When you’re diagnosed with IgA nephropathy (IgAN), mapping out your treatment plan early can help protect your kidneys, slow disease progression, and help you feel more in control of your body and health. Diet and nutrition play a major role, and the IgA Nephropathy Foundation shares some nutrition tips and recipes that you can incorporate into your meal planning.*

Healthy eating habits

The IgAN Foundation recommends switching to a kidney-friendly diet “as best you can” as soon as you can. This may look different for everyone, so working closely with your renal dietitian will help you craft meals and snacks that suit your tastes, preferences, and health status at any given time. There are some general guidelines, however, that can give you a place to start. These include:

• Eating a mostly plant-based diet, with fresh fruits and vegetables, beans and legumes, and fiber-rich whole grains being the focus. The Mediterranean or DASH diets are examples of this approach.
• Limit sodium (salt) by avoiding canned soups, cold cuts and other deli meats, jarred sauces, and other processed foods that tend to be high in sodium. Read food labels, and aim to eat a maximum of 1500 mg of sodium per day. Use herbs and spices in place of salt for flavor in your own cooking.
• Different amounts of protein are best at different stages of kidney disease, for both adults and children. Common protein sources are:
  • Lean red meats and poultry (chicken, turkey), and fish
  • Eggs and dairy products
  • Nuts, beans (including tofu), lentils
  • Energy bars and granola 
• Stay hydrated by drinking water. It’s fine to add mint, cucumber, berries, or other fresh fruits to give it flavor. 
• Limit your alcohol consumption. Safe amounts can differ depending on your kidney function.

Speak with your nephrologist and dietitian for customized recommendations that are appropriate for you.

Here are a couple of offerings from the IgAN Foundation’s recipe page. 

Recipes

Quinoa Pesto Bowl

Ingredients:

• 2 cups tri-color quinoa
• 4 cups water
• 3 sweet potatoes, largely diced
• 1 pound of Brussels sprouts (cut all sprouts in half)
• 3 Tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Pesto ingredients: (Blend all pesto ingredients together in a food processor.)

• 6 oz fresh basil
• 1 oz fresh mint
• 2 oz fresh parsley
• 4 garlic cloves
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/2 cup oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 4 Tbsp nutritional yeast
• 1/2 cup water

Directions:

• Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees.
• Dice sweet potatoes and place in a large mixing bowl.
• Halve Brussels sprouts and add to sweet potatoes, then toss both with the olive oil.
• Spread vegetables evenly on a large baking sheet, and top with salt and pepper.
• Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until slightly crisp.
• While vegetables bake, place quinoa and water in a medium pot, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer covered for 15-20 minutes, or until liquid is absorbed. Alternatively, you can make quinoa in a rice cooker.

Apple Crisp

Filling ingredients:

• 5 medium apples (2.5 tart like granny smith and 2.5 sweet like honey crisp)
• ½ oz lemon juice
• 1/3 cup coconut sugar
• 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1.5 Tbsp arrowroot starch
• 2 Tbsp water
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 pinch nutmeg

Topping Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup gluten-free rolled oats
• 1/4 cup almond flour
• 1/4 cup oat flour
• 1/2 cup coconut sugar
• 1/4 cup pecans (roughly chopped)
• 1/8 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup melted coconut oil

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• Peel and quarter apples, remove cores, and slice thinly lengthwise.
• Add to a large mixing bowl and top with remaining filling ingredients. Toss to combine, then pour into 8×8 baking dish.
• Wash and dry mixing bowl, then add all topping ingredients. Stir to combine. Pour over apples in an even layer.
• Bake for 50-60 minutes uncovered, or until filling is bubbly, and the apples tender. 
• Let rest at least 30 minutes before serving. 
• (Optional) Top with coconut whipped cream or vanilla bean coconut ice cream.

*IGA Nephropathy Foundation. (2023). Nutrition and Recipes. https://igan.org/nutrition-recipes/