Chronic Kidney Disease, or CKD, is a condition that affects millions of people. It develops when the kidneys fail to filter out the waste matter from the bloodstream effectively, causing the build-up of toxins in the body. This progressive disease can eventually lead to renal failure. Therefore, it is crucial to manage the condition and work towards slowing down its progression. Since the kidneys cannot carry out the filtration process properly, it is important to choose the right foods.

Foods to include
Sticking with foods that have low to moderate amounts of micronutrients like sodium, potassium, and phosphorus prevents the build-up of these minerals in the body.

• Fish
  Fish is a source of high-quality protein that also helps you cover the omega-3 fatty acid requirement of the body. Fish is also low in phosphorus, making it an excellent food for people with chronic kidney disease. In addition, its omega-3 content assists the body in maintaining the right levels of inflammation and improves cardiac health.
• Egg whites
  Another food with high-quality protein and low phosphorus content is egg white. It has low potassium, making egg whites an ideal choice for people living with CKD.
• Berries
  Berries, including blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries, are all packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that help protect the kidney against damage. Berries also carry low levels of phosphorus and potassium, making them a safe and ideal choice for people with renal issues.
• Olive oil
  Olive oil is a healthy cooking oil with low saturated fat and high monounsaturated fat content. The high-fat content helps keep the heart healthy. Olive oil is also a great source of vitamin E which can help prevent damage to kidney and liver health.
• Garlic
  Garlic is another kitchen staple that has high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory content. It helps protect the kidney against damage and helps regulate blood pressure with its blood-pressure-lowering properties. This helps manage hypertension, which arises as a common CKD complication.
• Red bell peppers
  Red bell peppers are among the vegetables known for their high vitamin C content. They are also low in potassium and therefore help protect the kidneys against damage. Red bell peppers are also considered a great source of folate and vitamin A, which helps in the maintenance of healthy red blood cells.
• Cauliflower
  Cauliflower is a high-fiber vegetable that is also low in potassium. This combination of ingredients makes it an ideal food choice for people with CKD. Cauliflower is also considered a healthy source of vitamins C and K and folate. Cabbage is another vegetable that is high in vitamin C and fiber while low in potassium. It is also considered beneficial for CKD patients because it reduces inflammation.
• Apples
  Apples are beneficial because of their high antioxidant content, as it helps the body fight free radical damage. But that is not all. Apples also have low potassium, a micronutrient that can prove harmful in higher quantities for patients with CKD.
• Cranberries
  Cranberries are often recommended to people suffering from urinary tract infections. These berries help in the prevention and treatment of UTIs, and they are low in potassium. This makes them an ideal snack choice for people with CKD.

Foods to avoid
When the body acquires high levels of sodium, it causes water retention, high blood pressure, and some other complications that cause damage to the kidneys. Foods high in phosphorus remove calcium from the bones, leading to weakened bones and an increased risk of fractures. Another component that needs to be avoided in high quantities is potassium, as it can increase the risk of irregular heartbeats and may even result in cardiac arrest.

• Salt
  Excess salt intake leads to abundant sodium, which can cause fluid retention in the body. It can also lead to increased blood pressure and compromised kidney function. High amounts of salt can be found in most processed and packaged foods.
• Avocado
  Avocados are one of the healthiest fruits that can amp up any meal; however, they are not particularly healthy for people with CKD. The high potassium content in avocados can further damage the patient’s renal health and, therefore, should be replaced with low-potassium foods like zucchini and cucumbers.
• Dairy products
  Milk and milk products such as yogurt and cheese are all high in phosphorus. This can prove to be harmful to people with CKD. It is better to avoid regular intake of these foods and opt for low-phosphorus substitutes like non-dairy cheese and almond milk.
• Chocolate
  Chocolate is another favorite food for millions of people. However, it is not as healthy as it is tasty for people with CKD and some other health concerns. Chocolate intake needs to be avoided, or at best, limited because of its high phosphorus levels. Alternatively, carob is a good substitute for chocolate lovers.
• Bananas
  Bananas are known for their high potassium levels. They are also called an athlete’s best friend as the potassium helps with muscle recovery. However, for people with CKD, it is crucial to look at low-potassium alternatives. This includes fruits like blueberries, strawberries, and cherries.
• Processed meats
  Processed meats like sausages, bacon, and deli meat are high in both sodium and phosphorus content. People with CKD need to strictly limit the intake of processed meats. Therefore, it is better to opt for low-sodium, low-phosphorus alternatives like fresh chicken, fish, and turkey.
• Tomatoes
  Tomatoes and tomato-based foods are high in potassium content. Most meal preparations include tomatoes, tomato paste, ketchup, or sun-dried tomatoes. The potassium in sun-dried tomatoes is even higher than in fresh tomatoes. Therefore, it is advisable to switch to lettuce, cucumbers, and carrots.
• Processed foods
  Processed foods like canned goods, fast food, and frozen meals pack high sodium levels. Relying on these foods can cause increased water retention. It can also increase the patient’s blood pressure, which is already considered a complication in CKD. To avoid renal failure, it is crucial to avoid processed foods.
• Whole grain products
  Whole grain products like brown rice, whole wheat bread, and noodles are high in phosphorus. It is important to limit or avoid the intake of these foods by people with CKD. Swapping these foods for low phosphorus alternatives like white bread and white rice can help manage the patient’s symptoms.