Program Details
A kidney is one of the most imp organs without which a person cannot survive. It plays a major role in regulating the body’s electro lies in body waste. Failure which could lead to toxicity, derangement of electrolytes, and all the disorders following the diet to be followed by kidney patients is very critical and needs to keep in mind the resources and content of major components like proteins too and other micro components like Na, K, water intake, etc.
Your body absorbs essential nutrients for producing fuel every time you eat and drink. What is not needed is passed to your kidneys through blood. All excess nutrients are filtered out by the kidneys which make urine. Some of the nutrients can build up and damage your kidneys if you suffer from kidney disease. A carefully curated renal diet can protect your kidneys from damage.
Managing renal disease requires a specialized, carefully balanced diet to support kidney function, reduce symptoms, and slow disease progression. Dietician Geetanjali Ahuja Mengi offers expert, personalized renal diet plans crafted specifically for those with kidney conditions.
With over 19 years of experience and success with 75,000+ clients globally, she understands that each individual’s health needs differ and tailors diet strategies accordingly.
The plan takes a holistic approach, integrating lifestyle guidance, fluid balance, and individualized meal timing to help patients feel better, maintain energy, and protect remaining kidney function.
Food Plan You Should Follow If You Have Kidney Ailments
It’s important for those with kidney ailments to control the intake of the three important nutrients—sodium, potassium, and phosphorus. The registered dietitian or the healthcare provider at your dialysis center shall be able to advise you on your individual diet needs. We share some useful tips with you.
Things to Know About Sodium and Salt When Following a Renal Diet
Common salt contains the mineral sodium which is used widely to prepare food for adding taste. It makes salt the seasoning used most commonly. If you are to control your kidney disease, you’ll have to reduce your salt consumption. We realize that it’s easier said than done, but with time, you’ll have to get used to it. Do consider these suggestions-
- Avoid using salt when cooking
- Avoid adding salt to food while eating
- Learn to read food labels and stop buying foods containing more than 300mg sodium in each serving and also avoid those foods containing salt in the first four or five items that appear on the list of ingredients
- Avoid eating ham, sausage, lunch meats, bacon, chicken tenders, or nuggets. Also, avoid regular canned soups and opt only for soups with reduced sodium content with no potassium chloride. Take the soup only in moderate quantities
- When buying canned vegetables, look for the “no salt added” declaration on the label
- Stay away from flavored salts like garlic salt, seasoned salt, or onion salt. Avoid using kosher or sea salt as well
- For usual favorites like peanut butter or box mixes, try only the lower salt or no salt added options
- Avoid buying refrigerated or frozen meats packaged in solutions or those that are flavored or pre-seasoned
Things to Know About Potassium When Following a Renal Diet
Potassium in your food decides how your muscles work. If your kidneys fail to work properly, it causes potassium build-up in your blood. This can disrupt your heartbeats and even cause a heart attack. Milk and meats and many fruits and vegetables mainly contain potassium. While controlling the consumption of certain fruits and vegetables, you’ll have to altogether stop the consumption some. Here are potassium-rich foods to avoid-
- Cantaloupe and honeydew and other melons. Watermelons are however harmless
- Bananas
- Orange juice and whole oranges
- Avocado
- Prune juice
- Tomato juice, tomato soup, tomato sauce, and whole tomatoes
- All kinds of dried beans
- Winter squash and pumpkin
- Swiss chard, spinach, collards, cooked greens, and kale
- Brussels and broccoli sprouts
- Nut kinds of butter and whole nuts
AVOID
- Granola and bran cereals
- “Lite” salt or substitutes for salt
- Molasses
Canned Fruits
It’s okay to have canned fruits once in a while as they contain less potassium than fresh fruits. Before eating the fruit, do pour the juice out.
Potatoes and Sweet Potatoes
You can consume moderate quantities of both after some special handling. Soak their pieces in a large amount of water for many hours after you have peeled and cut them into small slices or cubes.
Pour out the soaking water when you are ready to cook them. Also, make it a point to add lots of water to the pan you’re cooking in. Before preparing the slices or cubes to eat, drain out the water.
