Kidney (Renal) Diet Dietitian in Islamabad
- M.Phil Community Health & Nutrition
- 14 years' clinical experience
- In-clinic E-11 + online
Reviewed by Sadaf Sajid, M.Phil, Consultant Dietitian · Last updated
📷 Kidney (renal) diet – The Healing Wheel, E-11 IslamabadUpload a real photo as /assets/img/kidney-renal-diet.webpWho is this for?
- Chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages 3–5, not on dialysis
- Haemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis patients
- Kidney stones (diet differs by stone type)
- Diabetic kidney disease
Why renal diets need a dietitian
Kidney needs change with your stage and labs. Before dialysis, protein is often moderated. On dialysis, protein needs go up. Potassium and phosphorus limits depend on blood results, so generic online lists can be dangerous.
Practical desi tips (depending on your labs)
| Nutrient | Common sources | Typical approach |
|---|---|---|
| Salt | Achar, papad, namkeen, restaurant food | Limit strictly; season with lemon, herbs and spices |
| Potassium | Aloo, tomato, banana, dates, coconut water | Leach aloo and vegetables (peel, cut, soak and boil) when potassium is high |
| Phosphorus | Cola drinks, processed cheese, packaged foods | Avoid phosphate additives; check phosphate binder timing |
| Protein | Daal, chicken, eggs, dahi | Amount set by stage: lower before dialysis, higher on dialysis |
| Fluid | Water, chai, soups, salan gravy | Limit if advised; count all liquids |
Working with your nephrologist
Sadaf works to your nephrologist's targets and reviews each new creatinine, eGFR, potassium, phosphorus and albumin result to update the plan.
- Rice, roti in set portions
- Leached vegetables
- Apple, pear, guava
- Egg whites, chicken (portion-controlled)
- Daal and chana
- Milk and dahi
- Tomato, aloo (after leaching)
- Nuts
- Achar, papad, namkeen
- Cola drinks
- Processed cheese, packet foods
- Bananas, dates, coconut water if potassium is high
CKD stages and diet focus
| Stage | eGFR | Typical diet focus |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2 | 60+ | Control BP and sugar, less salt, healthy weight |
| 3a–3b | 30–59 | Moderate protein, salt limit, watch potassium/phosphorus by labs |
| 4 | 15–29 | Tighter protein, potassium and phosphorus control |
| 5 / dialysis | < 15 | Higher protein, strict fluid, potassium and phosphorus limits |
📷 Peeled and soaked potato cubes for leaching potassiumUpload a real photo as /assets/img/renal-diet-leaching.webpHow to leach vegetables (for high potassium)
- Peel and cut into small pieces
- Rinse in warm water
- Soak in plenty of warm water for at least 2 hours (change the water once)
- Boil in fresh water, discard the water, then cook as usual
Kidney stones
Diet depends on stone type. For the common calcium oxalate stones: drink enough to pass 2–2.5 litres of urine a day, use less salt, keep normal (not low) calcium, and moderate high-oxalate foods such as palak and nuts. Lemon water can help. Bring your stone analysis report if you have one.
Want a plan made for you? Book an appointment with Sadaf Sajid, in clinic at E-11/3 or online.
Book Appointment WhatsAppFrequently asked questions
What foods should kidney patients avoid?
It depends on your stage and blood results. Common limits are high-salt foods, cola drinks and processed foods with phosphate additives, and, when potassium is high, foods like bananas, dates and unleached potatoes. Get a personalised list from a dietitian.
Can kidney patients eat daal?
Often yes, in controlled portions. Daal provides protein, potassium and phosphorus, so the amount depends on your labs and stage.
How do I reduce potassium in vegetables?
Peel, cut into small pieces, soak in warm water, then boil in plenty of water and discard it. This "leaching" lowers potassium in aloo and many vegetables.
Aksar Pooche Jane Wale Sawalat (Roman Urdu)
Gurde ke mareez kya na khayen?
Har mareez ka plan alag hota hai. Aam tor par namak, cold drinks aur packet wali cheezein kam karein. Potassium zyada ho to kela, khajoor aur aloo bina leaching ke na khayen.
Kya dialysis mein protein zyada lena hota hai?
Ji haan, dialysis par aksar protein ki zaroorat barh jati hai. Miqdar dietitian aur doctor tay karte hain.
Related services
Diabetes diet plan
Lower HbA1c and steadier sugars with a plan built around roti, rice and chai.
Cholesterol & BP diet
Lower LDL, triglycerides and blood pressure with a DASH-style desi plate.
Sources
This page is for general education and does not replace advice from your doctor. Nutrition therapy works alongside medical treatment; never stop or change medication without your doctor. Individual results vary.
Ready to start your healing journey?
In-clinic at E-11/3, Islamabad or online anywhere. Mon–Fri 4:00–7:00 pm.