What’s the Deal with Sodium and CKD?
Sodium management is key when you have chronic kidney disease. This is due to the fact that sodium can influence how the kidneys function and blood pressure. Excessive amounts of sodium can make both kidney function and blood pressure worse. Therefore, following a low sodium diet with CKD can be beneficial for managing blood pressure and overall kidney function.
According to KDOQI clinical practice guidelines for nutrition in CKD, following a diet that contains 2,300 milligrams of sodium or less is recommended for those with CKD. With that being said, it’s important to check with your doctor and healthcare team to make sure you are getting the right amount of sodium for your body. Your sodium needs may be individualized to fit your bloodwork, medical history, medications, and more.
What Does a Low-Sodium Snack Mean?
A low-sodium food is a food that is less than 140 milligrams of sodium per serving. Choosing low-sodium snacks can help you stick to a low-sodium diet for your CKD. But what if there is a time that you want to enjoy having a snack that contains more than 140 milligrams of sodium per serving?
That is definitely OK. The important thing to remember is your overall sodium goal for the day. When you know this, you can know how to balance out your meals and snacks to fit within your goal.
What Else Should You Be Mindful of When Choosing Low-Sodium Tailgate Snacks with CKD?
It’s important to be mindful of other nutrients like protein, fiber, and potassium when it comes to snacking with CKD. It can also be helpful to limit ultra-processed snacks too and reserve them for special occasions, like parties or birthday celebrations. Many snacks are considered processed foods. But what are processed foods?
Processed foods are any foods that have been changed from their original state. There are different levels of processed foods. Some foods are minimally processed, some foods are processed, and some foods are ultra-processed. The level of processing for some foods can affect the nutritional status of food. Recent studies show that, in excess, ultra-processed foods can be harmful to our overall health and kidney health. It is recommended that consumption of ultra-processed foods be limited.
Importance of Low-Protein and Low-Sodium Diets for CKD
Many people with CKD need to limit protein in their diet. If you need to follow a low-protein diet, be mindful of the protein content of your snacks. For example, beef jerky or lunch meat can be high in protein, whereas peanut butter and nuts can be lower in protein. Choosing lower protein snack options can be helpful if you have CKD. Always check with your doctor and healthcare team to ensure you are getting the right amount of protein for your body.
If you need to follow a low-potassium diet for your CKD, be mindful of the potassium content of your snack foods. Potassium can add up quickly! Portion size is also key when it comes to potassium.
It can be helpful to aim for higher fiber snacks like fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grain products. Fiber has been shown to help lower cholesterol and be beneficial for overall health.
A Renal Dietitian's Favorite Low-Sodium Snacks
There are so many options when it comes to snacking. Here are a few of my favorites that I like to recommend to those with CKD: