There is much medical research that has been done to study the effects of diet on chronic kidney disease (CKD). There is also much data regarding the effects of diet on the most common diseases that lead to CKD, such as diabetes and hypertension (high blood pressure).

Read on to learn how to eat right to manage your chronic kidney disease and promote good kidney health.

What foods are good for CKD?

A plant based, whole food diet or a Mediterranean diet in which you eat more vegetables, unprocessed whole grains, moderate seafood, and healthy fats (such as seeds, nuts and olive oil) in moderation while minimizing the consumption of beef, pork, chicken and dairy is the best approach to a heathier lifestyle.

There is ample evidence that this type of diet has a beneficial effect on both chronic kidney disease and your overall health.

What foods should you avoid if you have kidney problems?

Electrolytes, phosphorus and potassium tend to be a problem for patients with advanced kidney disease. However, if you follow a plant-based diet, you will not consume as much potassium or phosphorus as you would if you were following a Standard American Diet.

What drinks are recommended for CKD patients?

Drink as much as it takes to meet your metabolic needs. Your urine color will help you to determine if you’re getting enough fluids. Dark urine usually indicates that you need to drink more water.

Try to stay away from chemicals and artificial sweeteners. Alkaline water has been touted as having health benefits, however a plant-based diet has much less of an acid load than a diet that contains animal proteins.

Can you reverse CKD through diet changes?

Whether CKD can be reversed with diet is debatable. However, it is clear that hypertension, diabetes and cardiac disease can be favorably affected by a plant-based diet, along with weight loss.