If you have kidney disease, it’s important to watch your intake of sodium, potassium, and phosphorus. Foods that contain high amounts include cola, brown rice, bananas, processed meats, and dried fruits.
When your kidneys become damaged and cannot function properly, fluid can build up in your body, and waste can accumulate in your blood.
Following a kidney-friendly diet and avoiding or limiting certain foods can help decrease the accumulation of waste products in your blood, improve your kidney function, and prevent further damage (3).
In addition to the calories and sugar that sodas provide, they harbor additives that contain phosphorus, especially dark-colored sodas.
Many food and beverage manufacturers add phosphorus during processing to enhance flavor, prolong shelf life, and prevent discoloration.
Your body absorbs this added phosphorus more than natural, animal-based, or plant-based phosphorus (9).
Unlike natural phosphorus, phosphorus in the form of additives is not bound to protein. Rather, it’s found in the form of salt and is highly absorbable by the intestinal tract (9).
Additive phosphorus can typically be found in a product’s ingredient list. However, food manufacturers are not required to list the exact amount of additive phosphorus on the label.
While additive phosphorus content varies depending on the type of soda, a 12-ounce (oz) or 355 milliliters (mL) cola contains 33.5 mg of phosphorus (10).
As a result, sodas, especially those that are dark, should usually be avoided on a renal diet.
While avocados are usually a healthy addition to the diet, they are considered one of the high-potassium foods to avoid with kidney disease.
In fact, one average-sized avocado provides a whopping 690 mg of potassium (11).
By reducing the portion size to one-fourth of an avocado, people with kidney disease can still include this food in their diets while limiting potassium, if needed.
Avocados, including guacamole, should be limited or avoided on a renal diet if you have been told to watch your potassium intake.
However, remember that different individuals have different needs, and your overall diet and health goals are the most important thing to consider.
Canned foods such as soups, vegetables, and beans are often purchased because of their low cost and convenience.
However, most canned foods contain high amounts of sodium, as salt is added as a preservative to increase its shelf life (12).
Due to the amount of sodium found in canned goods, it’s often recommended that people with kidney disease avoid or limit their consumption.
Additionally, draining and rinsing canned foods, such as canned beans and tuna, can significantly decrease the sodium content (13).
Whole wheat bread may be more nutritious, mostly due to its higher fiber content. However, white bread is usually recommended over whole wheat varieties for individuals with kidney disease.
This is because of its phosphorus and potassium content. The more bran and whole grains in the bread, the higher the phosphorus and potassium contents (14).
For example, a regular slice, or 36-gram (g) serving, of whole wheat bread contains about 76 mg of phosphorus and 90 mg of potassium. In comparison, a regular slice (28 g) of white bread contains approximately 32 mg of phosphorus and potassium (15, 16).
Eating one slice of whole wheat bread instead of two can help lower your potassium and phosphorus intake without giving up whole wheat bread entirely.
Note that most bread and bread products, regardless of whether they’re white or whole wheat, also contain relatively high amounts of sodium (17).
It’s best to compare the nutrition labels of various types of bread, choose a lower sodium option if possible, and monitor your portion sizes.
Like whole wheat bread, brown rice is a whole grain that has a higher potassium and phosphorus content than its white rice counterpart.
Each cup (155 g) of cooked brown rice contains 149 mg of phosphorus and 95 mg of potassium, while 1 cup (186 g) of cooked white rice contains only 69 mg of phosphorus and 54 mg of potassium (18, 19).
You may be able to fit brown rice into a renal diet, but only if the portion is controlled and balanced with other foods to avoid an excessive daily intake of potassium and phosphorus.
Bulgur, buckwheat, pearled barley, and couscous are nutritious, lower-phosphorus grains that can make a good substitute for brown rice.
While naturally low in sodium, 1 medium banana provides 422 mg of potassium (20).
If you have been instructed to limit your potassium intake, it may not be easy if a banana is a daily staple.
However, pineapples contain substantially less potassium than other tropical fruits and can be a more suitable yet tasty alternative (21).
For example, 1 cup (240 mL) of whole milk provides 205 mg of phosphorus and 322 mg of potassium (22).
Yet, consuming too much dairy, in conjunction with other phosphorus-rich foods, can be detrimental to bone health in those with kidney disease.
This may sound surprising, as milk and dairy are often recommended for strong bones and muscle health.
