Limit Liquids

• Patients suffering from kidney disease have difficulty eliminating fluids from the body. An accumulation of fluids can cause swelling, shortness of breath, or high blood pressure. Therefore, kidney patients must severely restrict their fluid intakes. Because fluids make up many foods, monitoring fluid contents of foods is especially important for these patients. Those on a renal diet must avoid soups, gravies, hot beverages, soft drinks, and water in large amounts.
  
  

Reduce Phosphorus Intake

• Phosphorus, along with calcium, keeps bones healthy. However, a decline in kidney function means that the body cannot keep calcium and phosphorus in balance. Because of this, the body cannot get enough calcium and can't get rid of enough phosphorus. In an attempt to self-correct, the body will take calcium from bones, resulting in weak and brittle bones. Therefore, those eating for kidney health must not eat foods high in phosphorus, including carbonated beverages, decaffeinated coffee, shellfish, cheeses, and prepared cereals.
  
  

Lower Potassium Levels

• Potassium is essential because it keeps muscles and nerves working properly. Because the kidneys help keep potassium levels constant, too much dietary potassium can be dangerous in those with kidney problems. Those following a renal diet should avoid high-potassium foods including bananas, avocados, kiwi fruit, cantaloupe, figs, dates, broccoli, potatoes, raisins, lima beans, beets, brussels sprouts, greens, orange juice, tomatoes and prunes.
  
  

Reduce Consumption of Protein

• Protein is essential in order for the body to resist infection, repair and replace tissues, and maintain muscles. As proteins are broken down, urea, a component of the urine, is formed. However, decreased kidney function can cause a build up of urea in the bloodstream which can be dangerous and cause damage to the organs in the body. For this reason, kidney patients should eat low-protein diets by avoiding foods such as eggs, meat, nuts, cheese and dairy products.
  
  

Eat a Low Sodium Diet

• Healthy kidneys are able to effectively remove extra sodium in the urine. However, sodium and fluids may accumulate in the body as kidney function declines. Swelling throughout the body can occur as a result. Dietary sodium should be limited to keep extra sodium out of the urine and the body from swelling. Those following a renal diet should avoid the following foods in order to reduce sodium: prepared foods, potato chips, table salt, salted nuts, lunch meats, cheese, and canned or dehydrated soups.