Kidney-Friendly Recipes (2025)

Table of Contents

Find a recipe that's right for you Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad Apple Spice Cake Roasted Asparagus and Wild Mushroom Stew Baked Salmon with Roasted Asparagus on Cracked Wheat Bun Balsamic Marinated Mushrooms BBQ Pineapple Chicken Very Berry Tofu Smoothie Birthday Popcorn Bow-Tie Pasta Salad Chicken and Zucchini Quiche Chicken Noodle Soup Chinese Almond Cookies Chipotle Shrimp Tacos Coleslaw Cobb Salad Cranberry Ginger Apricot Chutney Cranberry Ginger Chicken Cranberry–Raspberry Gelatin Salad Crunchy Apple Fennel Salad Cucumbers with Horseradish Dill Dip Easy Crock Pot Pulled Pork Flour Tortilla Chips Fruit Crisp Garden Salad Gelatin Beet Salad Glazed Carrots Granola Bars Green Bean Bundles Green Beans and Mushroom Gravy Grilled Marinated Beef Steak Grilled Sesame Chicken Grilled Low-Salt Flat Bread Healthy Chicken Nuggets Grilled Vegetables Italian Phyllo Cups Italian Basil Chicken Sliders Lemon Curry Chicken Salad Lemon Thyme Starkist Tuna Pasta Salad Maple-Balsamic Chicken Love Your Kidneys, Breakfast Cereal Mexican Antojitos Mexican Style Stuffed Peppers Chicken Pad Thai Moroccan Couscous Pasta Salad Pancakes Peanut Butter Oatmeal FAQs

Nutrition is key to managing kidney disease and your overall health.

Find a recipe that's right for you

diabetes, CKD Stage 1, 2, CKD Stage 3, 4, dialysis & CKD Stage 5, transplant, halal, kosher, low-calorie, low-carb, low-cholesterol, low-fat, low-phosphorus, low-potassium, low-protein, low-sodium, vegetarian, dinner, easy, lunch, main course, salad, side dish, snack

Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad

diabetes, CKD Stage 1, 2, CKD Stage 3, 4, dialysis & CKD Stage 5, transplant, halal, kosher, low-calorie, low-carb, low-cholesterol, low-fat, low-phosphorus, low-potassium, low-protein, low-sodium, nut-free, vegetarian, brunch, dessert, dinner, lunch, side dish

Apple Spice Cake

diabetes, CKD Stage 1, 2, CKD Stage 3, 4, dialysis & CKD Stage 5, transplant, dairy-free, gluten-free, kosher, low-calorie, low-carb, low-cholesterol, low-fat, low-phosphorus, low-potassium, low-protein, low-sodium, vegan, vegetarian, dinner, lunch, main course, side dish, soup

Roasted Asparagus and Wild Mushroom Stew

diabetes, CKD Stage 1, 2, transplant, halal, high-protein, low-calorie, low-carb, low-fat, low-sodium, nut-free, dinner, easy, lunch, main course

Baked Salmon with Roasted Asparagus on Cracked Wheat Bun

diabetes, CKD Stage 1, 2, CKD Stage 3, 4, dialysis & CKD Stage 5, transplant, dairy-free, gluten-free, halal, kosher, low-calorie, low-carb, low-cholesterol, low-fat, low-phosphorus, low-potassium, low-protein, low-sodium, nut-free, vegan, vegetarian, appetizer, dinner, lunch, side dish, snack

Balsamic Marinated Mushrooms

diabetes, CKD Stage 1, 2, CKD Stage 3, 4, dialysis & CKD Stage 5, transplant, dairy-free, halal, kosher, low-calorie, low-carb, low-cholesterol, low-fat, low-phosphorus, low-potassium, low-protein, low-sodium, nut-free, appetizer, dinner, lunch, main course, snack

BBQ Pineapple Chicken

diabetes, CKD Stage 1, 2, transplant, dairy-free, gluten-free, high-fiber, kosher, low-calorie, low-cholesterol, low-fat, low-phosphorus, low-protein, low-sodium, nut-free, vegetarian, drink, snack