However, when the kidneys are damaged, too much phosphorus consumption can cause a buildup of phosphorus in the blood, pulling calcium from your bones. This can make your bones thin and weak over time and increase your risk of bone breakage or fracture (23).
Dairy products are also high in protein. Each cup (240 mL) of whole milk provides nearly 8 g of protein (22).
It may be important to limit dairy intake to avoid the buildup of protein waste in the blood.
Dairy alternatives like unenriched rice milk and almond milk are much lower in potassium, phosphorus, and protein than cow’s milk, making them a good substitute for milk while on a renal diet.
While oranges and orange juice are arguably most well known for their vitamin C content, they’re also rich sources of potassium.
One large orange (184 g) provides 333 mg of potassium. Moreover, there are 458 mg of potassium in 1 cup (240 mL) of orange juice (24, 25).
Given their potassium content, oranges and orange juice likely need to be avoided or limited on a renal diet.
Grapes, apples, and cranberries, as well as their respective juices, are all good substitutes for oranges and orange juice, as they have lower potassium content.
Processed meats have long been associated with chronic diseases and are generally considered unhealthy due to their preservative contents (26, 27).
Processed meats typically contain large amounts of salt, mostly to improve their taste and preserve flavor (28).
Therefore, it may not be easy to keep your daily sodium intake to less than 2,300 mg if processed meats are abundant in your diet.
If you have been told to monitor your protein intake, it’s important to limit processed meats for this reason as well.
For example, one pickle spear can contain around 283 mg of sodium. Likewise, there are 244 mg of sodium in 2 tablespoons (30 g) of sweet pickle relish (29, 30).
Processed olives also tend to be salty, as they’re cured and fermented to taste less bitter. Five green pickled olives provide about 211 mg of sodium, a significant portion of the daily amount in only a small serving (31).
Many grocery stores stock reduced-sodium varieties of pickles, olives, and relish, which contain less sodium than their traditional counterparts.
However, even reduced sodium options can still be high in sodium, so you will still want to watch your portions.
They’re also high in potassium. Each cup (165 g) of fresh, sliced apricots provides 427 mg of potassium (32).
Just 1 cup (130 g) of dried apricots provides over 1,500 mg of potassium (33).
This means that just 1 cup of dried apricots provides 75% of the 2,000-mg low potassium restriction.
Just one medium-sized baked potato (156 g) contains 610 mg of potassium, whereas one average-sized baked sweet potato (114 g) contains 542 mg of potassium (34, 35).
Fortunately, some high-potassium foods, including potatoes and sweet potatoes, can be soaked or leached to reduce their potassium contents.
In fact, some research suggests that boiling potatoes can significantly decrease their potassium content, especially if you start with cold water (36).
Soaking potatoes in water for 5–10 minutes could also reduce potassium by up to 20% (37).
Although double-cooking potatoes lowers the potassium content, it’s important to remember that their potassium content isn’t eliminated by this method.
Considerable amounts of potassium can still be present in double-cooked potatoes, so it’s best to practice portion control to keep potassium levels in check.
Just 1 cup (245 g) of tomato sauce can contain 728 mg of potassium (38).
Choosing an alternative with lower potassium content depends largely on your taste preferences. However, swapping tomato sauce for a roasted red pepper sauce can be equally delicious and provide less potassium per serving.
Among these foods, packaged, instant, and premade meals are usually the most heavily processed and thus contain the most sodium.
Keeping sodium intake to 2,300 mg per day may be difficult if you’re eating highly processed foods regularly.
Heavily processed foods not only contain a large amount of sodium but also commonly lack nutrients (39).
Swiss chard, spinach, and beet greens are leafy green vegetables with high amounts of nutrients and minerals, including potassium.
When served raw, the amount of potassium varies between 136–290 mg per cup (30–38 g) (40, 41, 42).
While leafy vegetables shrink to a smaller serving size when cooked, the potassium content remains unchanged.
For example, raw spinach can significantly shrink when cooked. Therefore, eating one-half cup of cooked spinach will contain a much higher amount of potassium than one-half cup of raw spinach.
Raw Swiss chard, spinach, and beet greens are preferable to cooked greens to avoid too much potassium.
However, moderate your intake of these foods, as they’re also high in oxalates. Among sensitive individuals, oxalates can increase the risk of kidney stones (43).
For example, 1 cup (174 g) of prunes provides 1,270 mg of potassium, which is nearly five times the amount of potassium found in 1 cup (165 g) of plums, its raw counterpart (44, 45).
