7 Day Meal Plan for Kidney Disease and Dialysis Patients

7 Day Meal Plan for Kidney Disease patients and patients on dialysis is formulated and presented in a table format. A link to a PDF downloadable format is given at the end.

Diet for dialysis and kidney patients, also called Renal Diet, is aimed at preventing or slowing down the complications that may develop as a result of non-functioning kidneys.

While limiting protein is recommended, avoiding muscle wasting is also important. Similarly, people with kidney disease are advised to limit salt, potassium, and phosphates, but what amount is acceptable?

Diet charts for patients with kidney disease are formulated here. You can download them (the link is given at the end of the post).

What is the Importance of Renal Diet?

Kidney disease is a serious medical condition that impairs the kidneys’ ability to filter waste and excess fluids from the blood.

Its severity might range from minor to severe. Kidney failure, often known as end-stage renal disease (ESRD), is the most advanced stage of kidney disease.

Toxin buildup and electrolyte imbalances arise when the kidneys cannot properly filter waste and fluids, causing serious health risks.

Individuals may need to change their diet to ease symptoms and prevent complications that may develop.

Monitoring certain meals and nutrients becomes critical because they directly impact renal function.

Easy Changes to Make Your Diet Kidney-friendly:

You must follow dietary guidelines to effectively manage kidney disease and ensure optimal health while minimizing consequences.

These principles serve as a helpful road map, allowing informed choices that benefit health.

• Keep a Check on Sodium (Salt) Intake:

The first and most crucial step is to keep track of your sodium consumption.

When your kidneys are compromised, it is difficult to maintain correct sodium concentrations, which can lead to fluid retention and high blood pressure.

Sodium, or simply table salt is widely used. It is also present in processed meals and sea foods.

Individuals suffering from kidney illness are frequently recommended to decrease their sodium consumption to maintain fluid balance and blood pressure.

Some sodium-reduction strategies include:

• Always read food labels and go for low-sodium options
• Limit salt in cooking and at the table
• Use fresh herbs and low-sodium seasonings

The daily sodium intake should be less than 1500 mg per day. In dialysis patients, and those with symptoms of fluid overload, the daily sodium intake may be reduced to as low as 750 mg.

So, the daily sodium intake should be between 750 and 1500 mg which is equal to 1/6th of a teaspoon to 1/3rd of a teaspoon.

• Balanced Protein Intake:

Another important component is your daily protein consumption. You need to balance it to save the body from catabolism and also to prevent extra load on your kidneys. 

Opt for HBV (high biological value) proteins but with a small portion size to keep the balance.

Generally, protein intake should be restricted to 0.6 – 0.8 g/kg per day in patients with kidney disease but not on dialysis. Those on dialysis may take up to 1 – 1.2 g/kg per day [Ref]

• Manage Your Daily Fluids:

Controlling fluid intake is also essential for people with kidney disease.

The kidneys manage the fluid balance in the body, and abnormalities in this complex process can cause edema and fluid retention.

Adhering to recommended fluid allowances and adjusting intake based on factors such as urine output aids in the maintenance of this equilibrium.

• Potassium and Phosphorus

Potassium excess can be life-threatening. It is one of the main causes of death in patients with kidney diseases and dialysis.

Dietary potassium should be kept to a minimum. Where required, your doctor may also advise you to take a potassium-binding resin such as Lokelma, Veltassa, or kayexalate.

Phosphorus is another electrolyte, excretion of which is markedly impaired in patients with kidney disease.

Diets high in phosphorus such as dairy products should be minimized. Your doctor may also advise you to take medications to lower your phosphorus levels such as Sevelamer.

Diet for Dialysis and Kidney Disease: Foods to Avoid!

Managing kidney disease necessitates a conscious approach to dietary choices, particularly in steering clear of foods that could exacerbate the condition and contribute to complications.

By avoiding certain foods, individuals can alleviate the burden on their kidneys and promote better overall health.

• High-Sodium Foods:

Excessive sodium intake can lead to fluid retention and elevated blood pressure, straining compromised kidneys.

Processed foods, canned soups, fast food, and salty snacks are notorious culprits.

Opt for fresh, whole foods and read labels for low-sodium alternatives. Aim for a daily sodium intake of less than 1500 mg per day (1/3rd of a teaspoon)

• High-Potassium Foods

Elevated potassium levels can disrupt heart rhythm and affect muscle function.

Bananas, oranges, potatoes, tomatoes, and avocados are examples of high-potassium foods to limit.

Instead, opt for low-potassium alternatives like apples, berries, and cauliflower.

• High-Phosphorus Foods

Kidney dysfunction can lead to difficulty regulating phosphorus levels, impacting bone health and blood vessels.