Very Berry Tofu Smoothie

diabetes, CKD Stage 1, 2, CKD Stage 3, 4, dialysis & CKD Stage 5, transplant, low-calorie, low-carb, low-cholesterol, low-fat, low-phosphorus, low-potassium, low-protein, low-sodium, nut-free, dessert, dinner, easy, lunch, side dish, snack

Birthday Popcorn

diabetes, CKD Stage 1, 2, CKD Stage 3, 4, dialysis & CKD Stage 5, transplant, halal, kosher, low-calorie, low-carb, low-cholesterol, low-fat, low-phosphorus, low-potassium, low-protein, low-sodium, nut-free, vegetarian, dinner, easy, lunch, main course, salad, side dish, snack

Bow-Tie Pasta Salad

diabetes, CKD Stage 1, 2, CKD Stage 3, 4, dialysis & CKD Stage 5, transplant, halal, low-calorie, low-carb, low-fat, low-phosphorus, low-potassium, low-protein, nut-free, breakfast, brunch, lunch, main course

Chicken and Zucchini Quiche

diabetes, CKD Stage 1, 2, CKD Stage 3, 4, dialysis & CKD Stage 5, transplant, halal, low-calorie, low-cholesterol, low-fat, low-phosphorus, low-potassium, low-protein, low-sodium, nut-free, dinner, lunch, side dish, soup

Chicken Noodle Soup

diabetes, CKD Stage 1, 2, CKD Stage 3, 4, dialysis & CKD Stage 5, transplant, kosher, low-calorie, low-carb, low-cholesterol, low-fat, low-phosphorus, low-potassium, low-protein, low-sodium, vegetarian, dessert, snack

Chinese Almond Cookies

diabetes, CKD Stage 1, 2, CKD Stage 3, 4, dialysis & CKD Stage 5, transplant, dairy-free, gluten-free, low-calorie, low-carb, low-fat, low-phosphorus, low-potassium, low-protein, low-sodium, appetizer, dinner, lunch, main course, snack

Chipotle Shrimp Tacos

diabetes, CKD Stage 1, 2, CKD Stage 3, 4, dialysis & CKD Stage 5, transplant, gluten-free, halal, kosher, low-calorie, low-carb, low-cholesterol, low-fat, low-phosphorus, low-potassium, low-protein, low-sodium, nut-free, vegetarian, dinner, dressing, easy, lunch, salad, side dish, snack

Coleslaw

diabetes, CKD Stage 1, 2, CKD Stage 3, 4, dialysis & CKD Stage 5, transplant, gluten-free, halal, low-calorie, low-carb, low-fat, low-phosphorus, low-potassium, low-protein, low-sodium, dinner, lunch, main course, salad, side dish

Cobb Salad

diabetes, CKD Stage 1, 2, CKD Stage 3, 4, dialysis & CKD Stage 5, transplant, dairy-free, gluten-free, halal, kosher, low-calorie, low-carb, low-cholesterol, low-fat, low-phosphorus, low-potassium, low-protein, low-sodium, nut-free, vegan, vegetarian, breakfast, dinner, dressing, easy, lunch, snack

Cranberry Ginger Apricot Chutney

diabetes, CKD Stage 1, 2, dialysis & CKD Stage 5, transplant, gluten-free, high-protein, low-calorie, low-carb, low-fat, low-phosphorus, low-potassium, low-sodium, nut-free, dinner, lunch, main course

Cranberry Ginger Chicken

diabetes, CKD Stage 1, 2, CKD Stage 3, 4, dialysis & CKD Stage 5, transplant, dairy-free, gluten-free, low-calorie, low-carb, low-cholesterol, low-fat, low-phosphorus, low-potassium, low-protein, low-sodium, nut-free, vegetarian, dessert, dinner, lunch, salad, side dish, snack

Cranberry–Raspberry Gelatin Salad

diabetes, CKD Stage 1, 2, CKD Stage 3, 4, transplant, dairy-free, gluten-free, halal, high-fiber, kosher, low-calorie, low-carb, low-cholesterol, low-fat, low-phosphorus, low-potassium, low-protein, low-sodium, nut-free, vegan, vegetarian, dinner, lunch, salad, side dish

