Healthy Food Swaps for a Kidney Diet
Disclaimer:This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice or diagnosis from a physician.
You have many healthy food options when you’re on a kidney-friendly diet. We’ve gathered the top sodium, phosphorus and potassium food substitutes so you can create a menu that’s right for you.
Sodium swaps
| Choose low-sodium substitutes | Limit high-sodium options |
|---|---|
|
Fresh vegetables |
Canned or processed vegetables |
|
Frozen vegetables (use low-sodium seasonings) |
Frozen vegetables in cheese, butter or garlic sauce |
|
Homemade marinades or dressings |
Commercially prepared marinades or dressings |
|
Reduced-sodium condiments or snacks |
High-sodium condiments or snacks |
Phosphorus swaps
| Choose low-phosphorus substitutes | Limit high-phosphorus options |
|---|---|
|
Rice milk (unenriched), nondairy creamers or sour cream without phosphate additives |
Milk, yogurt, cheese or processed cheese products |
|
Lemon-lime soda, homemade iced tea, root beer, apple cider or spiced cranberry juice |
Dark cola, bottled and canned beverages with phosphate additives or hot cocoa |
|
Jam, jelly, honey, margarine or butter |
Peanut butter or other nut butter spreads |
|
White or wild rice, white or whole wheat pasta or macaroni, grits, couscous, buckwheat, bulgur or pearled barley |
Brown rice, amaranth, millet, quinoa, spelt |
|
Fresh or fresh frozen meats, fish or poultry |
Processed or enhanced meats, fish or poultry |
Potassium swaps
| Choose low-potassium substitutes | Limit high-potassium options |
|---|---|
|
Apples, berries, grapes, peaches or pineapple |
Bananas, oranges, kiwi, cantaloupe or honeydew |
|
Mashed potatoes or hash browns (soak and boil to reduce potassium) |
Baked potato or french fries |
|
Onion, bell peppers, mushrooms or garlic |
Tomatoes, tomato sauce or chili sauce |
|
Vanilla- or lemon-flavored desserts |
Chocolate desserts |
Eating foods for a kidney diet can still be flavorful. Start using the suggested substituted ingredients today, many of which are found in the kidney-friendly recipes on DaVita.com.