Adding Fiber to Your Diet

Fiber is an important part of your kidney-friendly diet. It has many benefits to support your overall health. Learn more about good sources of dietary fiber and how it can help you feel your best.

What is fiber?

Fiber is found in plant foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and legumes. Eating foods rich in fiber has many health benefits like:

• Improving your blood sugar levels by slowing down how quickly your body digests food.
• Protecting your heart by lowering your cholesterol and reducing your risk of heart disease.
• Helping you feel full for a longer amount of time, which can help with overeating and maintaining a healthy weight.
• Helping you have more regular bowel movements and less chance of constipation.

Managing phosphorus and potassium

You can choose foods that add fiber while still managing your individual phosphorus and potassium goals.

• Some foods like nuts, beans, and whole grains are high in fiber and are better choices than foods with added phosphates, such as processed meats, dairy, and ready-to-eat foods.
• Whole grains, beans, nuts, fruits, and vegetables contain potassium but can still be part of a kidney-friendly diet in the right portion sizes.

Including fiber on your plate

Use this list to add more fiber-rich foods to your plate. Try filling at least half of your plate with fruits and vegetables at each meal and choose whole grains when you can.

• Fruits

  Apples
  Berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries)
  Pears
  Peaches
  Plums
  Pineapple

 

• Vegetables

  Green beans
  Broccoli
  Carrots
  Cauliflower
  Cabbage
  Summer squash

 

• Whole Grains

  Oats
  Whole wheat bread, cereal, pasta, and crackers
  Brown rice
  Barley
  Popcorn
  Quinoa
  Shredded wheat
  Bran

 

• Nuts and Seeds

  Walnuts
  Almonds
  Cashews
  Pecans
  Peanuts
  Flax seeds
  Chia seeds
  Pumpkin seeds
  Sunflower seeds

 

• Legumes

  Black beans
  Chickpeas
  Edamame
  Pinto beans
  Cannellini beans
  Lentils

Managing fluids and fiber

Some people with CKD need to limit their fluid intake. High-fiber foods add bulk to your stool, which can lead to constipation if you're not getting enough fluids. Fluids help move waste through your digestive system.

If you're limiting fluids, your care team can help you add fiber in a safe way. They may recommend fiber-rich foods like fruits and vegetables that also contain water but may not need to be counted in your fluid total.

We are here to help

Talk to your care team about more tips for adding fiber to your diet.

This serves only as a guide. Talk with your healthcare provider for more information based on your health needs.