Eating Well with Kidney Disease
The essentials of a kidney-friendly diet — managing salt, potassium, phosphorus and protein.
Last updated: 2026-09-24
What you eat supports your medical treatment. The right diet depends on your stage and whether you are on dialysis, and is best worked out with a renal dietitian.
The four things to manage
- Salt — raises blood pressure and fluid
- Potassium — can build up when kidneys fail
- Phosphorus — harms bones and blood vessels when high
- Protein — needs to be balanced, not simply cut
No one-size-fits-all
Make changes based on your own stage and lab values, under professional guidance — not from a general list.
Frequently asked questions
Which fruits are safer?
Lower-potassium fruits like apple, pineapple and grapes are often safer, but it depends on your blood potassium.
Should I stop eating protein?
Not on your own. Protein needs vary by stage and rise on dialysis.