Kidney Disease

Also known asChronic Kidney Disease · CKD · Renal Disease · Kidney Failure · Renal Failure · 慢性肾病 · 肾病 · 肾脏病 · Penyakit Buah Pinggang

What it is

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a long-term loss of kidney function, most often caused by diabetes and high blood pressure. Early on it has no symptoms and is found by blood and urine tests. As it advances, waste and extra fluid build up, and minerals such as potassium and phosphorus can reach harmful levels.

Important: food advice for kidney disease depends on your stage and your blood tests. Do not cut out potassium- or phosphorus-rich foods, or follow a high-protein diet, without advice from your kidney doctor or a renal dietitian.

How food and lifestyle can help

Controlling blood pressure and blood sugar protects the kidneys more than anything else. In early CKD, a pattern rich in vegetables, fruit, whole grains and legumes, with less salt and not too much protein, is usually advised.

Foods and nutrients to focus on

1. Flavour food with herbs, garlic, ginger, lemon and vinegar instead of salt and salty sauces (herbs and spices).
2. Plant protein such as beans and tofu in place of some red and processed meat.
3. Vegetables and fruit, unless you have been told to limit potassium.
4. Fluids as advised by your team: not too little, and not more than advised in later stages.

Foods and drinks to limit

1. Salt and salty foods: instant noodles, soy and oyster sauce, stock cubes, cured and preserved foods (sodium).
2. Processed and cured meats and foods with phosphate additives, including some colas.
3. Very high-protein diets and protein powders, unless advised.
4. Only if your team tells you to: high-potassium foods (potassium, e.g. bananas, oranges, potatoes, tomatoes, coconut water) and high-phosphorus foods.

Good to know

1. Salt substitutes are usually potassium chloride and can be dangerous in kidney disease.
2. Painkillers such as ibuprofen, and some herbal and traditional remedies, can damage the kidneys.
3. Diet rules are different for people on dialysis.
4. See High Blood Pressure and Type 2 Diabetes.

When to see a doctor

1. Have your kidneys checked yearly if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, a family history of kidney disease, or are over 60.
2. Swollen ankles or face, foamy or bloody urine, passing much less urine, ongoing itching, tiredness or nausea.
3. You are about to start a supplement or herbal remedy and have kidney disease.

This page is general information, not medical advice. If you have a medical condition or take medicines, check changes to your diet with your doctor or a registered dietitian.

NHS — Kidney disease, used for the main facts: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/kidney-disease/