A registered dietitian can help you plan meals around your kidney function, lab results, treatment side effects, appetite, and other health needs. There isn’t one “renal diet” that works for everyone. Dietary recommendations depend on kidney function, lab results, and individual needs.

Some members said they wanted help tailoring several nutrition needs at once. “Looking forward to a consult with the dietitian at the cancer center. … I need to try to merge diabetic, kidney and Mediterranean diets.”

“Looking forward to a consult with the dietitian at the cancer center. … I need to try to merge diabetic, kidney and Mediterranean diets.

 

— A MyKidneyCancerTeam member

Another member described working with a dietitian after starting treatment. “I have been on immunotherapy for four months. I have signed on with a dietitian to help with my daily diet and ways to incorporate different foods to prevent boredom.”

If your appetite is low or your weight is falling, foods or drinks that provide calories and protein may help you maintain strength. Health experts say that people with cancer may need extra protein and calories. However, protein needs depend on kidney function and whether a person receives dialysis. Ask your care team how much protein is right for you.

One member described how kidney function changed how they thought about protein. “Had my right kidney removed … and am now working with a dietitian. I am trying to keep my daily protein … as to not overwhelm my other kidney.”

“Had my right kidney removed … and am now working with a dietitian. I am trying to keep my daily protein … as to not overwhelm my other kidney.”

 

— A MyKidneyCancerTeam member

Eating small, frequent meals and snacks throughout the day may feel easier than sitting down to three large meals, especially if you have nausea or feel full quickly.

One member with low appetite shared this small-meal strategy. “The doctor suggested eating small mini meals instead of big meals. Anything I eat, my stomach kills me.”

“The doctor suggested eating small mini meals instead of big meals. Anything I eat, my stomach kills me.”

 

— A MyKidneyCancerTeam member

If food tastes different, consider strategies for coping with taste changes, which may help you find more appealing foods.

If you’re eating enough and maintaining your weight, try adding more plant-based foods to your diet. These include vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, and other minimally processed foods.

The American Cancer Society recommends eating a variety of plant-based foods and limiting red and processed meats, sugary drinks, and highly processed foods.

If you have reduced kidney function, you may need to adjust some plant-based foods based on your potassium, phosphorus, or other lab results, so ask your care team what works for you.

If you’re losing weight or having severe treatment side effects, getting enough calories and nutrients may be more important than following a specific eating plan.

One member described shifting toward more plant-based meals. “I have been adding more veggies to my diet and less red meat. I am also enjoying juicing. Trying to drink loose tea and staying away from processed foods and sugar.”

Another member summarized their approach simply. “I eat no red meat. Pretty much plant-based pescatarian.”

“I eat no red meat. Pretty much plant-based pescatarian.”

 

— A MyKidneyCancerTeam member

Ask your care team how much fluid you need rather than following a general daily water goal. Fluid needs vary from person to person, and too much fluid can be a problem for some people with reduced kidney function.

Some members said water became a bigger part of their daily routine. “I really don’t have any difference in my diet from before other than I drink way more water, and I have added cherry juice and not-too-sweet lemonade.”

Another member paired water with broader food changes after kidney cancer. “Trying to keep protein low, but it’s tough! … Adding a lot of fruits and vegetables. … I only drink water for now.”

Some cancer treatments can weaken your immune system, increasing your risk of foodborne illness. Wash produce, separate raw meat from other foods, cook animal products thoroughly, and choose pasteurized products when advised.

The National Cancer Institute recommends keeping food at safe temperatures and using separate utensils, plates, and cutting boards for meat and produce. Ask your oncology team whether you need any additional precautions.

Tell your oncologist or pharmacist about any vitamins, herbs, medicinal teas, or other supplements you take or are thinking about taking. Some supplements can interfere with cancer treatments or affect kidney function. If your doctor has prescribed a supplement, ask before making any changes.

One member recommended that another member ask their healthcare team before adding supplements. “My oncologist and integrative pain doctor recommended I take a bunch of supplements based on my condition. … I would ask your oncologist what he/she recommends.”

Also, bear in mind that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t regulate supplements in the same way it regulates medications. If you buy supplements, look for products tested by independent organizations, such as ConsumerLab.com, NSF, or U.S. Pharmacopeia.