Nutrition and Your Kidneys

Veterans with CKD are often surprised by their diagnosis. They did not realize how sick their kidneys were. Often, they were busy managing other health concerns when their doctor gave them the news.  

Kidneys are organs responsible for many of our body’s functions. They remove waste products from the body, balance bodily fluids, release hormones that regulate blood pressure, and play a part the health of our bones. A CKD diagnosis is given when kidney function is abnormal for longer than 3 months. Diabetes and high blood pressure are the most common causes of CKD in most adults. Other risk factors include heart disease, obesity, family history, inherited kidney disorders, past damage to the kidneys, and older age. 

Nutrition and lifestyle play a major role in protecting our kidneys. Knowing what foods and activities are best depends on the person. They must consider their whole health and balance dietary recommendations already given. Most people with CKD should aim to limit their sodium and move their bodies daily to keep their blood pressure in check.  A person with diabetes should continue to be mindful of how much carbohydrate they eat at meals.  

This all may seem overwhelming. Often people are confused by all the conflicting dietary advice they hear from friends/family or the internet.  A dietitian can be very helpful to navigate through all this information and support lifestyle changes. Meal planning and overall food choices should be customized to best meet a person’s individual needs.  No two people with CKD are exactly the same!  Dietary guidance is based on a person’s lab trends, medications, blood pressure control, stage of kidney disease and other medical conditions. 

A great place to start is the Mediterranean or DASH diet that encourage a variety of whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and plant proteins. During the earlier stages of kidney disease, limiting sodium and eating larger amounts of fruits and vegetables is recommended. The fiber found in produce helps healthy bacteria in the gut remove toxins and reduce inflammation. Replacing red meat and processed foods with poultry, plant-based protein and fish is also beneficial. Large amounts of animal protein, high fructose corn syrup, sodium and additives made from sodium and phosphate are not kidney friendly. Thankfully, these recommendations are in line with those for diabetes and heart health by promoting a healthy weight and suppling the body with nutrients. 

As kidney function declines, electrolytes, minerals, and waste products can build up. It may be suggested to limit the intake of foods that are high in potassium, phosphorus, and protein.  Limiting processed foods and eating smaller portions of meat is often recommended.  In time, veterans find what works for them. Knowing how to balance calories, protein, sodium, potassium, and phosphorus becomes less confusing. 

It is important to remember that there are no “bad” foods, but balance is the key. It is important to check in from time to time with your kidney medical team. If medication and dietary recommendations change, try not to stress. Having a good understanding of your body and the foods you eat will help you tackle these changes with confidence. 

If you are a veteran enrolled in the Veteran’s Affairs Healthcare System, you have resources to help. You may request an individual nutrition appointment with a certified renal nutrition specialist dietitian or join one of our virtual (VVC) kidney nutrition group classes.  

Classes include: 

Nutrition Basics for Chronic Kidney Disease (held monthly on the 4th Tuesday of the month at 1:00 pm) 

Healthier Kidneys Through Your Kitchen Cooking Class (held weekly on Wednesdays from 11:30 am until 12:30 pm)  

Nutrition for Dialysis Patients (held weekly on Fridays at 1pm) 

Contact Christine Granz, MS, RD, CSR (Advanced Practice Renal Dietitian) 

at 973-676-1000 extension 20-1818 for additional information.