Dairy products, nuts, seeds, and cola beverages are rich in phosphorus and should be consumed in moderation.

Opt for low-phosphorus options like rice, pasta, and lean protein sources. Keep your blood phosphate levels less than 5.5 mg/dl.

• Excessive Protein

 Protein is essential for the body but consuming too much can strain your kidneys.

Reducing consumption of high-protein foods like red meat, processed meats, and certain dairy products can help manage kidney workload.

Choose lean protein sources like poultry, fish, and legumes in smaller portions.

Eat up to 0.8 g/kg of proteins daily. If you are on dialysis, eat up to 1.2 g/kg of proteins daily.

• Processed and Fast Foods

These often contain high amounts of sodium, saturated fats, and additives that can aggravate kidney disease and increase the risk of heart-related complications.

Homemade meals using fresh ingredients are a healthier alternative.

• Sugary Foods and Beverages

Consuming excessive sugars can contribute to weight gain and high blood sugar levels, which can negatively impact kidney function.

Limit sugary snacks, desserts, and sugary beverages.

• High-Oxalate Foods

Oxalates can contribute to the formation of kidney stones. Foods high in oxalates include spinach, beets, rhubarb, and sweet potatoes.

While not all individuals with kidney disease need to avoid high-oxalate foods, those prone to kidney stones may need to moderate their intake.

• Alcohol

Excessive alcohol consumption can dehydrate the body and strain the kidneys.

Limit alcohol intake and consult a healthcare professional about any potential risks.

• Caffeine

Caffeine can increase blood pressure and contribute to dehydration.

Moderation is key, and opting for herbal teas and decaffeinated beverages is a wiser choice.

• Salt Substitutes

Many salt substitutes contain high levels of potassium, which can be detrimental for individuals with kidney disease.

Avoid using these unless recommended by a healthcare professional.

Diet for Dialysis and Kidney Disease: Best Foods for the Kidney

• Red bell peppers:

These are rich in vitamins A, C, and B6, and low in potassium therefore a great choice for kidney patients.

• Cabbage:

This cruciferous vegetable is packed with phytochemicals, vitamins, and minerals, making it an excellent addition to a kidney-friendly diet.

• Cauliflower:

Cauliflower is low in potassium and high in vitamin C, making it a great alternative to potatoes for those with kidney disease.

• Garlic:

Not only does garlic add flavor to meals, but it also contains antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation and protect against certain chronic diseases.

• Onions:

Onions are low in potassium and a good source of chromium, a mineral that helps with blood sugar control.

• Apples:

Apples are high in fiber and packed with beneficial antioxidants, Apples are a healthy choice for individuals with kidney disease.

• Berries:

These are rich in antioxidants and low in potassium. Strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries make for a delicious and kidney-friendly snack.

• Egg whites:

Egg whites are an excellent source of high-quality protein and can be included in a kidney-friendly diet. However, it’s important to limit whole eggs due to their phosphorus content.

• Fish:

Incorporating fish into your diet provides high-quality protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to benefit kidney health.

• Olive oil:

Rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, olive oil serves as a healthy alternative to saturated fats while adding flavor to meals.

7 Day Meal Plan for Kidney Disease: 100 KCal Per Day:

Here is a 7-Day Meal Plan for Kidney Disease patients. Each day’s meal is divided into three main meals and two snacks.

The first 7-Day Meal Plan for Kidney Disease has about 1000 kcal while the second has 1500 kcal per day which can be modified.

Simple modifications to these diet charts may include omitting mid-day snacks. However, one should not avoid any of the major meals.

Summary of 7-Day Meal Plan for Kidney Disease Patients (1000 Kcal/day):

Here is a summary of the whole one-week meal menu for kidney patients. This is a 7-day Meal Plan for Kidney Disease patients who may or may not require dialysis.

Each day’s meal plan has three major meals and two snacks. The total calories are roughly calculated to a target of 1000 kcal/day.

7 Day Meal Plan for Kidney Disease: 1500 Kcal per day

The following meal plans have about 1500 calories. This 7-Day Meal Plan for Kidney Disease patients can also be used for patients who are on dialysis, however, it is important that dialysis patients need more proteins.

Dialysis patients need up to 1.2 g/kg/day. One can modify these diet menus according to their caloric requirements by simply eliminating the snacks portion which can change the daily calories to 1200 – 1000 kcal per day.

It is also important to reduce salt intake to less than 1500 mg per day which is about 1/3rd of a teaspoon.

Summarized Table of the 7 Day Meal Plan for Kidney Disease Patients and Dialysis

Here is a summarized table of the whole-week diet chart for patients with kidney disease. A 7-Day Meal Plan for Kidney Disease can also be downloaded as a PDF at the end.

Please click on the link here to download: 7 day meal plan for kidney disease PDF