• Provide energy
• Help maintain muscle mass
• Slow the progression of CKD
• Prevent infections [1]

While no single diet suits everyone, people with CKD must pay special attention to certain nutrients. With CKD, your kidneys have a harder time removing waste and fluid from your blood. Eating the proper amounts of protein, sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and calcium can help reduce buildup. This prevents too much strain on your kidneys. [1]

Your doctor and dietitian will guide you on how much of these nutrients you need each day. This is based on the results of your blood tests and your current kidney function. As your CKD progresses, you may need to restrict more nutrients. Your healthcare team will adjust your diet plan accordingly. [1]

Limit Protein

Limiting protein intake is important for managing chronic kidney disease. With impaired kidney function, consuming too much protein can overload your kidneys and prevent them from filtering waste properly. However, getting too little protein is also problematic and can cause malnutrition. Your doctor or dietitian will determine the right amount of protein for you based on factors like: [1]

• Your body size
• Severity of kidney damage
• Protein levels in your urine. [1]

Both plant and animal sources provide protein, so talk to your doctor about the right combination for your condition. Some options include:

• Animal proteins: Chicken, fish, meat, eggs, and dairy are good options, but watch your portion sizes. Aim for 2 to 3 ounces of cooked chicken, fish, or meat (about the size of a deck of cards), 1/2 cup of yogurt or milk, or one egg.

• Plant proteins: Beans, nuts, and grains are excellent plant-based protein sources. A good portion is 1/2 cup of cooked beans, 1/4 cup of nuts, one slice of bread, or 1/2 cup of cooked pasta or rice. [2]

Limit Sodium

Your kidneys play an important role in regulating sodium levels in your body. When your kidneys are not functioning properly, consuming too much sodium can lead to:

• Fluid retention
• High blood pressure
• Extra strain on your heart [1]

Aim for less than 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day to support your kidney health. You can work towards this goal by making simple swaps and reading labels. [2]

• Eat fresh food: Many prepared or packaged foods contain high sodium levels due to added preservatives. By choosing fresh ingredients, you have better control over the amount of sodium you consume.

• Cook from scratch: Instead of relying on prepared foods, consider cooking your meals from scratch. Fast food, frozen dinners, and canned goods have higher sodium content. By preparing your food, you have greater control over your ingredients.

• Use sodium-free seasonings: There are numerous healthier alternatives that can add flavor to your dishes without excessive sodium. Try flavoring your food with herbs and spices instead of adding extra salt.

• Read the nutrition facts label: Pay attention to the percentage of “Daily Value” for sodium. A value of 20% or more indicates that the food is high in sodium. 

• Read food labels: Keep an eye out for labels that indicate lower sodium levels, such as "sodium-free," "salt-free," "low or reduced sodium," and "unsalted or lightly salted." [2]

Limit Potassium

Potassium is essential for your body, helping your muscles and nerves function properly. However, too much or too little potassium in your bloodstream can be dangerous, especially for those with kidney damage. Damaged kidneys have difficulty removing excess potassium from the blood, which could lead to heart problems. [1]

The good news is that you can help control your potassium level through the foods you eat.

• Foods high in potassium: oranges, bananas, potatoes, tomatoes, brown and wild rice, bran cereals, dairy foods, whole-wheat bread and pasta, nuts, and beans.

• Foods low in potassium: apples, peaches, carrots, green beans, white bread and pasta, white rice, rice milk, and cooked rice. [2]

Work closely with your healthcare provider to determine your daily potassium needs and limits. They will factor in your current kidney function and medications. [2]

Limit Phosphorus

As your kidneys work less effectively, phosphorus levels can start to rise in your blood. Having too much phosphorus circulating in your system can lead to some unpleasant effects: [2]

• It takes away calcium from your bones, leaving them fragile and prone to breaking
• It can make your skin itch
• It may cause bone and joint pain [2]

Fortunately, you can manage your phosphorus levels through your diet. By understanding which foods are high or low in phosphorus, you can take control of your kidney health. Here are some guidelines to follow:

• Foods high in phosphorus: Meat, poultry, fish, bran cereals, oatmeal, dairy foods, beans, lentils, nuts, and dark-colored sodas.

• Foods low in phosphorus: Fresh fruits and vegetables, breads, pasta, rice, rice milk, corn and rice cereals, and light-colored sodas. [2]

Your doctor may also prescribe phosphate binders to take with meals. These binders help soak up phosphorus in the stomach so less gets into your blood. The phosphorus then leaves your body through stool instead. [2]

Exercise and CKD

Staying physically active is important for anyone with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Exercise provides many benefits that can help you feel better and manage your condition. Whether you have mild, moderate, or severe CKD, being active can help: [3]