Patient's question:
What can I eat? What should I pay attention to?Doctor's answer:
Low-protein, high-calorie, and low-sodium diet for kidney disease:For patients with nephritis in the early stages, high-protein diets should be avoided. Generally, no more than 1 gram per kilogram of body weight should be consumed daily, limited to about 35–40 grams per day. This is because proteins metabolize in the body to produce various nitrogenous waste products, also known as non-protein nitrogen (NPN), such as urea, uric acid, and creatinine. These can increase the burden on kidney excretion. Especially when kidney function declines and urine output decreases, the level of NPN in the blood may rise, leading to uremia.
In the later stages of nephritis, if a large amount of protein is excreted in the urine, accompanied by significant anemia and edema, and the blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level is close to normal, the protein diet should be increased to 1.5–2.0 grams per kilogram of body weight per day, with the total daily protein intake around 100 grams. Animal protein should be preferred, such as milk, dairy products, eggs, fresh fish, and lean meat.
Nephritis patients should consume carbohydrate-rich foods and starchy foods, such as rice, flour, coarse grains, lotus root starch, sugarcane, Chinese yam, honey, white sugar, various fruit juices and drinks, and fresh fruits. These foods metabolize in the body to produce water and carbon dioxide, which do not increase the burden on the kidneys. At the same time, it is advisable to eat fresh vegetables and fruits rich in vitamins, especially those rich in vitamin C, carotene, and riboflavin.
For animal fats, although strict restrictions are not necessary, excessive consumption should be avoided. Nephritis patients should eat easily digestible, mild, and non-irritating foods to avoid worsening the burden on the intestines and kidneys. Avoid fried, smoked, or other indigestible foods, as well as spicy and irritating foods. Also, avoid foods high in oxalate, such as spinach, bamboo shoots, and amaranth, as well as soybeans and soy products, animal internal organs, and concentrated chicken soup, which are rich in purine bases, to prevent excessive uric acid production, which is harmful to nephritis.
Nephritis patients should avoid salt. There is a folk saying to avoid salt for 100 days. Especially for those with kidney dysfunction, who have poor regulation of sodium, it is particularly necessary to avoid salt when swelling, reduced urine output, and elevated blood pressure occur. If the patient’s daily urine output is less than 500 milliliters, salt should be strictly avoided. If swelling subsides, blood pressure is normal, and urine output is normal, a low-salt diet should be maintained. Only 1–3 grams of salt can be used per day, not exceeding 1 gram for children, and salted or high-sodium foods should be avoided.
Analysis shows that among common foods, those with less than 100 milligrams of sodium per 100 grams include beef, pork, chicken, cabbage, lettuce, winter melon, watermelon, pumpkin, luffa, tomato, taro, water chestnut, amaranth, scallion, chives, beans, orange, apple, and pear. Those with more than 200 milligrams of sodium per 100 grams include tofu, mushrooms, nori, pickled mustard greens, fennel, winter vegetable, mustard greens, dried shrimp, and soy sauce.
Nephritis patients often avoid sodium and may use salt-free soy sauce or potassium chloride as a substitute. This soy sauce contains potassium but not sodium and is suitable for those with normal kidney function, sufficient urine output, and normal blood potassium levels. However, if the patient has poor kidney function and reduced urine output, caution is advised. Since potassium ions are excreted through urine, if urine output is low, potassium excretion decreases, and excessive consumption of salt-free soy sauce may lead to hyperkalemia, which can endanger the heart and even cause cardiac arrest.
When nephritis patients have a daily urine output of more than 1,000 milliliters, potassium intake does not need to be controlled. If urine output is less than 1,000 milliliters or if hyperkalemia occurs, low-potassium foods should be selected. Analysis shows that among common foods, those with less than 100 milligrams of potassium per 100 grams include eggs, intestines, pig blood, pig skin, sea cucumber, gluten, lotus root starch, jelly, mung bean skin, water chestnut, pumpkin, and cantaloupe. Those with more than 300 milligrams of potassium per 100 grams include meat, animal internal organs, chicken, fish, dried shrimp, jellyfish, eel, peanuts, potatoes, sweet potatoes, rapeseed, spinach, chives, cilantro, pickled mustard greens, mushrooms, kelp, jujubes, and persimmon cakes.
Recommended Foods for Nephritis Patients
Sweet potatoes are rich in sugars and vitamins and can be eaten as a staple food for both acute and chronic nephritis.
Job’s tears (Coix lacryma-jobi) can strengthen the spleen, clear heat, and promote diuresis. It is suitable for nephritis patients with edema and reduced urine output, as it can be cooked into porridge.
Soybeans are mild and sweet, strengthening the spleen and promoting diuresis. They are ideal for nephritis patients with edema. The Hunan Herbal records: "Soybeans can treat edema—100 grams of soybeans and 100 grams of winter melon skin, boiled and consumed." The Compendium of Common Folk Herbs also states: "To treat edema—50–400 grams of soybeans, stewed with yellow beef and consumed. Avoid combining with spinach."
