Renal Diet Foods

Knowing which foods to eat and which to avoid can help regulate the side effects of kidney failure and help your kidneys to function as effectively as possible.

Fluids

• If your doctor recommends limiting your intake of liquids, drink fewer beverages and cut down on ice cream, gelatin, apples, grapes, lettuce, melons, oranges and tomatoes.

Potassium

• Do not consume foods that are high in potassium, including bananas, chocolate, broccoli, coffee, prunes, mushrooms, bran, nuts, dried fruit, leafy greens and beets. Low-potassium foods include apples, rice, cucumbers, pears, onions, cranberries, carrots and cherries.

Protein

• Avoid high-protein foods such as meat, poultry, dairy and eggs. Foods that are low in protein include beans, grains and vegetables.

Phosphorous

• Avoid high-phosphorus foods such as peanut butter, colas, cheese, nuts, beer and ice cream and substitute lower-phosphorous items such as broccoli, zucchini, sorbets and clear sodas.

Sodium

• Cut out high-sodium foods such as potato chips, bacon, lunch meat, canned soup or vegetables and processed food mixes. Also, try seasoning your food with herbs and spices or lemon juice instead of table salt.