Eat These 10 Foods to Support Albumin Levels

How's your health? When you have renal disease, regular check-ups will often include blood work to evaluate your health. One of those biomarkers your doctor will probably look for is albumin.

It's a protein found in your blood. And when you have renal disease, albumin levels tend to drop. That's a problem. Albumin helps support the fluid balance of blood and helps transport hormones, fatty acids, and nutrients.

If albumin levels drop below 4.0 g/dL, symptoms can include swelling, muscle cramps, fatigue and weakness, loss of appetite, and excess fluid in the abdomen.

How do you maintain albumin levels when you have renal disease?
Eat enough protein. Here are some healthy sources of protein to support albumin levels:

1. Burgers

Pick low-fat foods rich in albumin like lean beef or turkey burgers. A typical burger has about 21 grams of protein. If burgers aren’t your thing, you might like this dish: Turkey Chili with Brown Rice.

2. Chicken

Baked, grilled, or pan-fried, a serving of chicken contains about 14 to 28 grams of protein. Skip fried chicken because it typically contains high amounts of sodium and phosphorus, which you should avoid with renal disease.

3. Cottage Cheese

Read the food label and check sodium levels. Some contain higher amounts than others. A serving contains up to 12 grams of protein. And it tastes great mixed with fruit.

4. Eggs

Devilled, scrambled, or used to make an omelet, eggs are a great protein source. One egg contains about 6 grams of protein. Try the Fried Egg Patties, Sweet Potatoes & Asparagus

5. Fish

Fresh is best. But frozen fish is also a great option. You'll get about 15 to 20 grams of protein in a 3-ounce filet. Try salmon, mackerel, or trout.

6. Greek Yogurts

Some brands of Greek yogurt contain up to 22 grams of protein in a single serving. If you do eat Greek yogurt, have it in place of meat as your main course.

7. Protein Supplements

Need a quick and easy way to add protein to your diet? Have a protein shake or smoothie. Many cafes and specialty restaurants make protein drinks. Or you can buy protein powder and make your own. A typical protein drink contains 15 to 30 grams of protein.

8. Pork Chops

Beef isn't your only meat option. Have a pork chop. Porks chops contain about 20 to 26 grams of protein per serving.

9. Protein Bars

Here's another option for a quick and easy source of protein. Eat a protein bar. Just be sure to read the label first. Not all protein bars are made with the same ingredients. A typical protein bar contains 10 to 30 grams of protein..

10. Tofu

And last but not least, tofu (made from soy), is a healthy protein source you can eat when you have renal disease.

Need help figuring out what to eat to stay healthy? Check out these 22 Renal-Friendly meals.