There’s a lot to consider when eating right for kidney health. Cooking at home instead of eating out gives you more control over what you eat. It also means you’ll need to read food labels carefully at the store. If you need to limit potassium, it can be hard to know what to choose, especially in the produce section.

Thanks! You've successfully submitted your vote.

Sign up to view the results!

Continue with Facebook

Continue with Google

Continue with your email

By joining, you accept our Terms of Use, and acknowledge our collection, sharing, and use of your data in accordance with our Health Data and Privacy policies.

Already a Member? Log in

Fortunately, you can still enjoy a variety of flavors on a renal (kidney) diet. Consider putting these seven foods in your shopping cart to round out your menu plan. Keep in mind, however, that dietary requirements for kidney health can vary. Don’t forget to talk with your healthcare provider before making changes to your diet. You can also ask to meet with a renal dietitian for advice based on how well your kidneys are working.

1. Cabbage

Compared with many fruits and vegetables, cabbage is lower in potassium, and this leafy green packs a lot of nutritional punch. Try adding chopped cabbage to soups and stews, or wrap a whole leaf around ground meat and white rice with seasonings for stuffed cabbage. You can also shred raw cabbage and carrots to make your own coleslaw. If you need to limit potassium, boil the cabbage and pour out the water before you eat it.

2. Cranberry Juice

Cranberries are often called a functional food because they are rich in antioxidants and may offer health benefits beyond basic nutrition. In addition to warding off urinary tract infections, compounds in cranberries may improve gut bacteria and reduce inflammation. Although anyone can benefit from these effects, some researchers have suggested that studies should specifically explore whether cranberry supplements could lower the risk of complications for people with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Cutting back on alcohol is a key recommendation for kidney health, so consider replacing your nightcap with a mocktail made with cranberry juice, club soda, and lime juice. Be aware that some evidence suggests cranberries can interact with certain medications, including blood thinners. Study results are mixed, but check with your doctor before drinking a lot of cranberry juice.

3. Radishes

Kick up the flavor by adding radishes to your plate. Radishes are low in sodium and potassium and keep well in the refrigerator. Some research suggests that the antioxidants in radishes may be beneficial for people with diabetes, a common cause of kidney problems. These root vegetables also contain B vitamins, vitamin C, and several important minerals like iron, calcium, and magnesium.

Try roasting radishes with olive oil, garlic, and caraway for an interesting side dish. Radishes also go well in broccoli slaw or as an ingredient in homemade dressing.

4. Pineapple

Pineapple is a natural treat that won’t overload you with sodium, protein, or potassium. Chopped pineapple goes great with cottage cheese for breakfast or a snack, but you can also toss it in the blender to sweeten green smoothies or use chunks as a tropical addition to grilled meat skewers. Just remember that dried fruit — including pineapple — can be a concentrated source of potassium, so it’s best to go with fresh.

5. Applesauce

With fewer than 150 milligrams of potassium per half-cup serving, applesauce lets you add sweetness to your menu without overdoing it on potassium. Try sprinkling cinnamon on applesauce and mixing it with yogurt or hot cereal, or place a dollop of applesauce on pork chops for a mix of sweet and savory.

Applesauce is fine on its own, but it can also serve as an ingredient to help keep homemade baked goods moist. Experiment with substituting it for some of the melted butter or oil in a recipe. You can incorporate applesauce into recipes for baked goods such as:

• Apple crisp
• Brownies
• Doughnuts
• Muffins
• Pancakes
• Waffles

Add raspberries or blackberries to these baked goods and breakfast treats for added fiber and antioxidants.

Going to an orchard to pick your own apples can be a fun fall activity. After bringing home your bushel, you can make applesauce in a slow cooker or on the stovetop. If you prefer the convenience of store-bought applesauce, look for brands without added sugar.

6. Sunflower Seeds

Nuts and seeds are good sources of healthy fats, protein, vitamins, and minerals. However, some varieties are too high in protein or potassium for people with CKD. Sunflower seeds are relatively low in phosphorus, potassium, and protein. Choose an unsalted product and enjoy a quarter-cup serving sprinkled on a salad, stirred into yogurt, or added to trail mix. You can also find recipes to make sunflower seed brittle that will satisfy a craving for something crunchy.

7. Onions

Onions are filled with fiber, antioxidants, and flavor. In particular, onions are high in soluble fiber, which is helpful for lowering cholesterol and keeping blood sugar stable. They’re also lower in potassium than many other veggies.

If you enjoy cooking, you could try making French onion soup. Find a low-sodium recipe and freeze leftovers in individual portions as an alternative to high-sodium canned soups. Serve with a fresh baguette and a sprinkle of cheese for a savory, kidney-friendly meal.

If you miss french fries and potato chips, try baked onion rings. You can follow this easy recipe: Submerge sliced onions in water, and then dip the slices in flour. Combine egg whites and mayonnaise in a bowl, and spread the mixture on the flour-coated rings. Finally, press the onion rings into no-salt Italian breadcrumbs, and bake them on a cookie sheet at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking. Some recipes suggest coating the breaded onion rings with cooking spray before baking them.

The Benefits of Preparing Your Own Food

Eating at home has real benefits, especially if you’re cutting back on sodium. The trick is finding natural foods that you enjoy and avoiding processed snacks and frozen meals. By picking out and preparing food yourself rather than grabbing takeout or heading to a restaurant, you can save money and improve your health.

Before adding any new foods to your meal plan, talk with your kidney doctor or renal dietitian. If you’re not familiar with cooking or are short on ideas for what to eat, ask about any healthy cooking classes available in your community. You might not find offerings geared toward CKD specifically, but a cooking workshop designed for people with diabetes or heart disease might put you on a healthier path.

Join the Conversation

On myIgANteam, people share their experiences with IgA nephropathy, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

Do you have any suggestions for a healthy kidney diet? What are some of your go-to foods, and how does living with chronic kidney disease affect your grocery shopping? Let others know in the comments below.