Sodium is an essential mineral found naturally in various foods and is a major component of table salt. It plays a critical role in maintaining fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle contractions. Excessive sodium intake, however, can lead to significant health issues, particularly for people with kidney problems. Understanding how to manage sodium intake through diet can help you maintain good health and prevent complications.*

Why Sodium Is Bad for CKD

Most Americans consume too much sodium, often exceeding the recommended limit of 2300 mg per day. Excessive sodium can lead to fluid buildup in the body, especially if the kidneys are not functioning properly.

Common symptoms of high sodium intake include:

• Swelling/puffiness in face, hands, feet, and ankles, 
• Increased blood pressure, 
• Shortness of breath, and 
• Fluid around the heart and lungs.

It’s important to monitor and limit your daily sodium intake to avoid the adverse effects associated with excessive sodium consumption.

Salty Foods to Avoid With CKD

High-sodium foods to avoid on a kidney-friendly diet include:

• Table salt, 
• Seasoning salts (garlic salt, onion salt, etc.), 
• Salty snacks like potato chips, pretzels, and cheese doodles, 
• Cured meats like bacon, and other deli meats,
• Foods preserved in brine (pickles, olives, etc.), 
• Most canned soups, and canned and bottled sauces.

Processed, preserved, and pre-packaged “convenience” foods are major contributors to high sodium intake.

Safe Salt Substitutes for a Kidney-Friendly Diet

Cutting down on sodium doesn’t mean that food has to lose any flavor. Using herbs and spices instead of salt can significantly reduce your sodium intake while retaining food’s pizzaz. Some safe and simple salt replacements are:

• Dried herbs such as basil, thyme, rosemary, and dill 
• Powdered spices such as garlic and onion powder (not garlic and onion salt), chili powder, coriander, cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, paprika, ginger, and coriander
• Fresh herbs and spices (fresh thyme, onion, garlic, ginger, bay leaves, dill, etc.)

Practical Tips for Managing Sodium Intake

Understanding food labels and sodium-related terminology is crucial for managing your intake.

• A food item with 240 mg or more of sodium per serving is generally considered high in sodium.
• Sodium-free, very low sodium, low sodium, reduced sodium, and light or lite in sodium are key terms to look for on food labels. Still check the actual amount of sodium that the product contains, though.
• Comparing similar products can help you identify lower sodium options.

By following these general guidelines you can effectively manage your sodium intake for better health outcomes and improved quality of life. Experiment with your home-cooked meals to discover which healthy flavorings, alone or in combination, best match your tastes. 

For more ideas, and to personalize your meal-planning, speak with a renal dietitian.

*National Kidney Foundation. (2021). Sodium and Your CKD Diet: How to Spice Up Your Cooking. Retrieved from https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/sodiumckd 

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