Crunchy Apple Fennel Salad

diabetes, CKD Stage 1, 2, CKD Stage 3, 4, transplant, dairy-free, gluten-free, kosher, low-calorie, low-carb, low-cholesterol, low-fat, low-phosphorus, low-protein, low-sodium, nut-free, vegetarian, appetizer, dressing, easy, lunch, side dish, snack

Cucumbers with Horseradish Dill Dip

diabetes, CKD Stage 1, 2, CKD Stage 3, 4, dialysis & CKD Stage 5, transplant, gluten-free, halal, kosher, low-calorie, low-carb, low-cholesterol, low-fat, low-phosphorus, low-potassium, low-protein, low-sodium, nut-free, vegetarian, dinner, lunch, salad, side dish

diabetes, CKD Stage 1, 2, transplant, high-protein, low-calorie, low-carb, low-cholesterol, low-fat, dinner, easy, main course

Easy Crock Pot Pulled Pork

diabetes, CKD Stage 1, 2, CKD Stage 3, 4, dialysis & CKD Stage 5, transplant, dairy-free, halal, kosher, low-calorie, low-carb, low-cholesterol, low-fat, low-phosphorus, low-potassium, low-protein, low-sodium, nut-free, vegan, vegetarian, easy, lunch, snack

Flour Tortilla Chips

CKD Stage 1, 2, CKD Stage 3, 4, transplant, halal, high-fiber, kosher, low-fat, low-phosphorus, low-potassium, low-protein, low-sodium, nut-free, vegetarian, breakfast, brunch, dessert, lunch, side dish, snack

Fruit Crisp

diabetes, CKD Stage 1, 2, CKD Stage 3, 4, dialysis & CKD Stage 5, transplant, dairy-free, gluten-free, halal, kosher, low-calorie, low-carb, low-cholesterol, low-fat, low-phosphorus, low-protein, low-sodium, nut-free, vegan, vegetarian, brunch, dinner, lunch, salad, side dish

Garden Salad

diabetes, CKD Stage 1, 2, CKD Stage 3, 4, dialysis & CKD Stage 5, transplant, dairy-free, halal, high-fiber, kosher, low-calorie, low-carb, low-cholesterol, low-fat, low-phosphorus, low-potassium, low-protein, low-sodium, nut-free, vegan, vegetarian, easy, snack

diabetes, CKD Stage 1, 2, CKD Stage 3, 4, dialysis & CKD Stage 5, transplant, low-calorie, low-cholesterol, low-fat, low-phosphorus, low-potassium, low-protein, low-sodium, dinner, lunch, salad, side dish

Gelatin Beet Salad

diabetes, CKD Stage 1, 2, CKD Stage 3, 4, transplant, gluten-free, halal, high-fiber, kosher, low-calorie, low-carb, low-cholesterol, low-fat, low-phosphorus, low-protein, low-sodium, nut-free, vegetarian, dinner, easy, lunch, side dish

Glazed Carrots

diabetes, CKD Stage 1, 2, CKD Stage 3, 4, dialysis & CKD Stage 5, transplant, kosher, low-calorie, low-carb, low-cholesterol, low-fat, low-phosphorus, low-potassium, low-protein, low-sodium, vegetarian, easy, snack

Granola Bars

diabetes, CKD Stage 1, 2, CKD Stage 3, 4, transplant, gluten-free, halal, kosher, low-calorie, low-carb, low-fat, low-protein, low-sodium, nut-free, dinner, easy, lunch, side dish

Green Bean Bundles

diabetes, CKD Stage 1, 2, CKD Stage 3, 4, transplant, halal, high-fiber, kosher, low-calorie, low-carb, low-cholesterol, low-fat, low-phosphorus, low-protein, low-sodium, vegetarian, dinner, dressing, lunch, side dish

Green Beans and Mushroom Gravy

diabetes, CKD Stage 1, 2, dialysis & CKD Stage 5, transplant, dairy-free, high-protein, kosher, low-calorie, low-carb, low-phosphorus, low-potassium, low-sodium, nut-free, dinner, main course