Given the high amount of potassium in these common dried fruits, it’s best to go without them while on a renal diet to ensure your potassium levels remain favorable.
Ready-to-eat snack foods like pretzels, chips, and crackers tend to be lacking in nutrients and relatively high in salt.
Also, it’s easy to eat more than the recommended portion size of these foods, often leading to an even greater salt intake than intended.
What’s more, if chips are made from potatoes, they’ll contain a significant amount of potassium as well (47).
Following a kidney-friendly diet requires limiting several foods, which can be challenging. However, there are many nutritious and delicious recipes that you can still enjoy as part of a balanced kidney diet.
Those with end-stage kidney disease who require dialysis also have varying dietary restrictions. Dialysis is a type of treatment that removes extra water and filters waste (4).
Most of those with late or end-stage kidney disease need to follow a kidney-friendly diet to avoid a buildup of certain chemicals or nutrients in the blood (5).
In those with chronic kidney disease, the kidneys cannot adequately remove excess sodium, potassium, or phosphorus. As a result, they’re at a higher risk of elevated blood levels of these minerals (5).
A kidney-friendly diet, or renal diet, usually limits sodium to under 2,300 milligrams (mg) per day, as well as your potassium and phosphorus intake (5).
The National Kidney Foundation’s most recent Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative (KDOQI) guidelines don’t set specific limits on potassium or phosphorus (6).
Potassium and phosphorus are still a concern for people with kidney disease. Still, they should work closely with a doctor or dietitian to determine their personal limits for these nutrients, which are usually based on lab results.
Damaged kidneys may also have trouble filtering the waste products of protein metabolism. Therefore, individuals with chronic kidney disease of all stages, especially stage 3–5, should limit the amount of protein in their diets unless they’re on dialysis (6, 7).
However, those with end-stage kidney disease undergoing dialysis have an increased protein requirement (8).
Hey there, bacon lovers! If you’re dealin’ with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and wonderin’ if you gotta say goodbye to that crispy, salty goodness forever, I feel ya. Bacon’s like a hug on a plate, but when your kidneys ain’t playin’ nice, every bite counts So, can you eat bacon on a renal diet? Short answer sorta, but with some serious caveats We’re talkin’ tiny portions, not a breakfast buffet. Stick with me, and I’ll break it down real simple—why bacon’s a tricky beast, how ya might sneak it in safely, and what else you can munch on instead.
What’s a Renal Diet, Anyway?
Before we dive into the bacon drama, let’s get clear on what a renal diet even is. If you’ve got CKD, your kidneys are strugglin’ to filter out waste, extra fluid, and certain minerals from your blood A renal diet is like a game plan to ease that burden. It’s all about controllin’ what you eat so your kidneys don’t gotta work overtime Here’s the main stuff ya gotta watch
- Sodium (Salt): Too much makes ya hold onto fluid and jacks up blood pressure. Most renal diets cap it at about 2,300 mg a day.
- Phosphorus: When kidneys slip, this mineral builds up, pullin’ calcium from your bones and makin’ ‘em weak. Ya might aim for 800-1,000 mg daily, dependin’ on your doc’s advice.
- Potassium: This can mess with your heart if it piles up. Limits vary, but ya often gotta dodge high-potassium grub.
- Protein: Too much strains the kidneys with waste. Ya still need some to stay strong, but it’s a tightrope.
- Fluids: Some folks gotta limit liquids to avoid swellin’ up.
This ain’t a one-size-fits-all deal. Your exact needs depend on how far along your kidney issues are and what your lab results say. That’s why chattin’ with a doctor or dietitian is non-negotiable—they’ll tailor it to ya. But generally, a renal diet means cuttin’ back on processed junk, salty snacks, and certain meats. Which brings us to our star player—bacon.
Why Bacon’s a Problem on a Renal Diet
Alright, let’s not sugarcoat it. Bacon ain’t exactly kidney-friendly. I mean, it’s delicious, but it’s packin’ some serious punches that can knock your health outta whack. Here’s why it’s a red flag:
- Sodium Overload: One serving of bacon—think 2-3 strips—can slam ya with 350-500 mg of sodium. That’s like 15-20% of your daily limit in one go! Too much salt means fluid sticks around, blood pressure spikes, and your kidneys cry for help.
