05 Aug, 2025
05 Aug, 2025
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This article is medically reviewed by Ms. Paheli Bhatt, Chief Dietitian, HCG Aastha Cancer Centre, Ahmedabad.
A renal or kidney diet is recommended for patients with kidney disease or individuals at increased risk of kidney disease.
A well-balanced renal diet aims to minimize kidney strain and improve kidney function, along with reducing the risk of kidney inflammation and urinary tract infections.
It also aids in balancing the levels of fluids, electrolytes, minerals, and proteins in the body.
The following are the key considerations for a well-planned renal diet:
‘What are the 10 best foods for kidney disease?’
There is no simple answer to this question. However, we have sourced the top kidney-friendly foods you can add to your diet to improve your kidney health. The below-suggested foods can also be considered by those receiving treatment for various kidney diseases.
Cauliflower is considered one of the best foods for kidney health.
It reduces the oxidation of fats and lowers inflammation, which promotes kidney health. Cauliflower is also low in potassium and sodium.
Nutritional Information (per 100 g): Raw Cauliflower
Whole eggs have a higher phosphorus content. However, egg whites contain high-quality protein, are low in phosphorus, and are considered the best food for kidney health.
Additionally, in dialysis patients, it increases serum albumin and lowers serum cholesterol and phosphorus.
Nutritional Information (per 100 g): Raw Egg Whites
Several studies have reported the protective role of buckwheat in renal function.
Animal studies show that buckwheat improves kidney function by lowering creatinine, and the polyphenolic extract present in buckwheat helps in the effective management of various kidney diseases. It is low in potassium and contains magnesium, B vitamins, fiber, and iron.
Nutritional Information (per 100 g): Raw Buckwheat
Bulgur is an excellent alternative to other grains, which are rich in potassium and phosphorus.
It is obtained by steaming, drying, crushing, and removing the bran from the whole wheat. It is rich in iron, magnesium, manganese, and vitamin B complex. Further, it provides plant proteins and is rich in fiber, which are good for maintaining overall health.
Nutritional Information (per 100 g): Cooked Bulgur
Cabbage is a good food for kidney health and is beneficial for patients with chronic kidney disease because of its low sodium and potassium content. It is rich in vitamins B6, B9, C, and K.
It prevents obesity and oxidative stress and manages blood sugar. With excellent fiber content, it has been reported that it lowers the risk of liver and kidney damage.
Nutritional Information (per 100 g): Raw Cabbage
Compared to skin-on chicken, skinless chicken has less phosphorus, sodium, and potassium. Further, skinless chicken is an excellent source of high-quality protein. Kidney patients should eat fresh chicken and avoid pre-made roasted chicken due to its high sodium and phosphorus content.
That said, protein intake should be monitored, as too much protein intake can affect kidney health, especially in those with kidney diseases.
Nutritional Information (per 100 g): Cooked Skinless Chicken
Radish has low phosphorus and potassium levels and is rich in other kidney-friendly nutrients.
It has excellent antioxidant properties due to a significant quantity of vitamin C. It reduces the incidence of cardiovascular disease that may cause or worsen kidney disease.
Nutritional Information (per 100 g): Raw Radish
Bell peppers are low in phosphorus and potassium content and rich in vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant.
Most kidney patients have a lower level of vitamin A, which is important for immune function. Bell peppers are rich in vitamin A.
Nutritional Information (per 100 g): Raw Red Bell Peppers
Paneer is a good source of protein and calcium. It contains low levels of potassium and sodium. It is a kidney-friendly food that can be consumed in moderation.
Patients are advised to speak to their nephrologist before adding paneer to their kidney diet.
Nutritional Information (per 100 g): Raw - Made From Whole Milk
Fatty fish, like salmon, are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which help reduce inflammation and reduce blood pressure, which is crucial to managing kidney disease effectively.
That said, it is also rich in potassium; therefore, moderate consumption is recommended.
Nutritional Information (per 100 g): Cooked Fatty Fish (e.g., Salmon)
The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of garlic help in reducing the oxidative damage to kidney cells and improve kidney health. Additionally, it improves microcirculation, reduces blood pressure, and offers protection against UTIs.
Nutritional Information (per 100g): Raw Garlic
Onions can be an excellent addition to a renal diet. It is low in potassium and sodium. It is rich in antioxidants and reduces inflammation, improving overall kidney health.
