15+ Foods That Are Good For Kidney Health

Lauren Davies's avatarBy Lauren Davies

Cauliflower

Cauliflower
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Cauliflower provides vitamin K, folate, and fiber, along with antioxidants that support overall health. Its low potassium content makes it ideal for kidney diets, offering a versatile option. Mashed cauliflower can be a delicious, kidney friendly substitute for higher potassium foods like potatoes, adding variety without compromising on nutrition.

Cabbage

Cabbage
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Cabbage, a cruciferous vegetable, is packed with vitamins and bioactive compounds that may reduce kidney and liver damage risks. It supports blood sugar regulation and offers antioxidant benefits. With its low potassium content, cabbage is an excellent, nutrient rich option for kidney friendly diets, suitable for raw, steamed, or sauteed preparations.

Bell peppers

Bell peppers
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Bell peppers are a vibrant, low potassium vegetable packed with vitamins A and C, as well as antioxidants that boost immunity. Their crisp texture and sweet flavor make them a versatile ingredient in salads, stir fries, or as a raw snack, promoting kidney health and overall well being with every bite.

Arugula

Arugula
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Arugula is a nutrient rich leafy green offering calcium, vitamin K, and antioxidants. Its peppery flavor enhances salads, while its low potassium content makes it a kidney friendly choice. Arugula supports bone health and adds a refreshing, flavorful touch to dishes without burdening the kidneys, making it a versatile dietary option.

Radish

Radish
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Radishes are crunchy, low potassium vegetables that add a peppery kick to meals. Rich in vitamin C and folate, they provide essential nutrients while remaining kidney friendly. Their crisp texture makes them ideal for salads, garnishes, or as a snack, supporting kidney health and contributing to a balanced, nutritious diet.

Turnips

Turnips
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Turnips are fiber rich root vegetables with low potassium and phosphorus content, making them suitable for kidney diets. They provide vitamin C, B6, and manganese, supporting overall health. Whether roasted, boiled, mashed, or grated into salads, turnips offer a versatile and nutritious option for maintaining kidney friendly meal plans.

Blueberries

Blueberries
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Blueberries are a kidney friendly fruit rich in anthocyanins, powerful antioxidants that help protect against heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic conditions. Their low potassium content and sweet tart flavor make them ideal for snacks, smoothies, or desserts, promoting overall health while supporting kidney function.

Red grapes

Red grapes
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Red grapes contain flavonoids, antioxidants known for reducing inflammation and promoting heart health. With low potassium and phosphorus levels, they’re suitable for those looking to support their kidneys through their diet. Their juicy, sweet taste makes them a refreshing snack, while their nutrients support kidney health and overall well being.

Pineapple

Pineapple
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Pineapple offers a sweet and tangy flavor, with lower potassium and phosphorus levels than many other tropical fruits. It’s rich in vitamin C and bromelain, an enzyme with potential anti inflammatory properties. Pineapple can be enjoyed fresh, juiced, or grilled, making it a delightful addition to a kidney friendly diet.

Cranberries

Cranberries
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Cranberries are low potassium fruits rich in phytonutrients like proanthocyanidins, which may help prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs) by reducing bacteria in the bladder. UTIs and kidney infections are closely linked, making cranberries a valuable addition to kidney friendly diets. Enjoy them fresh, dried, or as juice.

Sea bass

Sea bass
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Sea bass provides high quality protein and omega 3 fatty acids, which support heart and kidney health. It’s best consumed in small portions to avoid overburdening the kidneys. With a mild flavor and delicate texture, sea bass is a nutritious option for balanced, kidney friendly meals.

Egg whites

Egg whites
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Egg whites are a low phosphorus, kidney friendly protein source. They provide high quality protein essential for muscle maintenance without straining the kidneys. Versatile and easy to prepare, egg whites are excellent in scrambles, omelets, or baked dishes, supporting a balanced diet for those managing kidney conditions.

Skinless chicken

Skinless chicken
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Skinless chicken breast is a lean protein that’s low in fat and suitable for kidney diets. Consumed in moderate portions, it provides essential nutrients without overloading the kidneys. Whether grilled, baked, or roasted, skinless chicken is a versatile and satisfying option for healthy, kidney conscious meals.

