in your new diet, but may still prescribe supplements. You should not start taking any new vitamin, mineral, or herbal supplements without consulting your healthcare team.  

*National Kidney Foundation. (2019, June 3). Diet and Transplantation.