4 Reasons for Renal Patients to Follow a Plant-Based Diet

What should you eat when you have renal disease? It’s a conversation you should have with your doctor, your dietitian, and your family.

Eating the right foods will protect your health and the remaining kidney function you have left. Eating the wrong foods can have serious consequences, further damage your kidneys, and put your health at risk.

When you have renal disease, it’s important to eat the right amount of protein-rich foods and limit foods that contain sodium, potassium, and phosphorus. Your diet can help prevent fluid retention, help control toxins, and prolong the need for dialysis.

But what should your diet look like when you have renal disease? There’s more than one way to design a Renal-Friendly diet, but research shows that following a plant-based diet makes sense for four reasons.

If you have kidney disease, a plant-based diet can help:

1. Slow the progression of kidney failure
2. Reduce the risk for type 2 diabetes, or help keep blood sugar levels in check
3. Lower the risk for high blood pressure
4. Reduce the risk for heart disease, the leading cause of death in the United States

You don’t have to become a vegan or vegetarian to follow a plant-based diet. Just eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds. And eat lean meat, poultry and fish less often. The more your diet includes plant-based foods, the healthier you’ll be.

If you’re hungry for healthy food made from fresh ingredients, including plant-based meals and sides, check out the selection of Renal-Friendly meals designed to protect your health and limit sodium, potassium, and phosphorus.

Try these plant-based meals:

• Eggplant Parmigiana and Polenta with Spinach & Roasted Peppers - Individual Meal
• Macaroni & Cheese with Stewed Tomatoes & Bean Blend - Individual Meal
• Spinach Mushroom Lasagna with Garlic Green Beans - Individual Meal
• Vegetable Caponata with Orzo & Spinach - Individual Meal