15 Foods To Avoid With Kidney Disease And Diabetes

People with renal disease have kidneys that are unable to filter blood properly, which can lead to other health problems like type 2 diabetes.

Early detection and treatment methods, including dietary changes, can help to slow or stop kidney disease progression.

If you have diabetes and have been diagnosed with kidney disease, learning which foods to limit, such as higher protein and high sodium foods, can help you manage these conditions.

Continue reading to learn more about the top foods to avoid with kidney disease and diabetes. 

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15 Foods to Avoid for Improved Kidney Health and Blood Sugar Control

Maintaining healthy blood sugar and blood pressure levels are two of the best ways to manage diabetes-related kidney disease. Dietary changes can help to achieve both of these goals. 

The following list outlines the top foods most people with diabetes and kidney disease should limit.

You don’t need to avoid all the foods on the list completely, but it can help to be mindful of how much and how often you consume them. 

Depending on the status of your diabetes and kidney disease, you may be given specific goals for nutrients like: 

• Sodium.
• Potassium.
• Phosphorus.
• Protein.
• Carbohydrates. 

If you’re on dialysis, you may have different nutrition goals. It’s important to work with a registered dietitian, especially one with diabetes and kidney expertise, for individualized recommendations before making dietary changes. 

1. High-Sodium Foods

Sodium is a mineral that is found naturally in many foods, including table salt.

If you have kidney disease, eating foods that are high in sodium can lead to extra fluid and sodium buildup in the body, which can increase blood pressure levels and cause further damage to the kidneys. 

If you have kidney disease and diabetes, consider avoiding or limiting high-sodium foods or ingredients in your diet. These include:

• Table salt.
• Seasoning salt.
• Cheese.
• Certain sauces (including soy sauce, barbeque sauce, steak sauce, and teriyaki sauce).
• Bottled salad dressings.
• Chips.
• Crackers.
• Salted nuts.
• Salted popcorn.
• Pickles.
• Sauerkraut.
• Lox and herring.
• Olives.
• Fast food and restaurant food.

A good rule of thumb is to look at the nutrition facts labels for products containing 5% or less of sodium per serving. 

Many products will also advertise "low” or “reduced” sodium or “no salt added” on their front label.

However, this can be relative depending on the product.

For example, low-sodium soy sauce, while lower than regular soy sauce, still has a lot of sodium.

Flavor your foods with herbs, spices, and lemon juice to reduce the need for salt. 

2. Processed Meats

Processed meats are also typically high in sodium. Limiting your consumption of processed meats is recommended to help control blood pressure levels.

Examples of processed meats include:

• Deli meats and cold cuts.
• Bacon.
• Salami.
• Sausage.
• Hot dogs and bratwursts.
• Spam.
• Corned beef and pastrami.

Instead, focus on minimally processed proteins, such as poultry, fish, and eggs, and flavor them with low-sodium seasonings. 

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3. Canned Soups and Sauces

Canned soups and sauces are convenience foods that help you get flavorful meals on the table easily and quickly.

Unfortunately, many of these foods are high in sodium and should be limited if you have kidney disease and diabetes.

When shopping for canned soups and sauces, it’s important to read the nutrition labels before purchasing.

Opting for low-sodium options when possible can help you keep these foods in your meal preparation rotation without compromising your health goals. 

Other canned foods that may contain high amounts of sodium include:  

• Vegetable juices.
• Canned vegetables.
• Chili.
• Canned tomato products.

4. High-Potassium Foods

Potassium is an important mineral found in many foods. Healthy kidneys can remove excess potassium from the blood.

However, people with kidney disease are unable to filter out excess potassium right away, which can lead to high potassium levels in the blood (also called hyperkalemia). 

Uncontrolled diabetes can also cause too much potassium to stay in the blood.

Monitoring your intake of high-potassium foods (more than 200 milligrams of potassium per serving) can help to keep your blood potassium levels lower if you have hyperkalemia.

High-potassium foods include:

• Apricots.
• Avocado.
• Banana.
• Dried fruits.
• Orange juice.
• Honeydew melon.
• Kiwi.
• Mango.
• Squash.
• Beets.
• Broccoli.
• Brussels sprouts.
• Carrots.
• Spinach.
• Legumes.
• Chocolate.
• Milk.
• Yogurt.
• Beef.
• Salmon.

5. Sugary Drinks and Soda

Consuming foods and beverages high in added sugars can exacerbate elevated blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.

Limiting your intake of added sugars, like sugary drinks and sodas, is an important component of a diabetes meal plan.

A high intake of added sugars can also damage blood vessels in the kidneys in people with kidney disease.

Examples of sugary drinks to avoid include:

• Regular soda.
• Energy drinks.
• Fruit juices.
• Coffee and tea with added sugar. 

In addition, many sodas are high in phosphorus, which is a mineral most people with kidney disease need to limit.

This is especially true of dark sodas, like Coca-Cola, Pepsi, and Dr. Pepper.

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6. Whole Wheat Bread

‍Whole grain bread can be a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, but it can also contain higher amounts of potassium and phosphorus than white bread.

The National Kidney Foundation recommends that people with chronic kidney disease choose whole grains with less than 200 mg of phosphorus and 200 mg of potassium per serving.