Nutritional Information (per 100g): Raw Onion
Certain foods should be avoided by kidney patients, as they hamper kidney function and delay the recovery process:
Patients with kidney disease should avoid potassium-rich foods. Kidney diseases can affect the organ’s ability to remove excess potassium from the bloodstream. High potassium levels, or hyperkalemia, lead to various heart problems.
Potassium can be found in diet bars, protein drinks, certain dietary and herbal supplements, sports drinks, and dried fruits.
One must avoid potassium-rich foods, namely kidney beans, potatoes, avocados, kiwis, fish such as wild salmon, and dairy products.
One way to limit potassium consumption is to cook the food in a way that removes excess potassium. Drain the vegetables, canned fruits, and meat thoroughly. Cook the vegetables in a large amount of water, and then rinse the cooked vegetables in cold water.
Leaching vegetables is another method to reduce potassium levels. It involves soaking cut vegetables for 1-2 hours with occasional rinsing and draining the water before cooking.
Sodium-rich foods increase fluid retention and negatively impact kidney health in those with various kidney diseases; they should be limited in the diet of kidney patients.
"Unsalted" on the label only indicates that no sodium is added outside. However, patients should check what they eat, as certain foods inherently contain high sodium. "Sodium-free" on the label indicates that the product contains <5 mg of sodium.
Some of the low-sodium alternatives for flavorful meals are lemon juice, dill, ground black pepper, nutritional yeast, smoked paprika, onion powder, coriander, ginger, apple cider vinegar, coconut, red pepper flakes, cinnamon, dry mustard, and bay leaf.
For kidney patients, it is essential to limit the intake of high-protein foods.
Usually, a low-protein diet is recommended for kidney patients, as the proteins can affect the ability of the kidneys to process waste. Those on dialysis can take foods with slightly high protein levels.
It is important to maintain the albumin level, even in kidney patients, as it helps in tissue growth and repair.
If the patient is on a low-protein diet and is not on dialysis, at least half of the recommended daily protein should be from high-quality, protein-rich foods.
The diet for CKD patients should not contain phosphorus-rich foods.
Common phosphorus-rich foods to avoid are seafood, dairy, nuts, organ meats, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, whole grains, lentils, beans, quinoa, soy, and amaranth.
Oxalate-rich foods increase the risk of kidney stones.
To reduce the risk of kidney stones, one must consume calcium moderately. Additionally, it is essential to reduce the intake of high-oxalate foods, such as nuts, soy products, spinach, sweet potatoes, and certain legumes.
Talking to a dietitian can help you find out which foods are helpful for your kidneys and which are harmful.
Fruits are important dietary constituents for patients with kidney disease. They reduce oxidative stress, lower inflammation, improve kidney function, and repair damaged renal tissues.
Fruits for kidney health also lower the risk of urinary tract infections and prevent stone formation.
Good fruits for kidney patients include pineapple, cranberries, blueberries, and red grapes. These fruits also help support hydration, which is essential for optimum kidney function.
Fruits that have low potassium levels and are beneficial to patients with kidney diseases are pears, peaches, watermelon, pineapple, strawberries, blueberries, cranberries, apples, and raspberries.
Fruits rich in antioxidants help reduce oxidative stress and delay the progression of kidney damage caused by free radicals.
The top 10 fruits for kidney health include:
Blueberries are a good option for patients with kidney diseases due to their low phosphorus, sodium, and potassium content.
They contain a potent antioxidant, anthocyanin, which reduces the risk of several medical conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease.
Apples are safe for patients with chronic kidney disease and dialysis, on hemodialysis, or undergoing kidney transplantation.
The fruit has a powerful anti-inflammatory property that heals the kidney tissues and manages infection. Apples are good sources of vitamin C and fiber and are low in phosphorus, potassium, and sodium.
Watermelon is also an excellent fruit for kidney health. Watermelon contains lycopene, a powerful antioxidant, which assists in neutralizing harmful free radicals that negatively affect kidney health.
Watermelon is also rich in beta-carotene and vitamin C. However, due to its high potassium content, it should be consumed in moderation.
