The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet is an evidence-based eating plan designed to lower blood pressure. Since hypertension is a major cause of kidney disease, the DASH diet benefits both your heart and kidneys.
What is the DASH Diet?
The DASH diet emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy while limiting sodium, red meat, sweets, and added sugars. It has been shown to reduce blood pressure by 8-14 mmHg.
Eat More
- • Fruits (4-5 servings/day)
- • Vegetables (4-5 servings/day)
- • Whole grains (6-8 servings/day)
- • Low-fat dairy (2-3 servings/day)
- • Nuts, seeds, legumes (4-5 servings/week)
- • Lean meats, fish, poultry (6 oz or less/day)
Limit
- • Sodium (less than 2,300mg/day)
- • Red meat (limit to few times/week)
- • Sweets and added sugars (5 or fewer/week)
- • Saturated and trans fats
- • Alcohol (moderation)
Benefits for Kidney Health
Lowers Blood Pressure
Reduced BP decreases pressure on kidney blood vessels
Reduces Proteinuria
Less protein leak means less kidney damage
Controls Blood Sugar
Helps prevent diabetic kidney disease
Reduces Inflammation
Anti-inflammatory diet protects kidneys
Maintains Healthy Weight
Obesity is a risk factor for CKD
Reduces Kidney Stone Risk
Balanced minerals reduce stone formation
CKD Modification Needed
If you have advanced CKD (Stage 3-5), the standard DASH diet may need modification. High potassium foods in DASH (bananas, oranges, potatoes) may need to be limited.
View CKD Diet Chart