Renal Diet Menu Ideas
Renal diets are varied depending on the type and stage of renal disease 12. Diets are individualized and are usually lower, although sometimes higher, in sodium, potassium, phosphorus, fluid, protein and energy. Kidney conditions requiring a modified diet can include acute or chronic kidney disease, kidney stones, diabetic nephropathy, peritoneal or hemodialysis.
Lower Sodium Meal Ideas
Frequently, renal diets are lower in salt. To enhance the flavor of food without adding salt, try unsalted herbs and spices, lemon, vinegar and salt-free flavoring versus salt substitutes. However, salt-free substitutes can also be high in potassium, which is controlled for certain renal diets. Choose fresh or frozen foods more often and always check the sodium content on labels of packaged foods. A Daily Value percentage of 5 percent or less is low, and a daily value percentage of 20 or more is considered high in sodium.
- Frequently, renal diets are lower in salt.
- However, salt-free substitutes can also be high in potassium, which is controlled for certain renal diets.
Potassium, Phosphorus and Fluids
Renal Diabetic Diet for Breakfast
Learn More
Many patients are instructed to lower phosphorous levels. Foods higher in phosphorus include:
- whole grains
- dairy
- legumes
- shellfish
- bran
- chocolate
- soft drinks
- beer
Check with a dietitian to see if these foods can be consumed in limited amounts.
Renal Cookbooks
Specialized renal cookbooks are a great way to increase menu and diet variety. "Food Power- A Nutrition Book for Kids with Kidney Disease" by Charlotte Stall, a registered dietitian, features kid friendly recipes with nutrient analysis. It also has answers to child nutrition questions, such as cooking for picky eaters and what to serve overweight children. Another renal cookbook is "Magic Menus- Menu Style Cookbook for Renal Patients" by the National Kidney Foundation of North Texas. This cookbook has a variety of recipes and three weeks of sample menus. Another cookbook specifically for renal diets is "The Renal Gourmet." Written by Mardy Peters, a kidney patient, it includes over 200 no-salt recipes with herbs, spices and vinegars.
- Specialized renal cookbooks are a great way to increase menu and diet variety. "
- Food Power- A Nutrition Book for Kids with Kidney Disease" by Charlotte Stall, a registered dietitian, features kid friendly recipes with nutrient analysis.
Related Articles
References
- "Canadian Association of Nephrology Dietitians"; Essential Guide for Renal Dietitians; 2008
- "The Kidney Association of Canada"; Living with Kidney Disease: 4th edition; 2006
- Shaikh H, Khorasani-Zadeh A. Anatomy, Abdomen and Pelvis, Superior Mesenteric Artery. Treasure Island, FL: StatPearls Publishing. Updated April 5, 2019.
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- Kaufman, DP, Basit H, Knohl SJ. Physiology, glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Treasure Island, FL: StatPearls Publishing. Updated April 25, 2019.
- Cleveland Clinic. Blood Clotting Disorders (Hypercoagulable States). Updated April 25, 2019.
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- Bowdino, CS, Shaw, PM. Anatomy, abdomen and pelvis, renal veins. StatPearls Publishing. Updated February 22, 2019.
- Lamba R, Tanner DT, Sekhon S, Mcgahan JP, Corwin MT, Lall CG. Multidetector CT of vascular compression syndromes in the abdomen and pelvis. RadioGraphics. 2014;34(1):93-115. doi:10.1148/rg.341125010.
- Mazhar, HR, Aeddula, NR. Renal vein thrombosis. StatPearls Pubishing. Updated December 26, 2018.
Writer Bio
Amanda Burton is a registered dietitian who has been writing professionally since 2005. Her publications have included articles for LIVESTRONG.COM, eHow and "Downhome" magazine. Amanda is a Master of Science candidate in nutrition and currently operates a nutrition counseling and consulting practice called Recipe for Health in Atlantic Canada.