Jun 11 , 2025
Let’s face it, our kidneys don’t get nearly enough credit for all the hard work they do. They’re like the body’s behind-the-scenes cleaning crew, quietly filtering out toxins, balancing fluids, regulating blood pressure, and even helping keep your bones healthy. But when kidney disease creeps in, that behind-the-scenes job becomes front and center, and suddenly, every bite you take matters a whole lot more.
If you or a loved one is dealing with kidney issues, you’ve probably already been told to “watch out for CKD harmful foods.” But what does that mean? It can be overwhelming—so many lists, charts, and complicated advice. So today, we’re keeping it simple and real. We’re diving into some everyday foods that might seem harmless (or even healthy!) but can make kidney disease worse. No matter how many home remedies for kidney stones you may be trying out, they won’t bear any fruit if you cannot control what you eat.
Let’s walk through the maze of foods that worsen kidney disease together, and be sure to pay attention to #3. It’s one most people never expect.
We get it; bacon is delicious. And deli sandwiches are convenient. But processed meats like ham, salami, sausage, and yes, bacon, are loaded with sodium and preservatives. For someone with kidney disease, that sodium load can be a real problem. Kidney disease treatment in Ayurveda strongly advises against the use of high-sodium food items for renal patients.
High sodium levels can make your body retain more water, which puts extra pressure on your kidneys and can spike your blood pressure. Plus, many of these meats also contain phosphate additives, which can cause your phosphorus levels to shoot up. When phosphorus builds up in your blood, it starts pulling calcium out of your bones, making them weak and brittle. They are one of the top foods that make kidney disease worse.
What to eat instead: Try switching to fresh lean meats like skinless chicken breast or turkey or plant-based protein sources like lentils or tofu (in moderation, of course, especially if you’re watching potassium and phosphorus too).
You might think grabbing a soda isn’t a big deal, especially if it’s “just one.” But here’s the catch: many dark-colored sodas (think cola) contain phosphorus in the form of phosphate additives. These are absorbed almost entirely by the body and can quickly raise your phosphorus levels, which, like we just mentioned, can damage your bones and stress out your kidneys.
Unlike naturally occurring phosphorus in foods like beans or nuts (which isn’t absorbed as easily), these additives go straight to your bloodstream like a sneak attack. And unfortunately, the labels don’t always make it obvious. Ingredients like “phosphoric acid” or “sodium phosphate” are red flags.
What to drink instead: Stick with water, infused water (hello cucumber and mint!), unsweetened iced herbal teas, or a splash of lemon in warm water for a refreshing and kidney-friendly option.
Okay, this one surprises people every time. Smoothies have become a health trend staple, right, and you do not expect them to be on the CKD harmful foods list? They’re packed with fruits, leafy greens, and all sorts of “superfoods.” But if you have kidney disease, that Instagram-worthy smoothie could be hiding a dangerous overload of potassium and oxalates.
Here’s why that matters: when kidneys are damaged, they can’t filter out potassium the way they should. High potassium levels (called hyperkalemia) can mess with your heart rhythm and even become life-threatening. Ingredients like bananas, avocados, spinach, and even coconut water (all common smoothie stars) are potassium heavyweights.
Leafy greens like spinach and kale are also high in oxalates, which can contribute to kidney stones. So yeah, that green detox smoothie? Maybe not the best idea right now.
What to try instead: If you’re craving a smoothie, build one with low-potassium fruits like apples, berries, or grapes. Use almond milk or rice milk (make sure it’s phosphate-free), and skip the high-potassium add-ins.
From soups and vegetables to beans and even canned pasta, these pantry staples make life easier. But they often come at the price of sky-high sodium levels. Just one can of soup can contain half or even all of your daily recommended sodium.
When your kidneys can’t efficiently eliminate excess sodium, it builds up in your system, leading to swelling, high blood pressure, and more strain on those already stressed kidneys.
Pro tip: If you’re using canned goods, look for “low sodium” or “no salt added” versions. Or better yet, rinse canned vegetables and beans under cold water to wash off some of that salt before cooking.
Milk, cheese, and yogurt—they’re often considered essential for bone health, right? But here’s the thing: for people with kidney disease, too much dairy can be problematic. Dairy is rich in both phosphorus and potassium, and in late-stage kidney disease, these minerals can build up in your body and cause serious issues.
Plus, dairy is a significant source of protein. While protein is essential for muscle maintenance, eating too much can make your kidneys work overtime, especially if they're already struggling.
What to try instead: Swap out cow’s milk for rice milk or almond milk that’s labeled “low phosphorus” and “low potassium.” And check in with your dietitian about how much protein you actually need; it varies depending on the stage of kidney disease.
Fermented foods like pickles, sauerkraut, and kimchi have made a major comeback thanks to the gut health trend. But for kidney health? Not always a win.
These foods are often packed in brine (aka salt), and that high sodium content can contribute to fluid retention and high blood pressure, making kidney function worse over time. Some pickled items also contain potassium-based preservatives.
Kidney-friendly tip: If you love that crunch, try making quick refrigerator pickles at home using less salt or vinegar. Or just stick to fresh veggies with a dash of herbs or lemon juice for flavor.
We know they’re easy, they’re cheap, and they taste so good. But they’re also loaded with sodium, preservatives, and artificial flavorings, all of which can be tough on kidneys.
Even “healthier” versions often contain seasoning packets that push sodium intake through the roof. And let’s be honest, who stops at just half the packet?
Smarter swap: Batch cook meals at home with fresh ingredients so you have go-to options in the fridge. Try prepping a big pot of low-sodium lentil soup or veggie stir-fry with herbs and spices instead of salt.
Living with kidney disease doesn’t mean your meals have to be boring or joyless. It just means being a little more mindful about what you put on your plate and minimizing diet mistakes for kidney patients. Yes, food is a sort of medication for kidney disease, but it’s also culture, comfort, and connection. So don’t beat yourself up if you’ve eaten something on this list; what matters most is what you do next.
Start by choosing one or two things to change this week. Maybe it’s skipping the soda, rinsing your canned beans, or trying a new low-potassium smoothie combo. Little steps lead to big shifts over time.
And as always, if you're dealing with kidney disease, work with your doctor or a renal dietitian to create a kidney disease treatment diet that fits you, because everybody is different, and your healing journey should be just as unique as you are.
Karma Ayurveda, established in 1937, is an Ayurvedic hospital with a rich legacy of over eight decades. Led by Dr Puneet Dhawan, the fifth generation... Read More