Buckwheat

Buckwheat
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Buckwheat is a kidney friendly, gluten free whole grain rich in B vitamins, magnesium, and fiber. Its low potassium content makes it an excellent alternative to other grains for those with kidney issues. Enjoy buckwheat in soups, salads, or as a hot cereal for a nutritious, balanced meal.

Bulgar

Bulgar
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Bulgur is a low potassium whole grain packed with fiber, plant based protein, and B vitamins. It’s a nutritious and kidney friendly alternative to higher potassium grains like quinoa. Versatile and easy to prepare, bulgur can be used in salads, pilafs, or as a rice substitute for health conscious meals.

Macadamia nuts

Macadamia nuts
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Macadamia nuts are a creamy, kidney friendly snack with lower potassium and phosphorus levels than almonds or peanuts. They’re rich in healthy fats, manganese, and magnesium, supporting heart health and providing energy. Enjoy them as a snack, in baked goods, or as a topping for salads or desserts.

Garlic

Garlic
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Garlic is a flavorful, sodium free ingredient that enhances dishes while offering health benefits. It’s rich in manganese and contains sulfur compounds with anti inflammatory properties. Garlic is a kidney friendly way to add depth to soups, sauces, or marinades, making meals healthier and more enjoyable.

Onions

Onions
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Onions are a one of the most popular global ingredients, offering prebiotic fibers, vitamin C, and B vitamins. Their sodium free profile makes them ideal for kidney diets and they add a rich flavor to dishes. Use onions in soups, sautés, or salads to boost both taste and nutritional value.

Olive oil

Olive oil
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Olive oil is a healthy fat rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants. It’s phosphorus free and has anti inflammatory properties, making it ideal for kidney diets. Use olive oil in dressings, for roasting vegetables or as a cooking oil for a heart healthy and kidney friendly option.

Shiitake mushrooms

Shiitake mushrooms
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Shiitake mushrooms are a nutrient dense, plant based protein with low potassium, phosphorus and sodium levels. They’re rich in B vitamins, selenium, and fiber, making them a kidney friendly alternative to meat. Use shiitake mushrooms in stir fries, soups, or as a meat substitute for flavorful, healthy meals.

Asparagus

Asparagus
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Asparagus is a nutrient rich vegetable low in sodium and potassium. It provides vitamins A, C, and K, along with folate, which supports overall health. Its anti inflammatory properties make it suitable for kidney friendly diets. Lightly steamed or grilled, asparagus adds flavor and nutrition to meals without compromising kidney health.

Zucchini

Zucchini
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Zucchini is a versatile, low potassium vegetable rich in vitamin C, magnesium and antioxidants. Its mild flavor makes it ideal for soups, salads or sautes. With its high water content, zucchini supports increased hydration which promotes kidney function and contributes to a balanced, kidney conscious diet.

Celery

Celery
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Celery is a crunchy, low calorie vegetable with low potassium and sodium levels, making it kidney friendly. Rich in vitamins K and C, as well as antioxidants, celery helps fight inflammation. Use it in salads, soups, or as a snack with a dip for a refreshing and healthy option.

Kale

Kale
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Kale is a nutrient dense leafy green, providing vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium and fiber. Its low potassium content makes it a kidney friendly choice. Add kale to smoothies, soups, or as a sauteed side dish for a nutrient boost that supports overall and kidney health.

Green beans

Green beans
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Green beans are low in potassium, phosphorus, and sodium, making them an excellent choice for kidney health. They’re rich in vitamins A and C and provide a good source of fiber. Steamed or stir fried, green beans are a tasty, versatile addition to kidney conscious meals.

Strawberries

Strawberries
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Strawberries are low potassium fruits packed with vitamin C, manganese, and antioxidants like anthocyanins, which have been known to help reduce inflammation. Their natural sweetness makes them a delicious snack or addition to salads, smoothies, or desserts, promoting kidney health and bringing another colour to a vibrant diet.

Apples

Apples
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Apples are a kidney friendly fruit, low in potassium and phosphorus but rich in fiber and antioxidants. They promote digestive health and may help reduce inflammation. Apples are versatile and can be enjoyed fresh, baked, or as unsweetened applesauce, making them an easy and nutritious choice for kidney conscious diets.

