Make the CKD diet work for you!
Chronic Kidney Disease Stages 3-5, not on dialysis
Your CKD Plate
Based on a 2000 calorie diet
All recommendations are lab dependent, speak with your doctor or dietitian about personalized recommendations!
Protein
- 2-3 oz 2-3x/day
- Digestion of animal proteins increases work on the kidneys
- Choose plant proteins when possible (tofu, leached beans)
- Otherwise, choose lean protein (chicken, turkey, fish)
- Protein allowance is markedly decreased in stage 4
- With lower amounts of protein, you will feel hungrier. Add healthy fats and whole grains to feel full for longer and to add calories to avoid weight loss
Grains
- ½ cup
- Choose whole grains when possible
- Current recommendations consider the health benefits of whole grains to outweigh any risk of phosphorous levels
- Phosphorous in whole grains is poorly digested
Vegetables
- ½ cup
- <150mg of potassium per serving is considered low potassium
- More than 250mg of potassium per serving is considered HIGH potassium
- Learn about leaching high-potassium vegetables
- Leaching high potassium vegetables does NOT remove all of the potassium but can lower it
Fruit
- ½ cup
- <150mg of potassium per serving is considered low potassium
- More than 250mg of potassium per serving is considered HIGH potassium
- Grapes, cranberries, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, pineapple
Fluid
- In later stages of CKD, fluid may be restricted
- Speak with your doctor about possible fluid restriction if you are experiencing:
- Swelling (edema)
- Shortness of breath
- Headaches
- High blood pressure
- Cramping