What Can You Not Eat With Stage 3 Kidney Disease?

October 30, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the National Kidney Foundation, an estimated 37 million American adults have kidney disease, with many unaware they have it. For those diagnosed with stage 3, understanding what you can not eat with stage 3 kidney disease is a critical part of managing the condition and potentially slowing its progression.

Quick Summary

A stage 3 kidney disease diet typically requires limiting intake of certain nutrients. This includes avoiding high-sodium processed foods, high-potassium fruits and vegetables, and foods rich in phosphorus additives to reduce stress on the kidneys. It is best to consult with a dietitian for personalized guidance.

Key Points

Restrict Sodium: Avoid processed foods, deli meats, and salty snacks to manage blood pressure and fluid buildup caused by impaired kidney function.
Limit Potassium: Certain fruits, vegetables, and beans can cause potassium to build up in the blood, so their consumption may need to be limited.
Control Phosphorus: High phosphorus from dairy, nuts, and added phosphates can weaken bones and harm blood vessels; limit these foods to protect your heart.
Watch Protein Intake: A moderate intake of high-quality protein, such as fish and eggs, is often recommended to reduce the workload on your kidneys.
Seek Professional Guidance: A renal dietitian is crucial for creating a personalized meal plan tailored to your specific nutrient levels and health needs.
Read Food Labels: Carefully check ingredient lists for hidden sources of sodium and phosphate additives (e.g., ingredients with 'phos') in packaged foods.
Flavor Creatively: Use herbs, spices, and low-sodium seasonings instead of salt to enhance flavors without compromising your renal diet.

For individuals with stage 3 chronic kidney disease (CKD), proper nutrition is one of the most effective tools for managing symptoms and preventing further kidney damage. The kidneys at this stage have a moderately reduced ability to filter waste and balance nutrients, making certain minerals and substances harmful when consumed in excess. A key part of the treatment plan involves a renal diet that restricts foods high in sodium, potassium, and phosphorus.

High-Sodium Foods to Avoid

Excess sodium can cause fluid buildup, which raises blood pressure and puts extra strain on your kidneys. Reducing sodium intake is crucial for protecting your cardiovascular and kidney health.

Processed and packaged foods: This category includes most canned soups, instant noodles, frozen dinners, and convenience meals, which are loaded with sodium for preservation and flavor. Always check food labels for words like 'salt,' 'sodium,' or 'brine.'
Processed meats: Deli meats, bacon, sausage, and hot dogs contain high levels of sodium-based preservatives.
Salty snacks: Chips, pretzels, and salted nuts should be avoided or replaced with unsalted versions.
Cured or pickled items: Pickles, olives, and relish are often preserved in high-salt brines and should be limited.
Salt substitutes: Many salt substitutes replace sodium with potassium chloride, which can be dangerous for those needing to limit potassium intake. Stick to herbs and spices for flavoring instead of salt.

High-Potassium Foods to Limit

When kidney function is compromised, potassium can accumulate in the blood, leading to a potentially dangerous condition called hyperkalemia, which can cause serious heart problems. Your doctor or dietitian may advise limiting or avoiding high-potassium foods depending on your blood test results.

Certain fruits: High-potassium fruits include bananas, oranges, dried fruits (dates, raisins, prunes, apricots), cantaloupe, and kiwis.
Specific vegetables: Avoid or limit tomatoes and tomato-based products, potatoes, sweet potatoes, and winter squash. Boiling potatoes can help reduce their potassium content, but it does not eliminate it entirely.
Dairy products: While good for bone health, many dairy products contain significant potassium and phosphorus.
Beans and legumes: Beans and lentils are nutritious but are often high in both potassium and phosphorus.
Dark-colored sodas: Certain sodas contain added phosphorus, which should be avoided.

High-Phosphorus Foods to Restrict

High phosphorus levels in the blood can weaken bones and cause calcium deposits in blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart disease. People with stage 3 CKD should focus on reducing their phosphorus intake, especially from added sources.

Processed foods with phosphate additives: Look for ingredients with 'phos,' such as phosphoric acid or sodium phosphate, in deli meats, instant mixes, processed cheeses, and some baked goods.
Dairy products: Milk, cheese, and yogurt are natural sources of phosphorus.
Whole grains: While generally healthy, whole grains like brown rice and whole wheat bread contain more phosphorus than their refined counterparts (white rice, white bread).
Nuts, seeds, and peanut butter: These are high in both phosphorus and potassium.
Dark colas and chocolate: These contain significant amounts of added or natural phosphorus.

Low-Protein Diet Considerations

For many with stage 3 CKD, a moderate protein intake is recommended to reduce the buildup of protein waste products in the blood. High-quality protein from sources like fish, poultry, and egg whites is often preferred over red or organ meats. Your dietitian will work with you to determine the appropriate amount for your body weight and specific condition.

Table: High vs. Low Nutrient Foods


Nutrient	High-Intake Foods (Limit/Avoid)	Low-Intake Alternatives (Choose)
Sodium	Canned soups, processed meats, fast food, salted snacks, deli meats	Fresh foods, unsalted seasoning blends, homemade soups, fresh vegetables
Potassium	Avocados, bananas, oranges, potatoes, tomatoes, dried fruits, most dairy	Apples, berries, grapes, cauliflower, bell peppers, peaches, white rice
Phosphorus	Dark colas, dairy products, nuts, seeds, whole grains, processed foods with 'phos' additives	Light-colored sodas, low-phosphorus dairy alternatives, refined grains (white bread, white rice), fish
Protein	Red meat, organ meats, processed meats	Fish, chicken, egg whites, smaller portions of lean meat, plant-based proteins (monitor phosphorus/potassium)

The Role of a Renal Dietitian

Navigating dietary restrictions can be complex. A registered dietitian who specializes in kidney health, known as a renal dietitian, can provide a personalized eating plan based on your specific lab work and health status. They can help you create satisfying meals that adhere to your dietary needs while preventing malnutrition. For more information and resources, the National Kidney Foundation offers extensive guidance on managing CKD through diet, medication, and lifestyle adjustments.

Conclusion

While a stage 3 kidney disease diagnosis requires significant dietary changes, it is not an end to enjoyable eating. By carefully managing your intake of sodium, potassium, and phosphorus and making smart protein choices, you can protect your kidneys from further damage. Making these changes in consultation with your healthcare team, especially a renal dietitian, is the best path forward for long-term health and well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bananas and oranges are high in potassium and should generally be limited or avoided if your blood potassium levels are elevated. Your doctor or dietitian will advise if you need to restrict them based on your lab results.

Many dairy products, including milk, cheese, and yogurt, are high in both phosphorus and potassium. Consumption should be limited. Cottage cheese, cream cheese, and ricotta may be lower-phosphorus alternatives in small amounts.

To reduce the potassium in potatoes, you can leach them by peeling, dicing, and soaking them in a large pot of water for several hours before cooking. Boiling in a large volume of water can also reduce the potassium content, though it doesn't remove all of it.

When reading food labels, look for any ingredient containing the letters "phos," such as phosphoric acid, sodium phosphate, or trisodium phosphate. Processed and packaged foods often contain these hidden additives.

Yes, you can use a variety of herbs, spices, and lemon juice to add flavor to your food without relying on salt. Onion powder, garlic powder, dill, and black pepper are excellent salt-free options.

In stage 3 CKD, fluid restriction is not always necessary. However, it may be required if you show signs of fluid retention, such as swelling. A doctor or dietitian will provide specific recommendations based on your condition.

Peanut butter and other nuts are high in phosphorus and potassium. They should be limited or consumed in moderation, depending on your lab test results and the guidance of your dietitian.