Dining out with kidney disease can present challenges, especially when it comes to fast food. The hidden ingredients and high sodium content can make it seem like a no-go zone. However, with careful planning and informed choices, it's possible to enjoy fast food in moderation while adhering to a kidney-friendly eating plan. This article provides guidance on navigating fast-food menus and making selections that align with the principles of a renal diet.
Understanding Kidney Disease and Diet
The kidneys play a crucial role in filtering waste and maintaining the balance of minerals and salts in the bloodstream. In the early stages of kidney disease, consuming excessive protein or sodium can strain the kidneys and accelerate damage. As kidney disease progresses, it may also be necessary to monitor potassium and phosphorus intake.
Generally, limiting fast food and processed foods is a beneficial step for kidney health. However, there may be times when fast food is the only available option. In such situations, understanding which items are more kidney-friendly can be invaluable.
General Tips for Kidney-Friendly Fast Food Choices
Here are some general guidelines to keep in mind when selecting fast food:
- Prioritize lower sodium options: Sodium is a primary concern for individuals with kidney disease.
- Choose grilled or roasted: Opt for grilled or roasted items over fried alternatives to reduce sodium and fat intake.
- Control portion sizes: Smaller portions generally contain less sodium and protein.
- Customize your order: Request modifications like no cheese, salt, or high-potassium toppings.
- Plan ahead: If you know you'll be eating fast food, adjust your earlier meals to be lower in sodium, potassium, and phosphorus.
- Readily available information: Get a breakdown of fat, calories and other nutrition information (potassium, phosphorus or sodium) from the store manager. You can also check out the restaurant’s web site for a complete nutritional analysis of all their menu items.
Specific Fast-Food Options and Considerations
1. Eggs
If eggs are acceptable on your kidney disease diet, they can be a great option at fast-food places. Opt for simple preparations like hard-boiled eggs. Be mindful of egg mixtures that may contain added ingredients and additives. If ordering a breakfast sandwich, consider removing the egg and discarding the bread to reduce sodium intake.
Read also: Renal Diet Guide: Navigating Orange Juice Consumption
2. Sandwiches
Veggie, tuna, or fish sandwiches are often healthier choices than other options. Turkey and chicken (not fried) can also be good choices. If you want a burger, choose a classic or junior-size burger in moderation. Ask for no cheese, as processed cheese is often high in sodium.
Hamburger Customization
Toppings on a hamburger can significantly increase the sodium content. A regular hamburger with a medium french fry contains approximately 770 mg of sodium.
Recommended condiments: lettuce, onion, one slice of tomato, mayonnaise, mustard and pepper.
Avoid: salt, pickles or grill seasoning, cheese.
3. Grilled or Roasted Options
Grilled chicken is generally a better choice than fried options like chicken nuggets. At some restaurants, you may have to ask to have your order cooked specially in order to have it prepared this way.
Read also: Kidney-Friendly Cat Food Explained
4. Sides
Onion rings may be a better choice than french fries if you need to eat low-potassium fast food. If you’re limiting your amount of sodium but not potassium, tell them to leave the salt off everything, particularly the fries.
Fruit, steamed rice, or a salad can be good choices.
5. Salads
Salads can be a good option, particularly if you can customize the vegetable selection to avoid high-potassium ingredients like avocados, spinach, and tomatoes, or canned vegetables (high in sodium).
When it comes to salad dressing, look for things that have vinegar, olive oil, or mayonnaise as a base.
6. Drinks
Be mindful of fluid intake, especially if you need to limit fluids. Grape, cranberry, or apple juice may be suitable options. Water, coffee, tea, lemonade, and some sodas may also be safe, depending on individual needs. Remember that soups, gelatin, and ice cream also contribute to fluid intake.
Read also: Comprehensive Guide to Renal Diet Meals
Specific Restaurant Examples
McDonald's
- Fruit & Maple Oatmeal: A high-fiber option.
- English Muffin: Lower in sodium than the biscuit.
- 4-piece Chicken Nuggets: The lowest sodium chicken option.
- Hamburger: The lowest sodium sandwich.
- Apple Slices: A safe side option.
- Kids Size Fries (unsalted): If you choose to have fries, I recommend getting the kids size and asking for the fries to be unsalted. They will cook up a fresh batch for you.
Burger King
Note: Burger King does not have potassium content listed in the nutrition facts they provide.
- 3 or 5-piece Chicken Nuggets: This is also a low protein option. The 3 piece has 220 mg sodium, the 5 piece has 400 mg sodium.
- Hamburger: A plain old hamburger is going to be your lowest sodium option.
- Impossible Burger: Burger King does have a plant-based meat alternative, the Impossible Burger. You can request this in place of the beef patty when ordering a regular hamburger.
Wendy's
- Oatmeal Bar: A safe breakfast option that provides some fiber.
- Salads (without chicken): Wendy’s is the only fast food chain on this list that still offers salads. This salad normally comes with chicken, but I would recommend getting without which will reduce the amount of sodium, phosphorus (the chicken has phosphorus additives and also is a source of natural phosphorus) and will reduce the animal protein of the meal. Jr.
- Hamburger: Again, the hamburger at Wendy’s is also one of the lower sodium menu items.
- Small Size Nuggets: Small size nuggets win for lowest sodium chicken item. All the chicken products at Wendy’s do contain phosphorus additives, but at least with the nuggets you’ll be avoiding the phosphorus additives that come along with the bread.
- Baked Potato: If you are a potato person, I would skip the fries (which contain phosphorus additives) and opt for the simple baked potato. You can even get it with sour cream and chives which will not add much in terms of sodium and protein. Another option to spice up the potato would be butter and black pepper.
Taco Bell
- Crunchy Taco: A vegetarian option with only 300 mg of sodium.
Additional Tips
- Consult Nutrition Information:Whenever possible, review the restaurant's nutrition information beforehand to make informed choices.
- Request Modifications:Ask for extra veggies and condiments on the side to control portion sizes and sodium intake.
- Take Phosphorus Binders:If prescribed, take phosphorus binders with your meal to help control phosphorus absorption.
The Importance of Professional Guidance
It's crucial to consult with a nephrologist or a registered dietitian for personalized dietary recommendations. Individual needs vary based on the type and stage of kidney disease, other medical conditions, and treatment plans. A renal dietitian can provide tailored guidance and help you navigate the complexities of a renal diet.
A renal dietitian can help you find recipes and food items at different restaurants that work for your dietary needs. The Kidney Kitchen Pro meal plan features makes it easy to collect and share a week-long meal plan featuring Kidney Kitchen recipes and other kidney-friendly foods. You can customize the meal plans based on a patient’s eating habits, preferences and any restrictions. You can even include both shared notes that are visible on the meal plan or private notes that only you have the ability to access.