Chronic Kidney Disease and Sodium Consumption: Amount, Risks, and Additional Facts
News Article: Managing Sodium Intake for Chronic Kidney Disease Patients
People with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are advised to carefully manage their sodium intake to protect kidney function and manage associated risks such as hypertension. Recent studies and clinical guidelines recommend a daily sodium intake of less than 2 grams (2000 milligrams) of sodium, equivalent to roughly 5 grams of salt, for CKD patients [2][5].
The American Heart Association and other expert bodies recommend an ideal sodium intake target of 1,500 milligrams per day for individuals at higher risk, including those with hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, and CKD [1][3][4]. This is significantly lower than the general population's recommended limit of 2,300 milligrams per day.
Excess sodium intake increases the strain on kidneys because they work harder to excrete the excess salt and water, which can accelerate CKD progression [2]. To achieve these targets, practical advice includes avoiding processed, canned, and restaurant foods, which are often high in sodium, and using salt substitutes or choosing low-sodium options [1][3].
Eating fresh vegetables and fruits can help reduce sodium intake. Reading labels carefully is a helpful step in reducing sodium intake, with a focus on foods labeled "sodium free" or "very low sodium". Certain drinks, such as sports drinks, may also contain sodium, so it's important to read labels carefully to track sodium consumption.
Watching for hidden areas where salt gets added, such as canned goods, poultry brines, and broths, is important in managing sodium intake. Requesting that chefs prepare foods without salt when eating at restaurants can help manage sodium intake. Discussing diet changes with a dietitian can provide valuable advice for managing sodium consumption.
A person's doctor or dietitian can provide them with more information about how much sodium they should consume based on their individual circumstances. It is best for a person to follow their doctor's advice regarding how much sodium they consume.
The National Kidney Foundation recommends around 1,500 mg of sodium per day for a person with kidney disease or high blood pressure. Using herbs and spices to season food instead of salt is an effective way to control sodium levels. The National Kidney Foundation suggests avoiding salt substitutes such as potassium chloride due to their potassium content, especially for people on a low potassium diet.
Some suggestions for spices and herbs for cooking include sage, thyme, basil, allspice, dill, rosemary, cardamom, curry, bay leaves, cilantro, tarragon, cumin, and chili powder.
A 2022 meta-analysis challenges some of these potential issues, suggesting that low sodium will likely not affect proteinuria levels, the rate of decline in kidney function, or incidence of mortality related to kidney or cardiac issues [6]. However, it is important for a person with CKD to reduce their sodium intake by reducing the amount of salty foods they consume, as sodium is an element in salt.
Symptoms of consuming too much sodium can include swollen ankles, rise in blood pressure, puffiness, shortness of breath, pain during dialysis, and fluid around the lungs or heart. If a person experiences any of these symptoms, they should consult their doctor to determine the underlying cause and advise on any necessary dietary changes.
In summary, the most current expert consensus suggests CKD patients should aim for less than 2,000 mg sodium daily, ideally closer to 1,500 mg, to reduce disease progression and cardiovascular risk as supported by 2025 research and guideline updates [1][2][3][5].
- For individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD), it's important to establish a diet that minimizes sodium intake to protect kidney function and manage associated risks.
- Expert bodies, such as the American Heart Association, suggest an ideal daily sodium intake target of 1,500 milligrams for those with CKD, hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic diseases.
- Fresh vegetables and fruits, along with reading food labels, can help reduce sodium consumption in people with chronic kidney disease (CKD).
- To manage sodium intake, it's crucial to avoid processed, canned, and restaurant foods, which are often high in sodium, and use salt substitutes or low-sodium options.
- Certain spices and herbs, such as sage, thyme, basil, and dill, can effectively control sodium levels in food for CKD patients.
- A 2022 meta-analysis questions some factors regarding sodium intake and CKD, suggesting that low sodium may not affect proteinuria levels or the rate of decline in kidney function, but it's still essential to limit salty foods to improve overall health and wellness.
- People with CKD who experience symptoms like swollen ankles, high blood pressure, or shortness of breath after consuming too much sodium should consult their doctor for advice on necessary dietary changes to manage their chronic kidney disease (CKD) and associated medical conditions.