Cranberries are beneficial for kidney health and improve the health of both the urinary tract and kidneys. They contain A-type proanthocyanidins, a phytonutrient that does not allow the bacteria to stick to the walls of the urinary tract, thereby preventing urinary tract infection.
Cranberries are low in potassium, phosphorus, and sodium and are a good source of vitamin C and fiber
Unlike other fruits, such as bananas, oranges, and kiwis, pineapple is low in potassium. Pineapple also helps in managing inflammation due to the presence of bromelain, an enzyme.
It also has vitamin C, vitamin A, manganese, and fiber. It also manages the pain and discomfort present in people with renal disease.
Strawberries are also low in potassium, sodium, and phosphorus.
These are a good source of manganese, vitamin C, folate, and antioxidants. Strawberries contain anthocyanins and ellagitannins that help improve kidney function. They are also an excellent source of fiber.
Cherries have powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and are rich in vitamin C and fiber.
They also help in managing gout, which is present in several patients with kidney diseases. Cherries also assist in removing excess creatinine from the body.
Grapes significantly lower the risk of kidney disease and have the potential to reverse kidney damage. Studies have reported that the substance present in the skin and seeds of grapes may reverse kidney damage caused by a high-fat diet.
Grapes also contain potent antioxidants that protect the kidneys against oxidative damage. Grapes also have resveratrol, which is effective in preventing ischemia and renal disturbances.
Peaches are good food for kidney health due to their high content of vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants and low levels of oxalate and potassium.
Peaches reduce the risk of various chronic conditions that may negatively affect kidney health.
Pears are low in sodium content and can help balance water and sodium in the body.
The high malic acid content in pears protects against developing kidney stones. Pears are low in fat and high in vitamin K, potassium, copper, and vitamin C.
Guava can be an excellent addition to the diet of individuals with CKD due to its low-potassium content. It is also rich in vitamins A, B, C, and K, antioxidants, and fiber, which improve overall kidney health.
Having a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients, with low levels of potassium, phosphorus, and sodium, and moderate protein content. Below is a sample diet chart for kidney patients:
| Pre-Breakfast Snack | Breakfast | Mid-Morning Snack | Lunch | Evening Snack | Dinner |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (6:30 am - 7 am) | (8 am - 9 am) | (10:30 am - 11 am) | (1 pm - 2 pm) | (4 pm - 4:30 pm) | (8 pm - 8:30 pm) |
| 1 cup jeera water | 1 bowl of sooji upma with cooked vegetables | 1 small apple | 1 cup white rice with ½ cup moong dal + 1 bowl tinda sabzi | 1 small cup of lemon tea | 1-2 phulkas with ½ cup vegetable curry |
| 1 cup fenugreek water | 2 phulkas with bottle gourd sabzi | 1 pear | 2 phulkas with ½ cup tur dal + 1 bowl turayi subzi | A handful of puffed rice or 2-3 khakras | A small portion of plain rice with ½ cup of moong dal soup |
A kidney-friendly diet improves overall kidney health and thereby helps reduce the risk of kidney cancer.
Additionally, nutrition plays a pivotal role in maintaining strength and energy levels during renal cell carcinoma treatment.
Several people ask nephrologists about how to maintain kidney health. Some of the lifestyle habits that support kidney wellness are:
Additional Reading: How to Keep Kidneys Healthy: 11 Ways to Keep Your Kidneys Healthy | HCG
Nephrologists usually guide their patients on several topics, including “How to know if your kidneys are healthy?”
Some of the signs that indicate a healthy kidney are:
Several kidney diseases are progressive if not adequately managed. They often require comprehensive management strategies to prevent or delay their progression.
A well-planned renal diet is an important part of the overall approach for patients with kidney diseases. Patients should take the best foods for kidney health that are rich in antioxidants and high-quality proteins and low in sodium, potassium, and phosphorus content. Those with kidney disease should ask for a renal diet food list from their healthcare provider or a dietitian.
Ms. Paheli Bhatt
Chief Dietitian
MSc (Food & Nutrition)
Ms. Paheli Bhatt is the head of dietetics at HCG Aastha Cancer Centre, a prominent hospital for cancer treatment in Ahmedabad. She specializes in offering nutritional counseling and developing personalized diet plans for various health goals, including cancer prevention, smoother navigation through the cancer treatment journey, and leading a fulfilling life after cancer treatment.
