There’s no real “universal guidance” regarding diets for people with kidney disorders, say the experts at the IgA Nephropathy (IgAN) Foundation, but eating a diet of mostly plant-based foods, limiting your salt and alcohol intake, and consuming protein in amounts appropriate to your stage of kidney disease can certainly help you better manage your symptoms and delay disease progression. Crafting a customized eating plan in close consultation with your renal dietitian is the best course, but here are a few simple, tasty, satisfying recipes to help you get started.*

Pumpkin Pancakes

Ingredients:

• 1 Cup (C) pumpkin puree
• 3 C oat flour
• 1 ¾ C almond milk
• 1/3 C ground flaxseed mixed with 1 cup of water
• 1/8 C lemon juice
• 1/3 C maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon (T) vanilla extract
• 1 T cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon (tsp) nutmeg
• ½ T baking powder
• ½ T baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp chai spice (optional)

Directions:

• Combine the flaxseed and water, and set aside.
• In a separate bowl, combine almond milk and lemon juice, and set aside.
• Combine all dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
• Add all wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, and stir. 
• Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
• Pour 1/3 C of batter into the skillet for each pancake.
• Once each pancake starts bubbling, flip it over.
• When all are cooked through, serve with pecans, banana slices, and syrup (or topping(s) of your choice).

Quinoa Fried Rice

Ingredients:

• 2 C dry quinoa with 3 cups water
• 1 broccoli crown, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
• 2 large carrots, sliced
• 1 bunch green onions, diced
• 1T onion powder
• 1T garlic powder
• 3T white or black sesame seeds
• ¼ cup tamari
• 2 T toasted sesame oil (or your oil of choice)
• salt to taste

Directions:

• Cook quinoa in a rice cooker OR place quinoa and water in a medium pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer covered for 15-20 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed. Chop the veggies while the quinoa is cooking.
• When the quinoa is done, place it in a large bowl.
• In a large skillet or wok sauté onions and garlic for 5 minutes, then add the rest of the veggies and sauté for 5 more minutes.
• Add remaining seasonings and stir until well-combined.
• Add the quinoa to the skillet or wok and sauté for another 3-5 minutes.
• Can be served immediately or stored in the refrigerator.

There’s no need to feel hungry, bored, or deprived when you have chronic kidney disease, whether IgAN or another renal disorder. Check out the Responsum for CKD resources page in your app for general guidance, and speak with your renal dietitian for individualized recommendations.

*IgA Nephropathy Foundation. (n.d.) Nutrition & Recipes (for IgAN). https://igan.org/nutrition-recipes/ 

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