Fast Food and Kidney Disease: Things to consider

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) requires careful dietary management to help maintain kidney function and overall health. Eating out while following a CKD diet can be challenging but not impossible! Perhaps you are wondering about fast food and kidney disease. Here are some key nutritional areas to consider when eating at fast food spots.

Nutrition consideration for fast food and kidney disease

Eating out af fast food spots is possible with kidney disease. But it is important to keep a few things in mind about nutrition.

1. Sodium (salt): Fast food is often high in salt, which can lead to increased blood pressure and further kidney damage. It’s important to choose lower-sodium options when possible.
2. Protein: Many fast-food items are rich in protein, which can put extra strain on the kidneys. Individuals with CKD often need to monitor their protein intake.
3. Processed Ingredients: Fast food frequently contains additives and preservatives that may not be kidney friendly. These can include phosphorus and potassium, which may need to be limited.
4. Fats: Trans fats and saturated fats, common in many fast foods, can negatively affect cardiovascular health, which is particularly important for those with CKD.
5. Added sugar: Soft drinks and sugary drinks can be high in sugar and empty calories, contributing to weight gain and diabetes, which are risk factors for kidney disease.
6. Portion Control: Fast food portions can be larger than necessary. Eating smaller portions can help manage calorie intake and maintain a healthy weight.

Here are some strategies to keep your nutrition in track for fast food and kidney disease.

• Sodium
  • Ask for dressings, sauces and condiments on the side to control the amount you add to your meal
  • Ask for olive oil and vinegar/lemon to dress your salads
  • Avoid very high sodium items (processed meat, soups and stews)
  • If possible, ask for no salt to be added to items (protein, veggies)
• Protein
  • Choose fresh meat, poultry, and fish options
  • Try a plant-based protein option
  • Keep the portion to ¼ size of the plate
• Processed ingredients
  • Try choosing freshly made food options vs. premade made items (premade lasagna/meatloaf) as premade foods may have hidden sources of additives.
• Fats
  • Choose grilled or baked options vs. deep fried
  • Choose lean proteins (chicken, fish, turkey) or plant-based proteins
• Added sugars
  • Choose water or tea to drink
  • Skip the pop or fancy drinks
• Portion control
  • Use the plate method as your guide (¼ protein, ¼ grains/starch and ½ veggies) to control portions.
  • Take the extras to go!

Tips for fast food and kidney disease

So, you know you may need to eat out and the likely spot is a fast food place. Here are some tips for eating out:

• Plan Ahead: Check menus online and select meals that align with dietary needs. Also, if you know you are going out to eat, plan your other meals accordingly (watch your salt intake for breakfast and lunch) to allow for more flexibility for the restaurant meal.
• Ask Questions: Inquire about preparation methods and specific ingredients.
• Customize Orders: Request modifications, such as dressing on the side or less salt.
• Choose eating out less often: try cutting back on the number of times you eat out. If you eat out 5 X a week, have a goal to slowly cut back to 1-2 X week.

You may be wondering what some better options for fast food and kidney diseaes are. Here are some of our top picks:

• Pizza
  • Ask for light sauce and/or cheese
• • Choose fresh chicken instead of higher sodium alternatives like bacon, ham or pepperoni as a topping
• • Load up on the veggies!
  • Try whole wheat crust
• Burgers
  • Ask for a whole wheat bun
• • Choose a smaller portion of protein (4 oz vs 6-8oz beef patty)
• • Try different protein options (chicken patty)
• • Load up on veggies- in the burger or on the side
• • Ask for sauces on the side or omit
  • Avoid high sodium topping/limit the amount (pickles)
• Steak dinner
  • Ask for steak to be seasoned without salt
• • Choose a smaller portion of steak or save the rest for later
  • Ask for an extra serving of veggies on the side

If you have CKD, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare provider or a registered dietitian for personalized dietary advice like our team here at Kindey Nutrition. Connect with us for a free 20 minute introductory call here.

This article was written by Antonia Zettas, RD