Making healthy food choices is important to us all, but it is even more important if you have chronic kidney disease (CKD). Why? Good nutrition gives you energy to:
• Do your daily tasks
• Prevent infection
• Build muscle
• Help maintain a healthy weight
• Keep your kidney disease from getting worse
Studies on the DASH have demonstrated that the DASH diet helps decrease blood pressure, lowers the risk for heart disease, stroke and cancer, and reduces the risk of kidney stone formation.
Today’s leading health organizations are heartily endorsing the DASH Diet for the informed health-conscious diner. The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) Diet has been recommended by the National Kidney Foundation and approved by The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, The American Heart Association, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, and also forms the basis for the USDA MyPyramid.
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.
6-8
servings- 1 Slice Bread
- 1 oz dry cereal
- ½ cup cooked rice, pasta, or cereal
4-5
servings- 1 cup raw leafy vegetable
- ½ cup cut-up raw or cooked vegetable
- ½ cup vegetable juice
4-5
servings- 1 medium fruit
- ¼ cup dried fruit
- ½ cup fresh, frozen, or canned fruit
- ½ cup fruit juice
4-5
per week- 1/3 cup or 1 ½ oz nuts
- 2 Tbsp peanut butter
- 2 Tbsp or ½ oz seeds
- ½ cup cooked legumes (dry beans and peas)
2-3
servings- 1 oz milk or yogurt
- 1 ½ oz cheese
6
or less- 1 oz cooked meats, poultry, or fish
- 1 egg
2-3
servings- 1 tsp soft margarine
- 1 tsp vegetable oil
- 1 Tbsp mayonnaise
- 2 Tbsp salad dressing
5
or less per week- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp jelly or jam
- ½ cup sorbet, gelatin
- 1 cup lemonade