Ask A Dietitian: Kidney-Friendly Eating
If you have chronic kidney disease, are on dialysis or living with a kidney transplant, healthy eating for your kidneys can be difficult or even confusing — should you eat low carb? High protein? High fat?
A registered dietitian (RD) or registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) is an important member of your health care team who can help you create and follow a kidney-friendly food and fluid plan. RDs are nutrition and food experts with specific education and credentials (or training). Some RDs may also have further kidney disease certification (or training) and be able to provide care specifically for people with chronic kidney disease.
Find a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics allows you to search for a qualified registered dietitian nutritionist in your area. Use their Find a Nutrition Expert tool below to find a dietitian who is right for you.
Other ways you can find a dietitian:
- Ask your primary care provider for a referral
- Call a dialysis center near you and ask for a registered dietitian
Working with a Dietitian
Learn more about getting ready for your first dietitian visit and what to expect.
Commonly Asked Questions
We have collected questions from people living with kidney disease and their caregivers. Our team of registered dietitian nutritionists answered and shared their responses. Browse our list of commonly asked kidney-friendly eating questions.
- All
- Cooking Hacks
- Dairy
- Eating Out
- Fluid
- Getting started
- Grains and starches
- Labs
- Phosphorus
- Plant-based
- Potassium
- Protein
- Question
- Resources and Guides
- Substitutes
- Sugar
- Tracking
- Vegetables
I only drink 16 oz or less fluid daily and yet I am up every 30 to 60 minutes at night to urinate. I never drink any fluid after 7 p.m. I’ve asked my nephrologist about this and he just shrugs his shoulders. I am exhausted all the time from lack of sleep. Any suggestions?
My nephrologist has told me to maintain potassium-restricted and sodium-free diets, but they conflict somewhat. Which diet should take precedence, and do you know of any good resources for either or both?
How do you eat a healthy diet without raising your blood potassium? Are grains and nuts great to eat with kidney disease?
Is there anything I can eat with “reckless abandon” and not worry about what’s in it?
What are some quick healthy snacks for a person on dialysis who has diabetes and high blood pressure? How many meals should they eat daily?
How can wine fit into a kidney diet?
Where can I get info on what to eat or not eat with CKD?
I had right kidney removed renal cell carcinoma clear cell stage: pT3a, NX what should my limits be on protein, and other foods? I follow a cardiac diet but, I’ve been reading on your site foods that should be limited and I had surgery June of 2019 and haven’t really followed so just making sure going forward to take the right steps.
What meal plan is recommended for stage 3 kidney disease?
Disclaimer
Kidney Kitchen is not designed to diagnose disease or prescribe an eating plan for your stage of kidney disease. The information shared on Kidney Kitchen is developed by experts in renal nutrition and is provided for informational purposes only. The American Kidney Fund, its staff, agents and Trustees are not able to provide medical advice. Please consult with a medical professional or registered dietitian for specific questions you may have about your diet. Learn more
Learn more about healthy eating for your
specific stage of kidney disease
Ask a Dietitian is an important part of the Beyond Bananas™ educational campaign. Beyond Bananas™ resources help you work with your dietitian or health provider to make the best food choices based on your potassium levels, as well as manage key nutrients long term through diet and medication.
