If you’re living with IgA nephropathy (IgAN) or complement 3 glomerulopathy (C3G)–both rare kidney diseases–dietary guidelines can seem contradictory and complex. Here, Cleveland Clinic’s Jonathan Taliercio, D.O. helps simplify those guidelines. Learn what to eat, what to avoid, and why when you have IgAN.* 

Kidney-healthy diet 101 

As kidney disease progresses, recommendations concerning what you can and can’t may grow more restrictive. People with kidney failure, particularly those on dialysis, are generally prescribed some version of the renal diet, which restricts sodium (salt), potassium, and phosphorus.

Not everyone with chronic kidney disease (CKD) needs to follow such prohibitive guidelines, though, says Taliercio, even if they have IgAN or C3G. For many with CKD, and those at risk for developing it, simply increasing fresh, healthy foods in their diet, and minimizing sodium intake may be enough to maintain kidney health.

Concurrent conditions such as diabetes and/or heart disease, however, can result in other dietary restrictions such as limiting refined sugars and red meat. 

Why restrict sodium? 

The kidneys are one of the main regulators of water and salt in your body. When your kidneys are damaged, they’re unable to filter out excess salt and water. These substances then build up in your body, cause swelling, and raise your blood pressure.

High blood pressure (hypertension) is one of the primary causes of CKD, and can further worsen the condition if you already have it. Hypertension also increases your risk of:

• Eye diseases,
• Heart disease, heart attack, and stroke, and 
• Other serious health conditions.

 “Hypertension puts pressure on your heart and all the blood vessels in your body,” Taliercio says. “Since your kidneys are full of blood vessels, hypertension can exacerbate kidney disease and may lead to kidney failure. It’s all very connected.” 

How to reasonably limit sodium in your diet

The American Heart Association recommends limiting your sodium intake to no more than 1,500 milligrams a day. If you’re accustomed to eating salty foods, you may need to start slowly.

“It’s reasonable and very attainable,” says Taliercio, “to cut your sodium intake by a gram a day. Any reduction in salt is going to be helpful.” You can reduce it further over time.  

Remember that not all foods that are high in sodium actually taste salty, Taliercio warns. According to the CDC, only 10 foods account for 40% of the sodium that Americans eat daily:

• Breads, buns, and rolls 
• Burritos and tacos
• Cheese
• Fried and other highly-processed chicken 
• Cold cuts and cured meats
• Pizza 
• Soups and sandwiches 
• Snack foods like salted chips, crackers, and popcorn

What to eat more of 

Whole foods like fresh produce and whole grains are always preferable over pre-packaged and processed foods for optimal overall health. Whole foods are those in their most natural state, still containing the majority of their nutrients. The only ingredient is the food item itself. Examples include:

• Beans 
• Fresh fish 
• Fresh fruits and vegetables
• Minimally-processed meat and poultry
• Nuts and seeds (unsalted)
• Whole grains (brown rice, oats, barley, bulgur, etc.)  

Eggs are generally considered to be healthy, but they do contain sodium, potassium, and phosphorus, which may become an issue in later stages of CKD.

Taliercio names berries, fish, and red bell peppers as just a few of the best whole foods for overall kidney health, but says that following a healthy diet is mostly about making healthy choices and being consistent with them. 

We’re all human, he says, and sticking to a strict, highly restrictive diet just isn’t sustainable for most. Make smart choices, he encourages, but don’t be too hard on yourself. 

“Following a healthy diet is not about trying to achieve perfection.” 

*Cleveland Clinic. (2023, February 15). What To Eat (and Avoid) When Living With IgA Nephropathy or C3G.  https://health.clevelandclinic.org/iga-nephropathy-diet/ 

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