General Guidelines

1. Limit Protein Intake:

   - Reduce intake of high-protein foods to prevent excess waste buildup.

   - Choose lean proteins like fish, skinless chicken, and eggs (limit yolks).

2. Control Sodium (Salt) Intake: 

   - Avoid salty foods like dried fish, pickles, and processed foods.

   - Cook with minimal salt and use herbs for flavor.

3. Manage Potassium Levels:

   - Limit high-potassium foods such as bananas, jackfruit, tomatoes, and spinach.

   - Prefer low-potassium fruits like apples, guavas, and papayas in moderation.

4. Limit Phosphorus-Rich Foods:

   - Avoid full-cream dairy, organ meats, and cola drinks.

   - Choose low-phosphorus alternatives like rice milk and vegetables.

5. Control Fluid Intake:

   - Drink fluids as per medical advice, especially if swelling or fluid retention occurs.

6. Choose Healthy Fats:

   - Use small amounts of healthy oils like olive oil or sunflower oil.

7. Avoid Processed and Packaged Foods:

   - Limit instant noodles, canned foods, and fried snacks.

8. Stay Hydrated (If Allowed):

   - Drink water in recommended amounts, avoiding sugary or caffeinated drinks.

Sample Meal Plan

Early Morning

 - Warm water with lime or plain herbal tea (no sugar, no salt). 

Breakfast

Option 1:

- 1 cup of kurakkan porridge (with minimal coconut milk).

- 1 boiled egg white (avoid yolk if phosphorus is high).

Option 2:

- 2 string hoppers (made with red rice flour).

- Dhal curry (low salt, minimal oil).

Mid-Morning Snack

- A small apple or guava.

- A handful of unsalted almonds (if allowed). 

Lunch

Main Meal:

- 1 cup of red rice or white rice (if potassium is high).

- Grilled or boiled fish or skinless chicken (small portion, low salt).

- Boiled or sautéed vegetables (e.g., pumpkin, carrots) with minimal salt.

- Fresh cucumber and carrot salad with lime dressing.

Afternoon Snack

 - A handful of boiled green gram or roasted chickpeas (without salt). 

Dinner

Option 1:

- 1 chapati (whole wheat, no added salt).

- Dhal curry (low salt).

- Steamed or sautéed leafy greens (in moderation, low potassium).

Option 2:

- 1 small portion of boiled manioc or pumpkin curry (low salt).

- A vegetable salad with lime dressing.

Bedtime Snack

 - ½ cup of rice milk or a small pear. 

Foods to Avoid

1. High-Protein Foods: Large amounts of meat, fish, and eggs.

2. High-Potassium Foods: Bananas, jackfruit, tomatoes, spinach, and potatoes.

3. High-Phosphorus Foods: Full-fat dairy, nuts, organ meats, cola drinks.

4. Salty Foods: Dried fish, pickles, instant noodles, and processed foods.

5. Fried and Oily Foods: Patties, vadai, and fried snacks.

Lifestyle Tips

- Exercise Lightly: Engage in light physical activities like walking as tolerated.

- Manage Stress: Practice mindfulness, meditation, or gentle yoga.

- Stay Hydrated: Follow medical advice on fluid intake.

- Avoid Smoking and Alcohol: These worsen kidney health.