If you’re living with kidney disease, your doctor may recommend a low-protein diet to help protect your kidneys. Protein is important for building muscles and keeping your body strong, but too much can make your kidneys work harder. This can be a problem, especially for people with rare kidney diseases like complement 3 glomerulopathy (C3G) and immune complex-mediated membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (IC-MPGN). Over time, too much protein can cause kidney damage and even lead to kidney failure.

Not everyone with kidney disease follows the same protein recommendations. If you’re on dialysis, you might need to eat more protein. If you’ve had a kidney transplant, you may need a moderate amount. It’s important to talk to your doctor about the amount of protein that can help protect your kidney health and well-being.

Protein and Kidney Disease

In C3G, IC-MPGN, and other types of kidney disease, the glomeruli (tiny filters in the kidneys) don’t work as well as they should. This makes it harder for the body to remove waste products and extra fluid. Eating too much protein can lead to proteinuria (higher protein levels in the urine) and may be a sign that the kidneys are under strain. Proteinuria can cause a range of symptoms, including:

• Edema (swollen feet, ankles, face, or belly)
• Appetite loss, nausea, or vomiting
• Shortness of breath
• Frequent urination and foamy urine
• Muscle cramping

Proteinuria can be an early sign of kidney disease. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider if you experience these types of symptoms.

Low-Protein Foods

Changes in diet are an important aspect of managing kidney disease. In addition to suggesting that you reduce your protein intake, your doctor may recommend eating foods that are low in sodium (salt). Too much sodium can cause the body to retain water, which can lead to high blood pressure and put stress on damaged kidneys.

To help ensure that you meet your nutritional needs while eating less protein, focus on portion sizes and balanced meals with plenty of healthy fruits, vegetables, and other healthy foods. This approach can help you feel full and satisfied while protecting your kidneys.

Talk to your doctor to find out how much protein is right for you. Protein is measured in grams, and your daily needs depend on factors such as your weight and your kidney function.

Here are some kidney-friendly, low-protein foods that you can enjoy while helping to reduce damage to your kidneys.

Plant-Based Proteins

Lentils, beans, nuts, seeds, and whole grains provide healthy protein that’s high in fiber and cholesterol-free, which is good for your heart. Plant proteins can be included in salads, soups, or meals with other cooked vegetables. Here is the protein content of some common plant-based proteins:

• Tofu, made from soybeans (1/2 cup) — 12 grams
• Quinoa (1/2 cup dry) — 12 grams
• Lentils, cooked (1/2 cup) — 9 grams
• Kidney, black, or pinto beans, cooked (1/2 cup) — 7.5 grams
• Brown rice (1/2 cup dry) — 6 grams
• Flax seeds (3 tablespoons) — 6 grams
• Peanut butter or almond butter (2 tablespoons) — 6 grams
• Chia seeds (1 ounce) — 5 grams
• Oats (1/2 cup dry) — 5 grams
• Walnuts (1/4 cup) — 4 grams

Most plant-based proteins don’t have all the essential amino acids your body needs. By eating a variety of plant-based proteins, you can get a complete balance of these important nutrients.

You can work with a registered dietitian to ensure that you’re getting all the nutrients you need while protecting your kidney health. Your doctor can refer you to a dietitian who’s familiar with the needs of people with kidney disease.

Sandwiches

A simple sandwich can be a delicious way to enjoy a protein-rich meal. Just tuck a few thin slices of meat between a couple of slices of whole-grain bread and add plenty of lettuce, tomato, pickles, cucumber, or any other vegetables you like.

Some deli meats are very high in salt. If you buy sliced meat from a deli instead of using home-cooked meat, choose low-sodium products. A 2-ounce portion of low-sodium deli turkey breast or chicken provides 12 grams of protein in a low-protein, low-fat option. Ask the deli clerk to slice the meat very thinly to help control portion size. They can also weigh it accurately, so you get just the right amount.

Soups

Vegetable-packed soups offer another filling, low-protein meal option. Adding low-protein whole grains, pasta, beans, or legumes can provide bulk and calories to make the soup more satisfying. When making creamy soups, try using a milk substitute such as soy, oat, almond, or cashew milk instead of cow’s milk, which contains 9 grams of protein per cup.

Here’s the protein content of 1 cup of some common dairy alternatives:

• Soy milk – 7 grams
• Oat milk – 2 grams
• Almond milk – 1 gram
• Cashew milk – 1 gram
• Coconut milk – 0.5 gram

Why You May Need To Avoid Dairy Products

Besides being higher in protein than plant-based milk alternatives, dairy products contain high levels of phosphorus. In people with kidney disease, too much phosphorus can build up in the blood, pulling calcium from the bones and making them weaker. High phosphorus levels can also lead to serious health problems, including heart disease.

Although plant-based milk is considered a good alternative for people with kidney disease, always check ingredients to be sure that phosphorus additives aren’t included. Phosphorus can be found in ingredients that use the terms “phosphate” or “phosphoric acid.”

Eggs

An egg has about 6 grams of protein, depending on the size. However, egg yolks are high in phosphorus. Your doctor may advise you to eat only the whites and avoid the yolks.

Meals With Meat and Fish as Sides

If you have kidney disease and need to limit protein, try eating smaller portions of animal protein. Think of vegetables and grains as the main part of your meal, with meat, poultry, or fish as a side dish.

Stir-fries, casseroles, and salads can include meat, poultry, or fish — just in smaller portions than you might typically eat. Beef, lamb, turkey, chicken, pork, and fish are considered high in protein, at 7 grams per ounce. Shrimp has 6 grams per ounce. Depending on your doctor’s recommendations, 1 or 2 ounces of meat, poultry, or fish might be an appropriate portion size for you.

Discuss Protein and Other Food Restrictions With Your Doctor

If your doctor hasn’t discussed protein levels and dietary restrictions with you, schedule an appointment to learn which types of foods support kidney health. Be sure to ask about other foods and ingredients you may need to limit in addition to sodium and phosphorus, including:

• Potassium — Can cause muscle and heart problems if blood levels get too high
• Saturated fat, found in foods such as red meat and butter — Can harm the kidneys and heart
• Processed foods, including hot dogs and bacon — Tend to be high in sodium and other additives, such as phosphate
• Liquids — May need to be limited to reduce stress on kidneys and help prevent edema and high blood pressure
• Sugar — Can contribute to weight gain and other health issues

If you need help figuring out meal plans and a kidney diet that’s healthy for you, don’t hesitate to ask your doctor for a referral to a dietitian.

Find Your Team

On MyKidneyDiseaseTeam, the social network for people living with rare kidney disease and their loved ones, members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with kidney disease.

Do you follow a low-protein diet? What are your favorite low-protein foods? Share your tips in the comments below, or post a question on your Activities page.