Eat to heal
Food is medicine. The right nutrition protects your kidneys and sustains your life.
Understanding your kidney stage
Each stage of kidney disease requires different nutritional choices. Find your stage below to learn what matters most for your health.
The foundation for all kidney-friendly eating
Keep sodium low, choose fresh foods, and limit processed items. Work with your doctor on portion sizes.
Early detection means more flexibility
Focus on preventing progression through balanced nutrition. Sodium and blood pressure control are your priorities now.
Monitoring becomes more important here
Watch potassium and phosphorus levels closely. Sodium remains essential to manage. Your doctor guides portion adjustments.
Careful balance protects your remaining function
Potassium, phosphorus, and sodium all need attention now. Protein intake may need adjustment. Consult your nephrologist regularly.
Dialysis changes your nutritional needs
Dialysis removes some minerals, so your restrictions may shift. Fluid intake becomes critical. Your renal dietitian is essential.
A new chapter with different considerations
Your transplanted kidney may handle potassium and phosphorus differently. Medications affect nutrition too. Stay in touch with your team.
Important medical guidance
The information shared on ThreeKidneyBeans is educational in nature and reflects current medical nutrition guidelines for kidney disease management. We created this platform to help families understand nutrition's role in kidney health, but these guidelines are not a substitute for personalized medical advice.
Your kidney disease is unique to you. What works for one person may not work for another, and your needs change as your condition evolves. The stage you're in, your lab values, your medications, and your overall health all matter. Only your nephrologist and renal dietitian know your complete picture.
Before making significant changes to your diet, talk with your healthcare team. They can review these principles in the context of your specific situation and adjust recommendations based on your recent lab work and medical history. This conversation is not optional—it's essential.
We believe in the power of food to support healing and quality of life. We also believe in the wisdom of the doctors and specialists who know you best. Use ThreeKidneyBeans as a starting point for understanding kidney-friendly nutrition, then bring what you learn to your next appointment. That's where real healing happens.