Luckily, most whole grains meet this criteria in a half-cup serving. 

One slice of whole wheat bread provides 68 mg of phosphorus and 80 mg of potassium, and the same portion of white bread has 31 mg of phosphorus and 32 mg of potassium.

The potassium and phosphorus content of bread can vary depending on the brand, so be sure to check the nutrition facts label. 

Depending on your individual nutrition targets set by a registered dietitian, a sandwich with two slices of whole wheat bread could be appropriate for your meal plan. 

7. Dairy Products

Dairy products are a natural source of protein and several vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins, phosphorus, and potassium.

Kidney disease impacts the body’s ability to balance and filter minerals, salt, and protein. 

Since dairy products are high in protein, potassium, and phosphorus, it’s important to limit your consumption of dairy products, including:

• Yogurt.
• Cottage cheese.
• Cheese.
• Milk.
• Ice cream.

However, limiting dairy can decrease your intake of calcium, an important mineral for bone health.

Talk with your dietitian about balancing your dairy intake with your calcium needs. 

8. Alcohol

Drinking alcohol can compromise your kidney function, elevate blood pressure levels, impact blood sugar levels, and contribute to dehydration. It can also interact with certain medications.

Mixed drinks may be high in added sugars, contributing to irregular blood sugar levels.

If you take insulin or certain diabetes medications, drinking alcohol could cause low blood sugar levels. 

If you have kidney disease and diabetes, consult with a registered dietitian or your healthcare team about whether or not alcohol consumption is safe for you.  

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9. Potatoes

Potatoes are naturally rich in potassium, a mineral that should be limited if you have kidney disease.

A half-cup portion of potatoes provides over 200 mg of potassium, both for white and sweet potatoes.

However, some research suggests that soaking potatoes after cooking may reduce their potassium content by up to 70%. 

Talk with your dietitian for more information about reducing the potassium content in potatoes. 

10. Packaged and Frozen Meals

Many packaged meals, such as frozen meals and boxed macaroni and cheese, contain high amounts of sodium. 

For example, a prepared box mix of macaroni and cheese provides around 869 mg sodium per cup. 

Most people with kidney disease need to limit their daily sodium intake to 2300 mg per day, though some people may have a more restrictive goal. 

Searching for low-sodium packaged meal options and checking the nutrition facts label before purchasing is a good way to avoid consuming high amounts of sodium.  

11. Dried Fruits

Because many fresh fruits are high in potassium, dried fruits contain concentrated amounts of potassium. This is especially true for dried apricots, dates, figs, and raisins.

Limiting your consumption of dried fruits can help keep your potassium levels in check. 

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12. Brown Rice 

Similar to whole grain bread, brown rice is significantly higher in potassium and phosphorus than white rice. 

One cup of cooked brown rice has 208 mg of phosphorus and 174 mg of potassium, while one cup of white rice provides 69 mg of phosphorus and 54 mg of potassium. 

Because whole grains are high in fiber and can help manage blood sugar levels, talk with your dietitian about how small portions of whole grains like brown rice can fit into your eating plan.

13. Protein Powder

Many people with kidney disease (not on dialysis) need to limit their protein intake.

Consuming too much protein, especially animal protein, can contribute to further kidney damage.

The average American adult consumes double the recommended protein intake.

Most people with kidney disease get sufficient protein from foods and likely don’t need supplemental protein in the form of protein drinks or protein bars.

14. Salt Substitutes

In an effort to reduce their daily sodium intake, some people turn to salt substitutes. 

Be cautious with salt substitutes, like potassium chloride, as these are high in potassium and can be problematic in kidney disease. 

15. Coffee

While coffee is completely fine to consume in moderation, there are several considerations if you have kidney disease and diabetes.

Coffee contains potassium (around 116 mg in 8 oz of black coffee).

Consuming three to four cups of coffee can significantly contribute to your potassium intake and be problematic in kidney disease. 

Adding milk or creamer to your coffee can further increase the potassium (and phosphorus) content. 

Additionally, many coffee drinks contain added sugars or syrups, which can impact blood sugar levels. 

Alternative Options for a Kidney-Friendly Diabetic Diet

Though it's important to know which foods to limit, there are many foods you can incorporate into a healthy and balanced diet for kidney disease and diabetes.

These include:

• Berries.
• Apples.
• Plums.
• Grapes.
• Cauliflower.
• Onions.
• Eggplant.
• Turnips.
• Lean meats.
• Eggs.
• Seafood.
• Pasta.
• Unsalted crackers.
• Unsweetened teas.
• Water.

Takeaway

Certain diet changes can help manage diabetes and kidney disease.

These changes include limiting foods high in sodium, potassium, phosphorus, protein, and added sugars.

How a Dietitian Can Help

Working with a registered dietitian for kidney disease and diabetes can help you build a personalized and healthy meal plan.

Your sessions may include topics such as:

• Individual protein, potassium, phosphorus, and sodium goals. 
• How to incorporate whole grains. 
• Animal versus plant-based protein sources.
• Low-potassium fruits and vegetables. 
• How to continue enjoying your favorite foods.

Find a registered dietitian to help you get started on making healthy and sustainable diet changes.