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Providing kidney diet advice and recipes to educate and
empower people with Chronic Kidney Disease.
The Irish Kidney Diet website has been developed by CORU registered Renal Dietitians.

How should I begin changing my diet when I have early Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)?

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) usually develops gradually over time…

so if you find out you have kidney disease; you have an opportunity to slow down the loss of kidney function by making some changes to your diet and lifestyle.


If you have high blood pressure…

controlling your blood pressure is a very important way to help slow down the decline in kidney function. Dietary measures to help control blood pressure include reducing salt intake, drinking less alcohol and losing weight if overweight. Lifestyle measures such as stopping smoking and taking regular exercise will also help control blood pressure.


If you have diabetes…

controlling your blood sugar (glucose) levels and maintaining a healthy weight, or losing weight if overweight will help slow the development of kidney disease.


If you have raised cholesterol levels…

dietary measures including reducing your total fat intake; and your intake of saturated fat (including butter, fat on meat/ skin on poultry), can help lower cholesterol and thereby reduce your risk of heart problems.


In early CKD…

keeping your portions of protein rich foods (such as meat, fish, eggs, dairy products and pulses) to modest amounts may help to slow down the decline of kidney function. It is important to include protein foods in your diet, however large portions are not recommended. Your Kidney (Renal) Dietitian can give you more individual advice.