Dietary Guidance: What to Eat With Renal Cell Carcinoma

November 17, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 79,000 new cases of kidney cancer will be diagnosed in the US in 2024, with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) being the most common type. Learning what to eat with renal cell carcinoma is a crucial component of managing the disease, helping to support kidney function and overall well-being during treatment and recovery.

Quick Summary

A balanced, nutrient-dense diet is essential for those with renal cell carcinoma, focusing on whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and lean protein. Limiting sodium, processed foods, and being mindful of potassium and phosphorus is key, depending on kidney function. Adjustments may be necessary based on treatment side effects or remaining kidney health. Always consult your oncology team or a registered dietitian.

Key Points

Nutrient-Dense Foods: Focus on a plant-based, anti-inflammatory diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
Sodium Control: Limiting salt is crucial, especially for patients with reduced kidney function, to help manage blood pressure and fluid balance.
Mineral Awareness: Monitor phosphorus and potassium levels in your diet, as impaired kidneys may have trouble processing these minerals.
Lean Protein Sources: Choose lean proteins like skinless poultry, certain fish (e.g., sea bass), egg whites, and tofu to support healing and maintain muscle mass.
Food Safety: A weakened immune system from treatment means avoiding raw or undercooked foods is essential to prevent infections.
Manage Side Effects: Adjust your eating pattern to cope with treatment side effects like nausea or mouth sores by choosing soft, bland, or frequent small meals.
Personalized Guidance: Always consult a doctor or oncology dietitian for a personalized dietary plan based on your specific condition and treatment.

The Importance of Nutrition During Renal Cell Carcinoma Treatment

Managing your diet is a powerful and proactive step you can take when diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Proper nutrition can help you maintain a healthy weight, manage treatment side effects, boost your immune system, and support the remaining kidney's function, especially for those who have undergone a nephrectomy. However, dietary needs are highly individual and depend on your specific health status, treatment plan, and remaining kidney function. Therefore, working closely with your healthcare team, including an oncology dietitian, is vital.

Foods to Prioritize for Kidney Health

Adopting a plant-based, anti-inflammatory eating pattern is a cornerstone of a healthy diet for individuals with RCC. This approach focuses on nutrient-rich foods that provide energy and immune support while minimizing inflammation.

Fruits and Vegetables

Berries: Loaded with antioxidants, berries like blueberries and strawberries offer cellular protection and are typically low in potassium and phosphorus.
Cruciferous Vegetables: Broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage are excellent sources of nutrients and fiber. Broccoli, specifically, contains sulforaphane, a compound with potential anti-cancer effects shown in laboratory studies.
Bell Peppers: Red bell peppers are high in vitamin C and antioxidants and are low in potassium.
Garlic and Onions: These add flavor to meals without extra salt and have anti-inflammatory properties.

Lean Proteins

Fish: Opt for fatty fish like sea bass and salmon. These are great sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which help reduce inflammation. Sea bass is also a good low-phosphorus option.
Poultry: Skinless chicken and turkey breast provide high-quality protein needed for muscle maintenance and healing, with less phosphorus and potassium than red meat.
Plant-Based Proteins: Tofu, beans, and lentils are excellent protein sources, but if you have impaired kidney function, it's essential to monitor phosphorus and potassium levels with your dietitian. Egg whites are another easy-to-digest protein option.

Whole Grains and Healthy Fats

Whole Grains: Whole grains like brown rice and whole wheat pasta provide fiber and energy. If phosphorus is a concern, consult your doctor about suitable whole-grain options or alternatives like bulgur and buckwheat.
Healthy Fats: Healthy fats from avocados, olive oil, and flaxseed oil can help manage inflammation and aid in vitamin absorption.

Foods to Limit or Avoid with RCC

Just as important as what to eat is what to limit. Certain foods can put extra stress on the kidneys, raise inflammation, or interfere with treatment.

High-Sodium Processed Foods

Excess sodium intake can lead to high blood pressure and fluid retention, worsening kidney function. Avoid:

Processed meats (deli meat, cured meats)
Salty snacks (chips, pretzels)
Fast food and canned soups
Salty sauces and seasonings

High-Phosphorus and High-Potassium Foods

These minerals can accumulate in the blood if kidney function is compromised. Your doctor or dietitian will advise if these need to be limited based on your bloodwork. Examples to potentially limit include:

Phosphorus: Beans, nuts, seeds, processed bran cereals, chocolate, and some dairy products.
Potassium: Bananas, potatoes, spinach, and avocado. Alternatives like pineapple, cauliflower, and apples can be good substitutes.