Grilled Marinated Beef Steak

diabetes, CKD Stage 1, 2, dialysis & CKD Stage 5, transplant, dairy-free, gluten-free, high-protein, kosher, low-calorie, low-carb, low-cholesterol, low-fat, low-potassium, low-sodium, dinner, lunch, main course

Grilled Sesame Chicken

CKD Stage 1, 2, CKD Stage 3, 4, dialysis & CKD Stage 5, transplant, dairy-free, halal, kosher, low-cholesterol, low-fat, low-phosphorus, low-potassium, low-protein, low-sodium, nut-free, vegan, vegetarian, appetizer, breakfast, dinner, lunch, side dish, snack

Grilled Low-Salt Flat Bread

diabetes, CKD Stage 1, 2, CKD Stage 3, 4, dialysis & CKD Stage 5, transplant, halal, low-calorie, low-carb, low-cholesterol, low-fat, low-phosphorus, low-potassium, low-protein, low-sodium, appetizer, dinner, lunch, main course, side dish, snack

Healthy Chicken Nuggets

diabetes, CKD Stage 1, 2, CKD Stage 3, 4, transplant, dairy-free, gluten-free, halal, high-fiber, kosher, low-calorie, low-cholesterol, low-fat, low-phosphorus, low-protein, low-sodium, nut-free, vegan, vegetarian, dinner, lunch, side dish

Grilled Vegetables

diabetes, CKD Stage 1, 2, CKD Stage 3, 4, dialysis & CKD Stage 5, transplant, dairy-free, halal, kosher, low-calorie, low-carb, low-cholesterol, low-fat, low-phosphorus, low-potassium, low-protein, low-sodium, vegan, vegetarian, appetizer, dinner, lunch, side dish, snack

Italian Phyllo Cups

diabetes, CKD Stage 1, 2, dialysis & CKD Stage 5, transplant, dairy-free, halal, high-protein, low-calorie, low-carb, low-cholesterol, low-fat, low-phosphorus, low-sodium, nut-free, dinner, lunch, main course

Italian Basil Chicken Sliders

diabetes, CKD Stage 1, 2, dialysis & CKD Stage 5, transplant, dairy-free, gluten-free, halal, high-protein, kosher, low-calorie, low-carb, low-cholesterol, low-fat, low-phosphorus, low-potassium, low-sodium, dinner, lunch, main course, salad

Lemon Curry Chicken Salad

diabetes, CKD Stage 1, 2, dialysis & CKD Stage 5, transplant, dairy-free, halal, kosher, low-calorie, low-cholesterol, low-fat, low-phosphorus, low-potassium, low-sodium, nut-free, dinner, lunch, main course, salad

Lemon Thyme Starkist Tuna Pasta Salad

diabetes, CKD Stage 1, 2, dialysis & CKD Stage 5, transplant, dairy-free, halal, high-protein, kosher, low-calorie, low-carb, low-cholesterol, low-fat, low-potassium, low-sodium, dinner, lunch, main course

Maple-Balsamic Chicken

diabetes, CKD Stage 1, 2, CKD Stage 3, 4, dialysis & CKD Stage 5, transplant, halal, high-fiber, kosher, low-calorie, low-cholesterol, low-fat, low-phosphorus, low-potassium, low-protein, low-sodium, vegan, vegetarian, breakfast, brunch, main course

Love Your Kidneys, Breakfast Cereal

diabetes, CKD Stage 1, 2, CKD Stage 3, 4, dialysis & CKD Stage 5, transplant, halal, kosher, low-phosphorus, low-potassium, low-protein, nut-free, vegetarian, dinner, lunch, side dish, snack

Mexican Antojitos

diabetes, CKD Stage 1, 2, dialysis & CKD Stage 5, transplant, gluten-free, halal, high-protein, low-calorie, low-carb, low-cholesterol, low-fat, low-sodium, nut-free, dinner, easy, lunch, main course, side dish

