Eating well
Eating well with IgA Nephropathy
A good diet will support your kidney health at any stage of your condition so it’s never too late to make positive changes. As you’ll probably know, staying at a healthy body weight through diet and exercise can have a big impact.1 Adjusting what you eat may feel like a big effort initially – but it’s worth it, and meals low in salt and sugar can be just as tasty as unhealthier alternatives. Sharing your own healthy recipes can also be a fun way to connect with others in a similar position and support each other.
Hear Professor Jonathan Barratt talk about diet and kidney health.
Professor Barratt is a Nephrologist from Leicester in the UK, and has been treating people with IgA Nephropathy for 30 years.
Dr Jonathan Barratt
United Kingdom
Cook with less salt and sugar
Try to cook meals with fresh ingredients, as ready meals often have higher levels of salt or sugar. In restaurants, try to be sensible with your choices. And in your everyday life, try to take a little more time to eat healthily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Asking family and friends to cook with less salt and sugar gives them a simple way to support you week-to-week.
The benefit of this effort and your reduced salt intake will be lower blood pressure and reduced oedema (the swelling caused by fluid build-up).2
Enjoy low fat options
Finding low fat diet alternatives can help you reduce high levels of fat in your bloodstream.2 Start with reduced fat spreads, low or zero fat dairy products, and spray oil. Grilling, poaching or steaming are generally healthier cooking methods.3 The current trend for air-frying typically uses less or no oil, compared to frying or roasting.
Where possible, choose lean cuts of meat and trim obvious, visible fat off before cooking. A tasty stew or curry can be bulked up with vegetables or beans.3 When it comes to snacks, try to swap chocolate or crisps for unsalted nuts or low-fat yoghurt.4
Always discuss significant diet changes with your doctor.
A good diet helps to support your kidney health at any stage of your condition. Download this fact sheet from ERKNet to learn more about eating well.
here to learn more.
