How much protein is right for your kidneys?

Dr. Joan J. Morales Lappot, MD
3 min read · Leer en español

In briefProtein is one of the most confusing parts of the kidney diet, because the advice changes with your stage. Too much can strain weak kidneys, while too little can cost you muscle.

Before dialysis

Protein breaks down into waste that the kidneys must remove. For many people with moderate to advanced CKD who are not on dialysis, a moderate amount, often around 0.6 to 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight per day, eases the kidneys' workload. For a 70-kilogram (154-pound) person, that is about 42 to 56 grams a day. Very high-protein diets and shakes are usually not a good idea.

On dialysis, the opposite

Dialysis removes protein, so people on dialysis usually need more, often 1.0 to 1.2 grams per kilogram a day. This is a good example of why a kidney diet must be personal.

Choose the source wisely

• Plant proteins such as beans, lentils, tofu and nuts come with fiber and produce less acid
• Fish, chicken and eggs are good animal choices
• Limit processed meats, which bring added salt and phosphate
• Portion guide: a palm-sized piece of meat or fish has about 20 to 25 grams of protein