Mexican Style Stuffed Peppers

diabetes, CKD Stage 1, 2, CKD Stage 3, 4, dialysis & CKD Stage 5, transplant, gluten-free, halal, low-calorie, low-carb, low-cholesterol, low-fat, low-phosphorus, low-potassium, low-protein, low-sodium, dinner, lunch, main course

Chicken Pad Thai

diabetes, CKD Stage 1, 2, CKD Stage 3, 4, dialysis & CKD Stage 5, transplant, halal, kosher, low-calorie, low-carb, low-cholesterol, low-fat, low-phosphorus, low-potassium, low-protein, low-sodium, nut-free, vegan, vegetarian, dinner, lunch, side dish

Moroccan Couscous

diabetes, CKD Stage 1, 2, CKD Stage 3, 4, dialysis & CKD Stage 5, transplant, dairy-free, halal, kosher, low-calorie, low-carb, low-cholesterol, low-fat, low-phosphorus, low-potassium, low-protein, low-sodium, nut-free, vegan, vegetarian, dinner, easy, lunch, main course, salad, side dish

Pasta Salad

diabetes, CKD Stage 1, 2, CKD Stage 3, 4, dialysis & CKD Stage 5, transplant, halal, kosher, low-calorie, low-carb, low-cholesterol, low-fat, low-phosphorus, low-potassium, low-protein, low-sodium, nut-free, vegetarian, breakfast, brunch, main course

Pancakes

diabetes, CKD Stage 1, 2, CKD Stage 3, 4, dialysis & CKD Stage 5, transplant, dairy-free, halal, high-fiber, kosher, low-calorie, low-carb, low-cholesterol, low-phosphorus, low-potassium, low-protein, low-sodium, vegetarian, breakfast, brunch, main course

Peanut Butter Oatmeal

CKD Stage 1, 2, CKD Stage 3, 4, dialysis & CKD Stage 5, transplant, dairy-free, kosher, low-cholesterol, low-fat, low-phosphorus, low-potassium, low-protein, low-sodium, vegan, vegetarian, dessert, snack

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FAQs

What can I eat for dinner with kidney disease? ›

7 Warm Kidney Diet Dinners for Cold Winter Nights

Apple Pork Chops with Stuffing.
Beef and Barley Stew.
Roasted Rosemary Chicken and Vegetables.
Slow Cooker Chicken with Green Beans and Carrots.
Southern Style Stuffed Peppers.
Turkey and Beef Chili.
Veggie Strata.

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What is the easiest food for the kidneys? ›

A DaVita Dietitian's Top 15 Healthy Foods for People with Kidney...

Blueberries. ...
Raspberries. ...
Strawberries. ...
Cherries. ...
Red grapes. ...
Egg whites. ...
Fish. 3 ounces wild salmon = 50 mg sodium, 368 mg potassium, 274 mg phosphorus. ...
Olive oil. 1 tablespoon olive oil = less than 1 mg sodium, less than 1 mg potassium, 0 mg phosphorus.

More items...

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What is a good meal plan for kidney disease? ›

The DASH Diet is rich in fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy products, whole grains, fish, poultry, beans, seeds, and nuts. It is low in salt and sodium, added sugars and sweets, fat and red meats.

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What foods are good for kidney disease? ›

Fruits: berries, grapes, cherries, apples, plums. Veggies: cauliflower, onions, eggplant, turnips. Proteins: lean meats (poultry, fish), eggs, unsalted seafood. Carbs: white bread, bagels, sandwich buns, unsalted crackers, pasta.

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Is Pasta OK for renal diet? ›

If your blood levels of potassium and phosphate are well controlled, you may be able to indulge in higher potassium and phosphate foods as a treat. Fill up on low potassium foods such as pasta, rice, noodles, pizza dough or bread. You can then include some high potassium foods e.g. mushroom/ tomatoes if required.

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What are 5 foods to avoid for kidney disease? ›

A dietitian may ask that individuals following a renal diet avoid the following foods:

Canned foods. Sodium, a main ingredient of salt, is a natural mineral often found in canned foods in high quantities. ...
Whole wheat bread. ...
Dark-colored drinks. ...
Avocados. ...
Bananas. ...
Oranges and orange juice. ...
Dried fruits. ...
Tomatoes.

