Sheffield Area Kidney Association

FOOD AND DIET

Eating a healthy, balanced diet can play a large part in managing kidney disease. As your kidney function changes you may need to make adjustments to what you eat and drink.

There are specialist dietitians at the kidney unit in Sheffield and you may be referred for an appointment at certain stages in your kidney journey so that you can receive personalised advice.

The dietitians have produced a series of leaflets giving guidance on different aspects of managing your diet. If you have any particular concerns please ask the doctor in the clinic to refer you to a renal dietitian.

Here are links to the various leaflets:

Dietary advice for people with kidney disease

This leaflet gives general advice on food and diet and is particularly useful for anyone newly diagnosed with kidney disease.

View leaflet

First line of advice to balance potassium in your diet

At some stages of kidney disease you may be advised to limit the amount of potassium in your diet. This gives you some useful guidance on how to do so.

View leaflet

First line advice for reducing phosphate in your diet

Having a lot of phosphate in the blood can cause problems for some kidney patients. If you have been advised to reduce your phosphate intake here are some useful tips.

View leaflet

First line advice for reducing salt in your diet

Adults are advised to eat no more than 6 grams of salt per day and this is especially important if you have kidney disease. Many foods we buy contain salt and this is a useful guide to help monitor your intake.

View leaflet

First line advice to increase your food intake

If you have only a small appetite it is important to choose the correct foods to ensure you remain healthy. This leaflet gives guidance on what is best to include in your diet to make sure you get enough nourishment.

View leaflet

First line advice for reducing fluid in your diet.

Your doctor, nurse or dietitian will advise you how much fluid you should have each day. Some patients may need to restrict the amount and this can vary at different stages of your kidney disease. This leaflet helps you understand the fluids in your diet.

View leaflet

Healthy eating with your kidney transplant

Following a kidney transplant it is important to keep as fit and well as possible, including eating a healthy diet. Your blood tests will indicate whether you need to make any changes. This leaflet gives general advice,

View leaflet

Food safety advice following your kidney transplant

Food safety is very important for kidney transplant patients. You will be taking immunosuppressants and are at higher risk from infections. This leaflet tells you how to avoid food contamination and which high risk foods you should not eat.

View leaflet

Dietary information for people with Polycystic Kidney Disease

Making the right choices in your diet can help protect your kidneys and slow down the progression of the disease. This leaflet gives general advice but your needs may change as your disease progresses. Your doctor will advise you and refer you to a dietitian if and when necessary.

View leaflet

The Kidney Kitchen section of the Kidney Care website has lots of information

Here you can find advice, cooking tips, recipes, guidance on eating out etc.

Learn how to stay fit and well by enjoying kidney friendly foods.

Visit the Kidney Kitchen

The NKF website has a section on Diet and Food

Here you can read lots of useful guidance, and you can send off for a free dietary information pack for kidney patients

Visit Diet and Food on NKF website