Excess Protein

A diet overly high in animal protein makes the kidneys work harder. While protein is essential, the right amount and type are key, especially if you have reduced kidney function.

Raw or Undercooked Foods

During treatment, the immune system can be weakened, increasing the risk of foodborne illness. Avoid raw or undercooked meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs. Always wash produce thoroughly.

Table: Diet Recommendations for Renal Cell Carcinoma


Food Category	Recommended Options	Items to Limit or Avoid
Fruits	Berries, apples, grapes, pineapple, citrus fruit (with moderation), peaches	Bananas, avocados, high-potassium fruit juices
Vegetables	Broccoli, cauliflower, bell peppers, cabbage, carrots, onions	High-potassium vegetables like spinach (if advised)
Protein	Skinless chicken/turkey, fish (sea bass, salmon), egg whites, tofu	Red meat, processed meats, large portions of animal protein
Grains	Whole grains like bulgur, buckwheat, wild rice; whole-grain pasta and bread (ask dietitian about phosphorus)	Refined grains, processed bran cereals, salty crackers
Fats	Olive oil, avocado oil, nuts and seeds (moderation, if advised), flaxseed	Saturated and trans fats from fried and processed foods
Drinks	Water, fruit juices (unsweetened), coffee, green tea, electrolyte-rich fluids (if needed)	Sugary sodas, excessive alcohol, overly sweet beverages, excessive fluid (if kidney function is low)

Individualized Needs and Managing Side Effects

Treatments for RCC can cause various side effects that affect eating habits. Your dietitian can provide personalized strategies.

Managing Nausea: Eat small, frequent meals, and opt for bland, room-temperature foods. Avoid strong smells, and consider dry crackers, toast, and plain rice.
Combatting Low Appetite: Try eating your largest meal when you feel hungriest. Nutrient-rich smoothies with protein powder or Greek yogurt can be a good way to get calories and nutrients.
Dealing with Mouth Sores: Choose soft, moist foods that are easy to chew and swallow. Avoid spicy, acidic, or rough-textured foods.
Preventing Constipation: Increase fiber intake with whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, and ensure adequate fluid intake and mobility.

Conclusion: Empowering Yourself Through Nutrition

A dietary plan for renal cell carcinoma is not about deprivation but about empowerment. By focusing on a balanced, nutrient-dense diet and working closely with your healthcare team, you can better manage symptoms, support your body during treatment, and improve your overall quality of life. Tailoring your food choices to your individual needs and treatment side effects is key to navigating this journey successfully.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Optional Outbound Link

For more information on kidney cancer support and nutrition, visit the Canadian Cancer Society's guidance on the topic.

Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, you do not need to avoid all fruits and vegetables. Instead, you may need to be mindful of fruits and vegetables that are high in potassium, such as bananas and potatoes, if your kidney function is impaired. Many other options, like berries and bell peppers, are excellent low-potassium choices.

The amount of protein needed is individual. While protein is crucial for maintaining muscle mass during treatment, a diet with excessive animal protein can stress compromised kidneys. A dietitian can help determine the appropriate intake and suggest a balance of plant-based and lean animal proteins.

Processed foods are often high in sodium, phosphorus, and unhealthy fats, all of which can strain kidney function and increase inflammation. Reducing these foods is a protective measure for kidney health.

To combat low appetite, try eating smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day. Smoothies made with protein powder, yogurt, and low-potassium fruits can be a good way to get concentrated calories and nutrients. It's also helpful to eat when your appetite is strongest.

While diet is not a cure for cancer, maintaining a healthy, anti-inflammatory diet after treatment is believed to help lower the risk of cancer recurrence and offers numerous overall health benefits. This is an area of ongoing research.

If you experience nausea, try consuming small, frequent meals of bland foods like crackers, toast, or rice. Avoid spicy, fatty, or overly sweet foods and strong smells. Sipping fluids slowly throughout the day can also help.

You should always consult your doctor before taking any supplements, including antioxidants. Concentrated doses in supplements can sometimes interfere with cancer treatments. It is best to obtain nutrients from whole food sources unless advised otherwise by a healthcare provider.