Low-Protein Foods List for Kidney Disease

Are you suffering from any kidney-related disorder? 

And if your answer is yes, and your healthcare provider has suggested a low-protein diet, today’s blog is for you. The article is a helpful guide that includes detailed information on the best and low-protein foods to eat and avoid. Additionally, it sheds light on the benefits and risks linked to a low-protein diet. 

Knowing how relevant the information is for you, let’s explore the best food ideas that can work for you with chronic kidney disease. 

What is a low-protein diet?

As the name suggests, a low-protein diet typically includes a protein-rich diet, but it requires you to restrict the amount of protein intake. 

Protein is a vital nutrient for your body. They are made up of chemical building blocks called amino acids. These amino acids are used by your body to build and repair muscles and bones. Additionally, these amino acids can also be utilized as a source of energy. 

Nonetheless, if you have chronic kidney disease, a low-protein diet may be beneficial for you. It is because when someone eats protein, the body produces urea. In the case of improper kidney function, urea can accumulate in the blood, leading to conditions such as extreme fatigue and loss of appetite. 

More to the point, if someone suffers from a kidney disease, significant dietary adjustments are needed to manage symptoms and prevent further damage. Hence, protein intake is one of them. Excessive protein consumption can even strain the kidneys. 

Top 3 Reasons for a Low-Protein Diet for Kidney Disease

The kidneys help eliminate waste and excess fluids from the blood. If the kidneys are damaged, their ability to filter waste declines. Protein metabolism is responsible for producing waste products that the kidneys must excrete. You should reduce your protein intake because:

• Minimizes kidney strain: A low-protein diet can help minimize kidney strain. A lower protein intake indicates fewer waste products, thereby reducing the pressure on the kidneys. 
• Slow down the disease progression: Managing your protein intake can delay the progression of kidney-related disorders. 
• Control symptoms: A diet low in protein can help alleviate symptoms such as fatigue and swelling. 

Ideally, consult your healthcare provider or a dietitian to determine your specific protein intake. 

Who should follow a low-protein diet?

High levels of protein are not for everyone. If your body cannot process protein, these substances can build up and cause nausea, vomiting, and even brain damage. 

A doctor may recommend a low-protein diet to the following individuals in these conditions, and you may be one of them: 

1. Chronic kidney disease: People with chronic kidney disease (CKD) who are not undergoing dialysis can reduce pressure on their kidneys by following a low-protein diet. This will further prevent the urea buildup in the bloodstream. 

Did you know?

A 2018 study revealed that a low-protein diet may slow the progression of advanced kidney failure. Isn’t that great?

2. Diabetic neuropathy: A low-protein diet may also help improve diabetic neuropathy.
3. Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a rare disorder that occurs when the body fails to produce the enzymes required for breaking down phenylalanine. It is an amino acid, which is a building block of protein. 
4. Homocystinuria also metabolizes methionine, another amino acid. Its build-up can cause vision and bone health problems. Hence, a low-protein diet is recommended for treating the condition. 

Tables Showing Low-protein foods with kidney disease 

Below are top suggestions for kidney-friendly, low-protein foods across different categories: 

Non-Starchy Vegetables
Green leafy Vegetables	Cruciferous vegetables	Root Vegetables	Other Options
Lettuce, kale, and spinach	Cauliflower, cabbage, and broccoli	Radish, turnip, and carrots	Bell Peppers, zucchini, and cucumbers

Tip: A homemade vegetable soup is a satisfying experience. 

Fruits
Apple	Berries	grapes
pineapple	Watermelon	Peaches

Tip: Consult your doctor before consuming bananas and oranges, as their high potassium content can pose a problem for individuals with chronic kidney disease. 

Also read: https://redcliffelabs.com/myhealth/lab-test/kidney-function-damage-and-abnormalities-tests/

Grains and Starches
Rice	Pasta	Bread	Potatoes	Other Options
White rice, basmati, or jasmine rice with vegetables. Combine them with a vegetable of your choice and a small portion of meat, tofu, or shellfish.	Regular or low protein varieties. Combine it with tomato paste and roasted vegetables for a delicious dish.	White or low-protein bread	Boiled or baked (but in moderation)	Oats, cornmeal, and quinoa (in moderation)

Dairy Substitutes
Sweetened Almond Milk	Rice milk	Coconut milk

Tip: Avoid conventional dairy products and soy milk because they are high in protein and potassium. 

Fats and Oils
Olive Oil	Avocado Oil	Unsalted Butter (in moderation)	Coconut Oil

Snacks and Beverages
Unsalted Popcorn	Rice Cakes	Herbal Teas

5 Additional Tips for a Low-Protein Diet

Other tips for a low-protein diet without compromising on flavor: 

1. Bulk up a soup with rice or pasta in small amounts. 
2. Reduce your meat intake. You can also replace meat content with diced mushrooms when cooking spaghetti. 
3. You can also prepare a boiled egg salad for a filling experience. 
4. Include healthful fats, including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, to make your meal more nutritious. 
5. Always check labels before buying groceries for protein content and ingredients. 

Low protein meal ideas: You may like to know 

Breakfast	Lunch	Dinner	Snacks
1A healthy rice porridge with almond milk and blueberries.	1. Eat stir-fried vegetables with rice.	1. Prepare a soup made from cabbage, potatoes, and carrots.	Delicious rice cakes with honey.
2. Eat low-protein foods with unsalted butter.	2. Low-protein pasta prepared with light olive oil. Serve it with steamed broccoli.	2. Vegetarian Stuffed Zucchini with Rice and Herbs.	Fruit salad with pineapple, grapes, and watermelon.

10 Foods to Avoid

No doubt, protein is an essential nutrient for your body, but if you have chronic kidney disease (CKD), limit your protein intake or avoid consumption of these foods completely. 

1. Eggs
2. Fish 
3. Meat 
4. Poultry 
5. Dairy products such as milk, cream, and cheese. 
6. Beans
7. Peas
8. Lentils
9. Soy foods such as tofu and tempeh
10. Almonds, sunflower seeds, and peanuts

Additionally, eating plant-based milk alternatives (PBMA) such as soy, almond, hazelnut, rice, oat, potato, coconut, and quinoa often contains less protein. Thus, they are beneficial for people with chronic kidney problems. 

Also read: https://redcliffelabs.com/myhealth/kidney-test/kidney-stones-its-symptoms-causes-and-treatment/ 

Conclusion

We are confident that the above information will be helpful to you. It is beneficial for individuals with chronic kidney disease to limit their protein intake and focus on consuming a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats. 

Consult with your healthcare provider if you have any doubts or concerns about low-protein foods that may be suitable for you, and to prevent nutritional deficiencies. 

FAQs

1. Why do kidney patients need a low-protein diet?

Kidney patients require a low-protein diet to minimize urea production and other waste products resulting from protein metabolism. This further aids in reducing pressure on damaged kidneys, managing symptoms, and potentially slowing the progression of the disease. 

2. Is it ok to consume plant-based protein on a low-carb diet?

Yes. You can consume plant-based protein on a low-carb diet, but in moderation, to make it less taxing on your kidneys. Consult your dietitian for personalized advice.