Things to Know About Phosphorus When Following a Renal Diet
When your kidneys aren’t functioning properly, your blood can see phosphorus build-up as well. This causes calcium to be taken away from your bones and they collect in your blood vessels or skin. It can cause diseases in your bones and cause them to break as they turn weak due to calcium deficiency.
How to limit phosphorus in your diet
You should limit your milk consumption to just 1 cup a day as dairy foods are the main source of phosphorus. Limit your yogurt consumption to just a single container and cheese consumption to 1.5 ounces a day. Limit these vegetables to one cup a day as they contain phosphorus-
- Mushrooms
- Dried beans
- Greens
- Broccoli
- Brussels sprouts
Also, limit the intake of certain cereals to just one serving per week. These cereals are-
- Granola
- Wheat cereals
- Bran
- Oatmeal
We recommend white or Italian bread and low-salt crackers made of white flour as they contain less phosphorus than the bread of whole grains and regular crackers. Also, avoid beer and soft drinks.
Package
This WEIGHT LOSS Program is Clubbed with Maintenance Package
70,90,120,180 Days
Offers
Never Miss a Meal or Hydration – Smart food and water reminders sent directly to your whatsapp which ensure your progress stays on track at all times.
All-in-One Lifestyle Toolkit – Get exclusive access to a lifestyle journal and a premium diet essentials bag, setting you up for seamless healthy living.
24/7 Dietician Access on WhatsApp – Enjoy unlimited, immediate guidance from expert dieticians, no matter when or where support is needed.
Personalized Activity Plans – Receive customized recommendations for physical activities, keeping you motivated and energized every day.
Specialized Diets for Every Lifestyle – From Fast Diets to Party, Travel, Regional, and Festival Diets, our solutions cater to your unique needs, tastes, and schedules.
Consistent Progress Monitoring – Benefit from regular, one-on-one check-ins every 10 days with a dedicated dietician to celebrate your wins and fine-tune your plan.
Access to Exclusive Community – Join a vibrant social media forum packed with expert videos, blogs, and daily healthy living tips to inspire your journey.
Live Diet Tracking by Professionals – Stay accountable and focused with real-time tracking by skilled junior dieticians.
Dynamic Recipe Library – Explore an ever-growing collection of delicious, diet-friendly recipes through online and offline videos, from timeless classics to the latest culinary trends.
Meal Photo Check- Dietician reviews meal photo for personalized feedback and improvement.
FAQs
1. What is a renal diet?
A renal diet is a special eating plan to support kidney function and reduce stress on damaged kidneys.
2. Why is diet important in kidney disease?
Diet helps control blood pressure, minimize waste in the blood, and support overall kidney health.
3. Who needs a renal diet?
Anyone diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD) or other renal conditions may benefit from a renal diet
4. What nutrients are restricted in a renal diet?
Restriction usually involves sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and sometimes protein and fluids.
5. Can a renal diet slow kidney disease progression?
A proper diet can help manage symptoms and slow kidney damage.
6. What foods should be avoided for kidney health?
Limit high-salt, high-potassium, high-phosphorus foods, processed items, and excessive protein.
7. Are fruits and vegetables allowed on a renal diet?
Some fruits and vegetables are allowed in moderation, but high-potassium options should be limited.
8. Can I eat dairy products on a renal diet?
Dairy is often restricted due to high phosphorus and potassium content.
9. How much fluid should people with kidney disease drink?
Fluid intake may need to be limited depending on the stage of kidney disease and symptoms.
10. Is protein restricted in kidney disease?
Protein may be limited to reduce kidney workload, but needs vary by individual.
11. What are safe protein sources for renal patients?
Egg whites, lean meats, and some plant-based proteins in moderation are typically recommended.
12. How is sodium managed on a renal diet?
Sodium intake is reduced to help control blood pressure and prevent fluid retention.
13. What are the common signs that my diet is not suitable?
Swelling, high blood pressure, and worsening lab values may indicate dietary issues.
14. Can a renal diet be customized for diabetes or heart disease?
Yes, individualized plans can be created for patients with multiple health conditions.