White beans are suitable for both acute and chronic nephritis patients with edema. The Herbal Collection notes: "To treat edema—3 liters of white beans, roasted, ground into powder. Take 3 grams for adults and 1 gram for children, mixed with corn silk decoction before meals." White beans have a strengthening effect on the spleen and promote diuresis.
Green beans can clear heat, promote diuresis, and reduce swelling. They are suitable for nephritis patients with edema and reduced urine output. The Luchuan Herbal records: "To treat edema—4 pounds of white beans, 5 grams of garlic, and 100 grams of sugar, boiled and consumed."
Watermelon is suitable for nephritis patients with edema or hypertension. Both watermelon and its skin have diuretic and anti-swelling effects. Watermelon juice or large amounts of watermelon skin can be boiled and consumed, or watermelon can be chopped with its skin, boiled, and into a paste, taken with hot water in 1–2 spoonfuls, twice daily.
Corn silk has been proven to have diuretic effects, increasing the excretion of chlorides. It is particularly beneficial for acute nephritis patients with edema. The Chinese Journal of Internal Medicine (1960, Issue 8) reports: "To treat nephrotic syndrome—60 grams of dried corn silk, boiled and consumed twice daily. In 12 cases, 9 had complete edema resolution after 3 months, 2 had partial resolution, and the fastest case saw full edema disappearance after 15 days. Diuresis began within 3 days, with a corresponding decrease in protein and non-protein nitrogen."
Grapes are beneficial for nephritis patients with edema, as they promote diuresis. The Mirror of Herbs states: "Grapes quickly reduce swelling and eliminate edema." Grapes are also rich in sugars, and the Luchuan Herbal considers them nutritious, strengthening the body,, and promoting diuresis. Thus, grapes are a beneficial fruit for acute nephritis patients.
Lettuce is rich in sugars, carotene, vitamin B, vitamin C, vitamin E, and minerals like calcium, phosphorus, iron, potassium, and iodine. Consuming lettuce can improve blood vessel tension and promote diuresis. The potassium in lettuce also helps maintain water and electrolyte balance, aiding urination. Therefore, it is suitable for nephritis patients.
Chinese yam is sweet and mild, with excellent properties for tonifying the spleen and kidneys. It is particularly suitable for chronic nephritis patients to consume regularly. Over time, chronic nephritis often manifests as spleen and kidney qi deficiency, and Chinese yam can replenish qi and benefit the body.
Winter melon has diuretic and anti-swelling effects and is rich in vitamins, making it suitable for acute nephritis patients. A folk remedy involves boiling one winter melon with 120 grams of red beans and drinking the broth. The skin of winter melon also has excellent diuretic and anti-swelling effects. The Herbal Illustrations states: "Its function is similar to that of winter melon." The Modern Practical Herbal Medicine recommends: "For acute nephritis with poor urination and swelling—18 grams of winter melon skin, 18 grams of watermelon skin, 18 grams of white mulberry root, 12 grams of corn silk, and 150 grams of red beans, boiled and consumed in 3 doses daily, with significant effects."
Red beans are a diuretic food with anti-inflammatory and detoxifying properties, suitable for various edema conditions, including acute and chronic nephritis.
Kidney beans can strengthen the spleen and kidneys. The Medical Collection states: "They can leach water, promote diuresis, and regulate clarity and turbidity, making them suitable for nephritis patients."
White mulberry has diuretic and heat-clearing effects. Pharmacological experiments show that its diuretic effect is related to its potassium content. Medical journals from Shanxi, Guizhou, Yunnan, Shandong, and Gansu recommend: "Boil 250 grams of dried white mulberry, chop, and drink as tea for 1–2 weeks or until recovery. Urine output increases significantly within 1–5 days, followed by gradual edema resolution, blood pressure normalization, and urine test improvements."
Lotus leaves can reduce water retention and swelling. Acute nephritis patients can use lotus leaf tea or the method from the Essentials of Treatment: "For edema—burn dried lotus leaves, grind into powder, take 2 grams with rice drink, three times daily."
Astragalus is suitable for both acute and chronic nephritis due to its diuretic and anti-swelling effects. Modern pharmacological experiments show that oral astragalus decoctions increase diuresis and sodium excretion. The Chinese Physiological Society and Shanghai College of Traditional Chinese Medicine (1964) report: "Astragalus significantly reduces proteinuria in experimental nephritis compared to controls, lowering urinary protein excretion."
Carrots are suitable for acute nephritis patients with minimal red blood cells, pus cells, and protein in the urine. A recommended recipe is: 150 grams of carrots, boiled, and taken as a snack daily.
Carrot tops, as reported in the Shanghai Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine (1956, Issue 1): "For acute nephritis with edema—500–600 grams of carrot tops, washed and steamed, with significant urine output increase after the first day and complete edema resolution after one week."
Chickweed can strengthen the spleen, promote diuresis, and supplement plant protein. It is rich in protein, sugars, and vitamins and has mild hemostatic effects, making it suitable for chronic nephritis patients with blood and proteinuria, taken as tea.
