Consuming excess salt can increase your blood pressure, making it harder for your kidneys to function properly. If you have CKD, your doctor might recommend dietary changes to reduce your salt intake.
Table salt (NaCl) is a combination of the minerals sodium and chloride. The human body needs both, but for some people, excess salt puts too much strain on the kidneys.
This article explains how dietary sodium can affect those with chronic kidney disease, alongside ways to reduce sodium intake.
Table salt is a source of dietary sodium. You’ll find sodium in many foods, such as:
- bread
- cold cuts
- soups
- condiments
- sauces
- chips
- crackers
Most of our sodium comes from processed, packaged, and restaurant foods. Only a small amount comes from adding table salt to foods we cook or eat.
Dietary sodium is important. It helps maintain fluid balance and aids in nerve and muscle function. However, too much sodium can contribute to some common health issues.
The
In addition to being a risk factor for heart disease, high blood pressure is one of the leading risk factors for kidney disease.
Research also links high salt intake with kidney function decline independent of blood pressure.
According to the National Kidney Foundation, a healthy diet shouldn’t contain more than 2,300 milligrams (mg) of sodium daily.
How much sodium you can eat may depend on your stage of CKD. Talk with your doctor or a dietitian about the amount of dietary sodium that’s right for you.
It can be helpful to plan for the entire day when deciding what to eat to ensure you don’t exceed your limit.
Pay close attention to portion sizes for packaged food. If you eat more than what is on the can or box, your sodium intake will be higher, too.
Reducing dietary salt intake is an important part of managing CKD. If your kidneys can’t keep up with your salt intake, sodium and fluid can build up in your body. This can cause symptoms like:
- swollen ankles
- shortness of breath
- puffiness
- increased blood pressure
- fluid around your heart and lungs
A
Reaching your blood pressure target and reducing urine levels of protein and albumin are important steps to managing CKD.
Consuming too much sodium can have consequences on health, particularly if you already have CKD. Some studies have found that too much sodium may result in issues such as:
- hypertension, or high blood pressure
- proteinuria, or excess protein in the urine
- increase in kidney blood flow
- a buildup of fluid in the body
It’s best to speak with your doctor or healthcare professional regarding how much sodium is acceptable.
Switching to a low sodium diet involves simple dietary changes. It can be easier than you might think once you know what to look out for.
Most packaged and canned foods contain sodium, including sweet items. The
You can find this information on the Nutrition Facts label on the food package. Foods with a DV of 20 percent or more are considered high in sodium.
You can also look for the words “low sodium,” “reduced sodium,” or “no salt added” on food labels when choosing packaged foods.
In addition to choosing low sodium items, you can cut back on salt even further by:
- buying fresh food and cooking from scratch
- limiting canned food or rinsing it before use
- using spices instead of salt to season food
- making homemade sauces
- limiting salty snacks such as chips or switching to unsalted versions
- using fresh meat and poultry rather than cured
- choosing low salt lunch meats
- making homemade soup
Some salt substitutes can be high in potassium. Potassium is another mineral that can build up in the blood as kidney function declines.
Ensure the salt substitute you choose doesn’t exceed the potassium limit suggested by your doctor. Some people with CKD need to watch their potassium intake to ensure the level in their blood doesn’t get too high.
Choosing a reduced salt diet doesn’t mean missing out on flavor. There are many ways to spice up your meals that won’t overwhelm your kidneys.
| Items to limit | Acceptable substitutes |
|---|---|
| table salt | a doctor-approved salt substitute (have your doctor check the potassium content) |
| seasoning salt | low sodium or salt-free seasoning |
| garlic salt | garlic powder or fresh garlic |
| onion salt | onion powder or fresh onion |
| lemon pepper | lemon juice and black pepper |
| meat tenderizer | vinegar |
| soy sauce | liquid aminos |
Here are some frequently asked questions about sodium and chronic kidney disease.
How does sodium affect your kidneys?
Too much sodium
What are the 3 early warning signs of kidney disease?
How much sodium should a person with stage 4 kidney disease have daily?
The National Kidney Foundation states that 1500 mg of sodium daily is appropriate for those with kidney disease. Your doctor or healthcare professional may recommend a higher or lower amount depending on many factors, including other health conditions and medications you may be taking.
Why restrict sodium in renal failure?
Renal failure, also known as kidney failure, means a person could have to undertake dialysis. This is a procedure that removes waste and fluid when the kidneys do not work. Excess sodium will lead to further damage.
The sodium and chloride in table salt are both important for health — but in moderate amounts.
Healthy kidneys remove excess sodium, but damaged kidneys can’t manage salt as effectively.
People with CKD can reduce their salt intake to prevent sodium from accumulating and causing health issues.
Your dietary sodium intake is something you can manage with some planning. You can choose fresh foods when possible. Read food labels and choose low or no-sodium alternatives to the packaged food you buy. Also, try seasoning your food with herbs and spices rather than table salt.
Dietary changes are an important part of managing CKD and keeping it from progressing. Reducing sodium is a simple step to help maintain your kidney health.