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Feb 28, 2024

Tell Me More ›

What heals kidneys fast? ›

Following are some natural remedies that can help you take care of your kidneys.

Stay hydrated. The most common reason for the formation of kidney problems is lack of water. ...
Stay hydrated. ...
Vitamin C. ...
Apples. ...
Apples. ...
Kidney beans. ...
Lemon juice and honey. ...
Watch blood pressure.

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Dec 13, 2021

Learn More Now ›

What foods reverse kidney damage? ›

Here are 20 foods that may improve kidney health or prevent it from worsening:

Cauliflower. Cauliflower provides many nutrients, including vitamin K, folate, and fiber. ...
Blueberries. ...
Sea bass. ...
Red grapes. ...
Egg whites. ...
Garlic. ...
Buckwheat. ...
Olive oil.

More items...

Dec 13, 2023

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What foods are hard on the kidneys? ›

1. Salt

Canned soups.
Processed meats like lunch meats, hot dogs, sausages.
Frozen pizza.
Frozen dinners.
Snack foods like chips, crackers, pretzels.
Condiments like ketchup, BBQ sauce, soy sauce.
Salad dressing.
Pickled foods like pickles, olives, beets.

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What is a good breakfast for kidney patients? ›

Whole foods that aren't overly processed are generally a good idea for your kidney-friendly breakfast.

Whole grain cereal, bagel, bread, or English muffin.
Oatmeal.
Fresh fruit such as a bowl of cut strawberries, grapes or pineapple.
Plant-based choices like almond milk, peanut butter, and chia seeds.
Eggs.

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What is the best thing to drink for your kidneys? ›

Whilst all fluid counts towards your fluid intake, water is one of the healthiest choices when it comes to maintaining kidney health. Sip water little and often. Women should aim to drink eight 200ml glasses of fluid a day. Men should aim to drink ten 200ml glasses of fluid a day.

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What foods cleanse the kidneys? ›

A person can try adding these kidney-friendly foods to their diet:

pomegranate.
avocado.
tofu.
fish.
broccoli.
squash.
leafy greens.
tomatoes.

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What can I eat for lunch with kidney disease? ›

Ingredients to keep on hand for a quick lunch include pre-cooked chicken or turkey, frozen shrimp, ground beef, pitas and flour tortillas, celery, onion, lettuce and mayonnaise. Look for pre-chopped onion and celery, or chop veggies ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until needed.

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What not to drink if you have kidney problems? ›

What drinks should people with kidney disease avoid?

Cola beverages: Studies show that drinking two or more cola drinks a day may be harmful for people with kidney disease. ...
Alcohol: Drinking alcohol makes your kidneys less able to filter your blood and increases blood pressure, which can lead to kidney damage.

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Which exercise is best for the kidneys? ›

Type of Exercise

Choose continuous activity such as walking, swimming, bicycling (indoors or out), skiing, aerobic dancing or any other activities in which you need to move large muscle groups continuously. Low-level strengthening exercises may also be beneficial as part of your program.

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Can I eat a hamburger with kidney disease? ›

At restaurants, good choices for lunch and dinner for the dialysis diet include grilled, broiled or baked steak, burgers, chicken, pork chops, fish and seafood. It is recommended that meat, fish and poultry are limited to one 3- to 4-ounce serving per meal or the amount indicated on your individual meal plan.

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What meat can you eat with kidney problems? ›

Protein choices

Skinless chicken or turkey.
Fish or seafood.
Lean beef like sirloin or tenderloin.
Eggs.
Tofu and beans, like kidney beans or lentils. Note that these are higher in potassium and phosphorus, so you may need to limit the portion size.

May 6, 2022

Keep Reading ›

What is a good low potassium dinner? ›

Healthy, Low Potassium Meals for Hyperkalemia

Crab cakes.
Homemade pan sausage.
Stuffed green peppers.
Jalapeño pepper chicken.
Angel hair pasta.
Apple-stuffed pork chops.
Foods to limit.

Learn More ›