Carp, as noted in the Compendium of Materia Medica: "Cooked carp reduces edema and promotes diuresis." The Zhejiang Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine (1957, Issue 6) recommends: "For nephritis edema—1–1.5 kilograms of carp, cleaned, sealed in clay, baked over charcoal, cooled, and ground into powder. Take 2 tablespoons per dose, three times daily, with water." Avoid salt.
Blackfish (also known as snakehead) has a strengthening effect on the spleen and promotes diuresis. For nephritis patients with edema, use 1 blackfish (100–200 grams), remove scales and internal organs, wash, and cook with 100 grams of winter melon (with skin) and 60 grams of red beans, adding 5 onions and sufficient water. Do not add salt; eat the fish and drink the broth.
Frog meat has heat-clearing, detoxifying, and diuretic properties, suitable for chronic nephritis patients with edema. The Compendium of Materia Medica also notes: "Frog meat reduces edema." The Jilin Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine recommends: "For edema—remove internal organs, cook frog meat with sugar, and take one frog per day for consecutive days."
Black beans (also known as black soybeans) can invigorate blood, promote diuresis, dispel wind, and detoxify, effectively treating edema. The Compendium of Materia Medica states: "Treat kidney disease, promote diuresis, and regulate wind heat."
Duck meat has a nourishing effect on yin, promotes diuresis, and reduces swelling, making it suitable for nephritis patients with edema. The Essentials of Treatment notes: "Warm the center, replenish deficiency, support yang, and promote diuresis—this is its nature. Duck meat is most suitable for those with edema." The Food, Herbal Medicine, and Simple Recipes also recommends: "For chronic nephritis and edema—use a green-headed duck over three years old, remove feathers, open, remove internal organs, stuff with 4–5 garlic bulbs, cook until tender (without salt or with a little sugar), eat the duck, garlic, and broth, with one duck every few days."
Quail is mild and sweet, nourishing the five organs, enriching blood, and boosting qi. It is delicious and nutritious, making it suitable for chronic nephritis patients with low proteinemia and edema. A folk remedy involves: "For nephritis edema—two quail, add a small amount of wine, no salt, stew, and eat once daily for one week."
Crucian carp is mild and sweet, strengthening the spleen, boosting qi, and promoting diuresis, making it suitable for chronic nephritis, especially those with edema. The Food, Herbal Medicine, and Simple Recipes recommends: "For chronic nephritis edema or ascites—boil crucian carp with red beans."
Yellow catfish (also known as yellow catfish) is mild and sweet, strengthening the spleen and stomach, reducing edema, and suitable for nephritis patients with edema. The Food, Herbal Medicine, and Simple Recipes also recommends: "For acute nephritis and nephrotic syndrome edema—three yellow catfish, a small cup of green beans, and one garlic bulb, boiled until tender, eat the beans and drink the broth."
Shiitake mushrooms are mild and sweet, nourishing qi and blood. Professor Kaname Wan of Nagoya University in Japan found that the special amino acids in shiitake mushrooms significantly reduce proteinuria in chronic and acute nephritis patients, treating various kidney diseases without side effects. Thus, they are highly suitable for nephritis patients.
White fungus is mild and slightly sweet, a nourishing food that tonifies the kidneys, moisturizes the lungs, and nourishes the stomach. Research shows that the silver ear mushroom polysaccharides in white fungus can improve kidney function. Therefore, it is particularly beneficial for chronic nephritis patients with weak constitutions, making regular consumption ideal.
Additionally, nephritis patients can eat foods such as tomatoes, potatoes, loofah, reishi, poria, hops, cordyceps, silver carp, luffa, walnuts, lotus seeds, leafy greens, cabbage, bird’s nest, black fungus, loach, softshell turtle, sea cucumber, milk, honey, vegetable oil, mulberry, lotus root, rolled oats, peanuts, sesame, goji berries, and human placenta.
Foods to Avoid for Nephritis Patients
Chicken: Avoid for chronic nephritis with uremia. The Dictionary of Chinese Herbal Medicine states: "Avoid for those with,." Chicken is rich in protein, and excessive consumption increases nitrogenous blood and worsens uremia.
Eggs: Avoid for chronic nephritis, especially when kidney function and metabolism decline, and urine output decreases, as metabolic waste cannot be fully excreted by the kidneys. Excessive egg consumption can increase urea nitrogen, worsening kidney conditions and leading to uremia.
Goose meat: Considered a "heating" food in folk and ancient medicine. For example, Tang Dynasty physician Meng Xin said: "Excessive goose meat causes chronic diseases." Ming Dynasty Li Shizhen noted: "Goose is thick in flavor, causing wind and sores." Qing Dynasty Huang Gongxiu added: "Goose causes wind, sores, and toxicity." Chronic nephritis is a persistent condition, so goose meat should be avoided.
Goose eggs: Similar to goose meat, also a "heating" food. The Notes on Food records: "Goose eggs are warm and excessive consumption causes chronic diseases." Thus, chronic nephritis patients should also avoid them.
Crabs: Extremely cold and considered an "allergic" food. The Supplement to Herbal Medicine states: "This food strongly induces wind and should not be eaten by those with wind conditions." Folk medicine also views crabs as a "heating" food, making them unsuitable for both acute and chronic nephritis patients.