- Phosphorus Punch: Bacon’s got a hefty dose of phosphorus too, often coverin’ 20-25% of your daily cap in just a small portion. That buildup ain’t good for bones or blood.
- Protein Load: It’s a meat, so it’s got protein. While ya need some, too much means extra waste for your kidneys to handle.
- Processing Perils: Most bacon’s cured or smoked, which means extra sodium and sometimes dodgy additives that ain’t doin’ your body no favors.
So, when we stack it up, bacon’s like that friend who’s fun to hang with but always gets ya into trouble. It’s high-risk for anyone on a renal diet, especially if you’re not keepin’ tabs on portions or how often ya indulge.
Can Ya Eat Bacon at All? Here’s the Deal
Now, I ain’t here to crush your dreams entirely. Can you eat bacon on a renal diet? Yeah, kinda—but it’s gotta be a rare treat, not a daily habit. We’re talkin’ strict moderation, fam. Here’s how it might work if ya play your cards right:
- Portion Control is King: Stick to 1-2 slices max per serving. That keeps the sodium and phosphorus from goin’ haywire.
- Frequency Matters: Don’t make bacon a regular thing. Maybe 2-3 times a week at most, and even then, balance it with low-sodium, low-phosphorus foods the rest of the day.
- Check with Your Doc: I can’t stress this enough—your personal limits might be tighter or looser based on your kidney function. Get the green light from your healthcare team before even thinkin’ about it.
It ain’t about ditchin’ bacon forever; it’s about bein’ smart. A lil’ bit here and there might not wreck ya if you’re plannin’ your meals like a boss. But if your doc says no way don’t push it. Your kidneys ain’t worth the risk for a quick snack.
Tips to Make Bacon Less of a Kidney Killer
If you’re dead set on havin’ bacon every now and then, let’s talk hacks. There’s ways to cut the damage and still enjoy that smoky vibe. I’ve picked up a few tricks over time, and they might just save your bacon—pun intended!
- Pick the Right Kind: Go for center-cut bacon. It’s got less fat, which is better overall. Also, hunt for uncured or nitrate-free options to skip nasty additives.
- Bake, Don’t Fry: Frying adds extra sodium and grease. Instead, pop it on a rack over a baking sheet. Let that fat drip off while it cooks—less sodium stickin’ around.
- Blot That Grease: After cookin’, pat the bacon with paper towels. Soaks up extra fat and salt before it hits your plate.
- Crumble It Up: Don’t eat a whole strip solo. Crumble 1-2 slices over a dish—like a salad or eggs—as a flavor boost without overdoin’ it.
- Balance Your Plate: Pair bacon with low-sodium stuff at that meal. Think fresh veggies or plain rice to keep your daily totals in check.
- Hydrate Like Crazy: Sodium can dehydrate ya, so sip plenty of water (if fluids ain’t restricted for ya) to help flush it out.
These lil’ tweaks can make a big diff. It’s all about reducin’ the bad stuff while still gettin’ that bacon fix. But remember, this ain’t a free pass—keep track of everything else ya eat that day.
Healthier Alternatives to Bacon for a Renal Diet
Okay, real talk—sometimes bacon just ain’t worth the hassle. If your doc’s givin’ ya the side-eye or you’re worried about pushin’ your limits, there’s other options to scratch that savory itch. Here’s some swaps that are kinder to your kidneys:
- Turkey Bacon: Often lower in sodium than pork bacon. Still check the label—some brands sneak in extra salt.
- Canadian Bacon: Also called back bacon, it’s leaner and usually lighter on sodium and fat compared to the American strips we know.
- Beef Bacon: Made from brisket, it can be lower in sodium. Less common, but worth a peek if ya spot it.
- Tempeh Bacon: A veggie option from soybeans. It’s gotta that smoky taste if seasoned right, and it’s lower in the bad stuff if soy’s okay for ya.
- Coconut Bacon: Sounds weird, right? But it’s a vegan pick that mimics the crunch without meat, soy, or wheat. Sodium’s still a thing, so don’t go nuts.
These ain’t perfect—most still got some sodium—but they’re often a safer bet than regular bacon. Experiment a bit and see what vibes with ya. I’ve tried turkey bacon myself, and with the right spices, it ain’t half bad!
