How can I follow a low protein (renal) diet?

Dear Reader,  

It’s great that you’re considering a diet that better suits your needs as someone with kidney insufficiency. A renal diet can support your kidneys when they aren't able to filter waste through the body as well anymore. Additionally, making other lifestyle changes, like reducing protein intake as you’ve mentioned, can help make the most of this diet. Read on to learn more about the connection between diabetes and kidney insufficiency, what makes up a renal diet, and lifestyle changes that can support healthy kidneys! 

Does type 2 diabetes cause kidney insufficiency?   

As you’re now experiencing, type 2 diabetes and kidney insufficiency can be linked. People with type 2 diabetes have trouble producing or using insulin in their bodies. This results in high blood sugar levels, which puts pressure on the kidneys’ filtering units over time. This can lead to kidney insufficiency.  

Kidney insufficiency is defined by some degree of poor functioning of your kidneys. This means that they have trouble moving waste through the body. Kidney insufficiency is part of chronic kidney disease (CKD), which occurs in multiple stages. While this process towards chronic kidney failure can’t be reversed, it can be slowed down through lifestyle modifications.  

How does food affect kidney health?  

Some of the waste that’s filtered through the kidneys includes excess fluids and electrolytes like potassium, calcium, and sodium. Consuming a well-rounded diet that’s nutrient-rich and has healthy fats will support the kidneys’ functioning.    

Dietary habits that support kidney health include:  

• Consuming fresh fruits and vegetables
• Limiting saturated and trans fats found in processed and fast foods
• Increasing monounsaturated fats found in foods like avocados and nuts
• Limiting alcohol and drug consumption 

List adapted from The Kidney Fund 

There are many ways to consume these foods including using kidney-specific fun recipes that incorporate all the fruits, veggies, and protein you need. 

What is a renal diet? 

A renal (kidney) diet is marked by eating foods lower in certain compounds that could put greater stress on the kidneys. 

When it comes to a renal diet, the main compounds or nutrients to consider limiting include: 

• Phosphorous. This compound is found in food that’s high in protein like meat and beans and also found in processed and packaged foods like deli meat.
• Potassium. It's an essential electrolyte found in fruits like tomatoes and bananas, root vegetables like carrots and potatoes, legumes like beans, and fish like halibut and tuna.
• Sodium. This helps your body retain fluids. It’s found in high levels in processed foods.
• Protein. Protein is an essential component to build muscle. It’s found in many foods, specifically meat, dairy, and legumes.  

While these nutrients support various functions in the body, they can also put extra stress on the kidneys. In particular, reducing the amount of protein you consume can help slow kidney disease from progressing. That said, people on dialysis may consider increasing their protein intake as dialysis filters protein out more than those who aren't on dialysis.  

What are other lifestyle modifications for people living with kidney insufficiency and type 2 diabetes?  

Outside of eating habits, there are other lifestyle changes that you might consider to support your kidney function and overall health. These can include:  

• Being physically active. This can promote healthy blood sugar levels and blood pressure, lower cholesterol, and even improve mental health.
• Limiting alcohol and drug consumption. Drinking alcohol can increase blood pressure and disrupt fluid retention while smoking puts stress on blood vessels, both strain kidney function down the line.
• Managing stress and mental health. Studies show that chronic stress can lead to high blood pressure and difficulties maintaining healthy blood sugar levels.
• Seeking social support. CKD and its lifestyle changes can be a heavy weight to hold on your own. Seeking support from family, friends, and others who also suffer from CKD can help you manage this condition.  

List adapted from The Kidney Fund 

Adopting a new diet and other lifestyle changes can be hard work. Working closely with a registered dietitian or health care professional may help you more adequately manage your type 2 diabetes and better support your overall kidney function.  

To a diet that loves your kidneys back,