15. Are there any foods that support kidney health?
Berries, cauliflower, cabbage, and apples are kidney-friendly choices.
16. Do I have to count calories on a renal diet?
Calorie needs depend on age, activity, and health status, and may be monitored to maintain healthy weight.
17. How often should I meet a dietician for kidney disease management?
Regular follow-ups are recommended to personalize and adjust the diet plan.
18. What is the role of a clinical dietician in managing renal disease?
A dietician assesses nutritional needs, plans customized diets, and provides ongoing support.
19. Are herbal remedies safe for kidney disease?
Many are not, as they may contain harmful substances that stress the kidneys.
20. Will a renal diet affect my energy levels?
A balanced diet should provide adequate energy while managing symptoms.
21. How much potassium is allowed in a renal diet?
Potassium intake is generally restricted depending on blood test results.
22. How can I lower phosphorus in my diet?
Avoid processed foods, certain dairy, nuts, and colas which are high in phosphorus.
23. What are phosphate binders? Do I need them?
Phosphate binders are prescribed to control blood phosphorus when diet alone is not enough.
24. Can a renal diet be vegetarian or vegan?
Yes, but it requires careful planning to ensure adequate nutrition and avoid excess potassium and phosphorus.
25. Are there specific meal plans provided by Geetanjali Mengi?
Yes, customized renal diet plans are available after a detailed assessment.
26. Is weight management important for kidney patients?
Maintaining a healthy weight helps reduce complications and supports kidney function.
27. Can I eat out or travel on a renal diet?
With planning and guidance from a dietician, patients can manage their diet while eating out or traveling.
28. What snacks are safe for people with kidney disease?
Low-sodium, low-potassium snacks like unsalted popcorn, apples, and rice cakes are suitable.
29. Should I read food labels?
Yes, always check for sodium, potassium, and phosphorus content.
30. What about alcohol and kidney disease?
Alcohol intake should be discussed with a healthcare provider, as it may worsen kidney damage.
31. How do I manage nausea or loss of appetite on a renal diet?
A dietician can suggest nutrient-dense snacks and meal frequency adjustments.
32. Is exercise recommended for people with kidney disease?
Physical activity is usually encouraged but should be tailored to individual abilities.
33. Why do some kidney patients have anemia?
Damaged kidneys may not produce enough erythropoietin, leading to low red blood cell production.
34. Are vitamins or supplements needed in a renal diet?
Some patients need supplements; always consult a dietician or doctor first.
35. Can I have processed foods?
Processed foods usually have high sodium and phosphorus and should be limited.
36. How do I know the right portion size?
Portion size guidance is part of a personalized renal diet plan.
37. Will I need to see other specialists?
Yes, nephrologists and dieticians work together for comprehensive management.
38. Are all kidney diseases managed with the same diet?
No, dietary needs can differ for conditions like CKD, dialysis, and kidney stones.
39. Do I need to avoid all salt?
Sodium intake should be reduced, not completely eliminated unless advised.
40. Can children follow a renal diet?
Children with kidney issues can be prescribed age-appropriate renal diets.
41. How does a renal diet help with swelling?
Low-sodium and fluid control help reduce swelling (edema) in kidney patients.
42. What should I do if I forget my diet restrictions?
Reach out to the clinical dietician for guidance and reminders.
43. Does insurance cover dietary consultations?
Coverage depends on provider and insurance policy—ask the clinic for details.
44. How do I coordinate medications and diet?
Always inform the dietician about all medicines being taken.
45. Are online consultations available at the clinic?
Yes, online and WhatsApp-based consultations are provided.
46. Can I get recipes for the renal diet?
The clinic offers renal-friendly recipes as part of the dietary plan.
47. Will I need to monitor my blood levels at home?
Regular lab work is important for adjusting and monitoring the plan.
48. What is the first step to starting a renal diet program?
Book an appointment for a full evaluation and body composition analysis.
49. Can my family be involved in my dietary plan?
Family involvement is encouraged for support and meal planning.
50. How do I stay motivated on a renal diet?
Regular contact with a dietician and support group helps maintain motivation and progress.