Peaches

Peaches
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Peaches are a juicy, sweet fruit that’s low in potassium, phosphorus and sodium. Packed with vitamins A and C and fiber, peaches support hydration and overall health. Enjoy them as a snack, in smoothies, or grilled for a delicious dessert, adding natural sweetness to kidney friendly meals.

Plums

Plums
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Plums are small, kidney friendly fruits that are naturally low in potassium and phosphorus. They’re rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and dietary fiber, which aid digestion and reduce inflammation. Plums can be eaten fresh, stewed, or added to salads and desserts, offering a tasty and nutritious option for kidney health.

Tangerines

Tangerines
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Tangerines are a refreshing citrus fruit with lower potassium levels than oranges. They’re packed with vitamin C, fiber and antioxidants, which support immune and kidney health. Their sweet, tangy flavor makes them perfect for snacking, adding to salads, or using in kidney friendly marinades and dressings.

Tofu

Tofu
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Tofu is a plant based protein made from soybeans, offering a low phosphorus and low potassium alternative to meat. It’s rich in essential amino acids, calcium, and iron. Versatile and easy to prepare, tofu can be grilled, stir fried, or blended into smoothies, making it a perfect addition to kidney friendly, plant based meals.

Turkey

Turkey
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Turkey is a lean, low fat protein option that’s kidney friendly in small portions. Skinless turkey breast provides essential nutrients like iron and zinc while being lower in potassium and phosphorus than red meats. Roasted, grilled, or added to soups, turkey is a delicious and satisfying protein for kidney conscious diets.

Quail eggs

Quail eggs
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Quail eggs are a nutrient dense option that provides high quality protein with lower phosphorus levels than chicken eggs. Rich in vitamins A, B12, and selenium, quail eggs support kidney health and overall nutrition. Hard boiled or used in recipes, they add variety and sophistication to kidney conscious diets.

Tilapia

Tilapia
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Tilapia is a lean, low fat fish offering high quality protein and essential nutrients like selenium and vitamin D. Its mild flavor makes it versatile for various kidney friendly dishes. Whether baked, grilled, or steamed, tilapia provides a healthy and satisfying protein source for maintaining kidney health when consumed in moderation.

Cottage cheese

Cottage cheese
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Low sodium cottage cheese is a protein rich dairy option lower in potassium and phosphorus than regular versions. It’s also a good source of calcium and B vitamins, supporting bone and overall health. Enjoy it with fruit, in salads, or as a snack, making it a versatile, kidney friendly protein choice.

Rice noodles

Rice noodles
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Rice noodles are a low potassium, gluten free alternative to wheat based pasta, suitable for kidney friendly diets. They provide energy without straining kidney function and are easy to digest. Use them in stir fries, soups, or as a base for light meals, offering a delicious and kidney conscious way to enjoy noodle dishes.

White rice

White rice
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White rice is a low phosphorus, low potassium grain that’s easy to digest, making it a staple for kidney conscious diets. It provides essential carbohydrates for energy and pairs well with vegetables and lean proteins. Use white rice in stir fries, soups, or as a side dish for balanced, kidney friendly meals.

Chestnuts

Chestnuts
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Chestnuts are unique nuts with lower potassium and phosphorus levels, making them suitable for kidney health. They’re rich in fiber, antioxidants and vitamin C, supporting digestion and overall well being. Roasted, boiled, or added to dishes, chestnuts provide a satisfying and flavorful option for kidney conscious eating.

Basil

Basil
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Basil is a fragrant herb that enhances flavor without adding sodium, making it ideal for kidney diets. It contains antioxidants and anti inflammatory compounds, supporting overall and kidney health. Use fresh basil in salads, pasta, or soups to elevate the taste of dishes while maintaining kidney friendly nutrition.

Cilantro

Cilantro
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Cilantro is a flavorful herb with low potassium and sodium levels. Rich in antioxidants, vitamins C, and K, it supports immune function and kidney health. Cilantro’s vibrant taste makes it perfect for seasoning salads, soups, and salsas, providing a fresh and nutritious boost to kidney friendly meals.