A Quick Look at Bacon vs. Alternatives
Let’s break it down visual-like with a table. This’ll help ya see how bacon stacks up against some swaps. Keep in mind, exact numbers vary by brand, so always peek at labels.
| Food | Sodium (mg per serving) | Phosphorus (approx. % of daily limit) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Pork Bacon | 350-500 | 20-25% | High risk; limit to 1-2 slices max. |
| Turkey Bacon | 200-350 | 15-20% | Better, but still watch portions. |
| Canadian Bacon | 200-300 | 15-20% | Leaner, less sodium usually. |
| Tempeh Bacon | 150-250 | 10-15% | Veggie option, check for soy limits. |
| Coconut Bacon | 100-200 | 5-10% | Vegan, low impact but still salty. |
This ain’t gospel—your serving size and daily needs might shift these numbers. But it gives ya a rough idea of what’s less likely to mess with your kidneys.
What Else Should Ya Watch on a Renal Diet?
Since we’re on the topic, bacon ain’t the only thing to stress over. A renal diet’s got a lotta rules, and knowin’ the big no-nos can keep ya outta trouble. Here’s a quick rundown of other stuff to limit or skip:
- Processed Meats: Think ham, hot dogs, sausage. They’re sodium and phosphorus bombs, just like bacon.
- Dark Sodas: These got phosphorus additives that sneak up on ya. Stick to water or ask your doc about safe drinks.
- High-Potassium Fruits: Bananas, oranges, avocados—these can spike potassium levels. Go for apples, berries, or pineapple instead.
- Dairy Overload: Milk and cheese got phosphorus and protein. Small amounts might be fine, or try almond milk if it’s cool with your dietitian.
- Salty Snacks: Chips, pretzels, popcorn with salt. They’re sodium traps. Look for unsalted versions if ya crave crunch.
It’s a lotta “don’ts,” I know. But focus on what ya can have—fresh veggies like carrots or green beans, plain rice, lean fish in small portions. Build meals around those and treat risky stuff like bacon as a side gig, not the main event.
How to Plan Meals with Bacon in Mind
If you’re gonna sneak bacon into your life, ya gotta plan like a general goin’ to war. Here’s how I’d do it if I was in your shoes:
- Start with Your Limits: Know your daily caps for sodium, phosphorus, and protein. If ya don’t got exact numbers, bug your dietitian for ‘em.
- Budget for Bacon: Say ya want 2 slices tomorrow. That’s maybe 400 mg sodium. Plan the rest of your day under 1,900 mg to stay safe.
- Low-Sodium Sides: Pair that bacon with unsalted eggs or a plain apple. Don’t add salty hash browns or processed junk.
- Track It All: Write down what ya eat or use an app. It’s a pain, but it stops ya from guessin’ and messin’ up.
- Don’t Double Dip: If ya have bacon, skip other high-sodium stuff that day. No ham sandwich or canned soup—keep it clean.
Plannin’ takes effort, but it’s how ya keep control. I’ve seen folks get sloppy with diets and regret it big time. Don’t be that guy—stay sharp.
Emotional Side of Diet Changes (It Sucks, I Know)
Let’s get real for a sec. Changin’ how ya eat ‘cause of kidney disease ain’t just about food—it’s a head trip. Bacon might seem like a small thing, but givin’ up faves can feel like losin’ a piece of yourself. I’ve been there with other health stuff, feelin’ like every meal’s a chore or a fight. If you’re missin’ that sizzle and smell, it’s okay to be bummed.
Here’s my two cents: find joy in what ya can do. Maybe it’s spicin’ up low-sodium dishes with herbs or tryin’ a new bacon swap that surprises ya. Chat with friends or fam about your struggles—they might got ideas or just listen while ya vent. And hey, if bacon’s your hill to die on, work with your dietitian to fit it in safely once in a blue moon. Life’s too short to hate every bite.
Wrappin’ It Up: Bacon’s a Maybe, Not a Must
So, can you eat bacon on a renal diet? It’s a cautious “maybe.” With CKD, your kidneys need all the help they can get, and bacon’s high sodium and phosphorus make it a risky pick. But with super tight portions—1-2 slices max, a couple times a week—and smart prep like baking, ya might swing it. Always, always run it by your doctor or dietitian first, ‘cause your situation’s unique.
If bacon’s too much of a gamble, alternatives like turkey or Canadian bacon can fill the gap with less drama. Focus on buildin’ meals around kidney-safe stuff—fresh, low-sodium, low-phosphorus options—and treat bacon like a special guest, not a roommate. We’re rootin’ for ya to find balance, keep your health in check, and still enjoy a tasty life. Got questions or feelin’ stuck? Drop a comment, and I’ll do my best to help ya out. Keep fightin’ the good fight!
