6 Healthy Foods for a Renal-Friendly Diet

When you have renal disease, chances are pretty good you have to make some changes to your diet.

Specifically, it’s important to limit sodium, potassium, and phosphorus. If you’re used to eating whatever you want, including fast food, pizza, and French fries, you’ll need to make some changes to protect your health.

Without fully-functioning kidneys, it’s harder to remove excess waste, toxins and fluids. Adjusting your diet can make a big difference.

So what are some foods that are good for kidney health on a Renal-Friendly diet?

1. Bell peppers

They’re low in potassium. But high in vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin B6, folic acid, and fiber. Brightly-colored peppers also mean they’re high in lycopene and contain antioxidants that can help prevent inflammation and certain types of cancer.

2. Garlic

So maybe garlic isn’t a food you can just grab and go like an apple. But it is an excellent vegetable with rich flavor that pairs well with meat, pasta, soup and fish. Nutrients in garlic help prevent plaque and tooth decay. Research shows garlic can also help lower cholesterol levels and inflammation.

3. Apples

“An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” You’ve heard that before, right. There’s some truth to that.

Nutrients in apples help control cholesterol, improve digestion, prevent heart disease, and even lower the risk of some types of cancer.

4. Strawberries

Did you know strawberries can be part of a Renal-Friendly diet?

Strawberries contain antioxidants that help prevent inflammation and cell damage linked to cancer. They’re also a good source of vitamin C and fiber. Add strawberries to cereal, smoothies, or salad or eat them fresh.

5. Eggs

When you have renal disease, it’s important to get the right amount of protein in your diet. Eggs are a healthy protein source that can be part of a Renal-Friendly diet.

And if you need to limit phosphorus, just the egg white is a good option for breakfast, omelets, or hard-boiled as a snack or sliced and added to a salad.

6. Fish

Here’s another good protein source for a Renal-Friendly diet...fish. Fish contain omega-3 fatty acids that help prevent heart disease and cancer. Research shows these healthy fats also improve good cholesterol and may support brain health.

Hungry for more Renal-Friendly meals made from fresh ingredients and ready to eat in minutes? Check out the complete menu HERE.