Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) requires careful management of the diet, especially regarding salt intake. Excessive salt can worsen kidney function by increasing blood pressure, leading to fluid retention, and putting additional strain on the kidneys. When living with CKD, many individuals have to follow a low salt diet. Let’s review what a low salt diet and kidney disease really means, and how CKD interacts with salt and food choices.
Why is salt important with CKD
Salt has many functions in the body, but there are a few reasons your healthcare team may be concerned with too much salt in your diet.
– High blood pressure (hypertension) – is a common cause and complication of CKD. Excess salt increases blood pressure, which can damage the kidneys over time.
– Fluid retention can occur when the kidneys are unable to excrete enough sodium, leading to swelling in the legs, ankles, and even shortness of breath. Along with sodium, fluid management is crucial in CKD. Excessive fluid intake combined with high salt can cause further issues with blood pressure and swelling. The amount of fluid allowed will vary depending on the stage of CKD and whether the person is on dialysis.
Low salt diet and kidney disease
You may be wondering what is a low salt diet and kidney disease. Those living with CKD are often advised to limit sodium intake, a range can be from 1,500 to 2,300 milligrams per day is common. This number may change depending on the stage of your disease and whether there are other complications like high blood pressure or fluid retention.
Foods to limit on a low salt diet and kidney disease
Let’s take a look at some of the most common contributors to salt in our diet.
1. Processed foods: These are typically high in salt (sodium). This includes canned soups, processed meats (like bacon, sausages, and deli meats), frozen meals, fast food, and snack foods (chips, crackers, salted nuts).
2. Salty snacks: Pretzels, popcorn, chips, and crackers can be very high in sodium.
3. Canned and pickled foods: Canned vegetables, pickles, olives, and pickled products often contain high amounts of sodium to preserve them.
4. Condiments: Soy sauce, ketchup, mustard, salad dressings, and other condiments often contain significant amounts of sodium.
5. Cheese: Many types of cheese are high in sodium, particularly processed cheeses.
6. Salted or seasoned nuts: Choose unsalted varieties instead.
Foods to include
Don’t fret! There are still lots of foods to include in your diet. Here are some of our favourite:
1. Fresh fruits and vegetables: These are naturally low in sodium. Be cautious with canned vegetables, as they often contain added salt.
2. Unprocessed meats: Fresh poultry, fish, and lean cuts of beef or pork are low in sodium compared to processed meats.
3. Whole grains: Brown rice, quinoa, oats, and whole wheat bread are all good low-sodium options.
4. Herbs and spices: Instead of salt, use fresh herbs and spices (like garlic, basil, rosemary, or oregano) to flavor foods.
5. Unsalted nuts and seeds: Opt for raw, unsalted varieties of nuts and seeds as a healthy snack.
6. Low-sodium or homemade broths: Instead of canned or pre-made broths, you can make your own at home with minimal salt.
Cooking tips for low salt diet and kidney disease
Cooking at home can help to reduce your overall salt intake. Here are some tips to get you started:
– Cook at home: This allows you to control the amount of salt in your food.
– Use salt substitutes carefully: Some salt substitutes contain potassium, which may be harmful in CKD, especially in stages where potassium levels can become elevated. Look at the label to see what is included. Try spices and herbs to flavour food instead.
– Read labels: If you must use packaged foods, always check the sodium content. Look for “low sodium” or “no added salt” options when available.
– Limit high-sodium seasonings: Soy sauce, table salt, and bouillon cubes can add a lot of sodium to dishes.
What if I need more support to lower my salt intake?
Managing salt intake is key to slowing the progression of CKD and preventing complications such as high blood pressure and fluid retention. Many invidudals eat too much salt. In fact, Canadians tend to consume about 3,500 mg per day.
A balanced, whole-foods-based diet, with an emphasis on fresh produce, unprocessed meats, and whole grains, can help support kidney function and improve overall health. Always consult with a nephrologist or dietitian for personalized dietary recommendations, as CKD management can vary depending on individual needs and stage of the disease.
This article was written by Antonia Zettas, RD.