Is peanut butter good for the kidneys?
Peanut butter is a good source of plant-based protein. It’s naturally low in carbohydrates, and has plenty of fiber to aid digestion. It’s a good substitute for meat in a kidney diet plan.
However, it’s worth noting that 2 tablespoons of peanut butter also has 65 milligrams of oxalate, and high amounts of oxalate can contribute to kidney stones (54, 55). Talk with your doctor if you’re prone to kidney stones, as you may want avoid or reduce your peanut butter consumption.
Also, when purchasing peanut butter, be sure to look for brands that don’t add extra salt and sugar.
What foods help your kidneys work better?
The best thing you can do to help your kidneys work better is to eat a well-balanced diet full of nutritious, vitamin-rich foods that are low in sodium, potassium, and phosphorus (53).
Some examples include:
- tofu
- cheese that’s low in phosphorus (such as goat cheese, grated parmesan, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, Swiss cheese, and Brie)
- milk alternatives (such as oat, soy, or rice)
- healthy cooking oils (such as olive oil, safflower oil, or sesame oil)
- fish
- fresh fruit (like strawberries, blueberries, apples, pomegranates)
- beans
Can You Eat Bacon on a Kidney Diet? | Bacon and Renal Diet
FAQ
Is bacon good for a renal diet?
Avoid smoked, cured, salted, and canned meat, fish, and poultry. This includes ham, bacon, hot dogs, and luncheon meats. You may use lemon, herbs, and spices to flavour your meals. Learn more about sodium and your diet.
What meats can you eat on a renal diet?
Choose the lean cuts of meat like skinless chicken or turkey breasts, pork chops or tenderloin, and beef tenderloin, flank steak, top loin, porterhouse, T-bone, and trimmed veal.
Are scrambled eggs good for the kidneys?
Scrambled eggs can be a good source of protein for individuals with healthy kidneys or those with chronic kidney disease (CKD) (when consumed in moderation and with consideration for phosphorus and sodium intake).
What should I eat for breakfast if I have kidney problems?
- Day 1: Low-Potassium Smoothie. …
- Day 2: Nutty Oatmeal. …
- Day 3: Protein-Packed Greek Yogurt. …
- Day 4: Scrambled Eggs with a Twist. …
- Day 5: Breakfast Burrito Bliss. …
- Day 6: Avocado Toast. …
- Day 7: Fresh Fruit Bowl.
Can you eat bacon if you have chronic kidney disease?
If you have Chronic Kidney Disease and are not on dialysis, then you need to keep in mind that bacon is considered a high protein food. Many people with CKD who are not on dialysis are advised to lower their protein intake. We recommend using small portions of bacon to add flavor to dishes without adding a lot of protein.
How can I make bacon more kidney friendly with sodium?
The key to making bacon more kidney friendly with sodium is to compare nutrition facts and find the one with the least amount of sodium that also contains no phosphorus additives. Interestingly enough, we did a little taste test of bacon in our house recently, and my kids LOVED the lower sodium bacon.
Can you eat bacon if you have CKD?
Many people with CKD who are not on dialysis are advised to lower their protein intake. We recommend using small portions of bacon to add flavor to dishes without adding a lot of protein. For people on dialysis, bacon is high in protein, but it is also typically high in sodium, so we still recommend keeping portions under control.
Does Publix have kidney friendly Bacon?
Although this kidney friendly bacon is not advertised as being lower sodium, the sodium content is comparable to many “lower sodium” bacons. Note that Publix also sells a “lower sodium bacon”, but it contains phosphate additives, so be sure you are getting the uncured Greenwise bacon.
Is Smithfield Bacon kidney friendly?
Smithfield is a popular brand of bacon, but this is their only somewhat kidney friendly bacon. It contains no added phosphates and is relatively lower in sodium compared to regular bacon (although it is one of the highest sodium ones fetaured on this page).
Can you eat meat if you have kidney disease?
If you do eat meat and have kidney disease, it is important to choose low phosphorus meats. Meat (and most proteins) are a major source of phosphorus in our diet. A high phosphorus diet can damage your heart and bones. Importantly, high phosphorus levels are also associated with faster progression of kidney disease and higher mortality. (6)