What are some general diet guidelines I can follow to assist with keeping my kidney/kidneys healthy?
A strong link exists between diet and cancer. Following cancer prevention guidelines can also assist in reducing the risk of progression, recurrence, or spread of kidney cancer. Research supports the following recommendations: • Choose mostly plant foods, limit red meat, and avoid processed meat. • Be physically active every day in any way for 30 minutes or more. • Aim to be a healthy weight through diet and exercise (www.AICR.com). For kidney cancer patients, getting enough fluid and a diet low in sodium may also be recommended. Your dietitian can assist you in making these changes. My physician wants me to follow a “renal diet”. What does that mean? Most patients with kidney cancer will not be placed on a “renal diet”. However, this diet may be recommended if your kidneys are not doing a good job filtering waste products in the blood. The diet is designed to provide enough calories and protein without too much sodium, potassium, and phosphorous. This diet can vary based on your indiv