Sponsored by: Renadyl™

Kellsey Reed RDN, LDN

When managing chronic kidney disease, there are many things to remember. Potassium, hydration, sodium, protein, and the list goes on. However, one topic that’s often overlooked is gut health for kidney disease. Yes, making dietary changes and focusing on protein, sodium, and hydration is key. However, gut health is equally as important when it comes to managing chronic kidney disease in a healthy way.

But why is gut health so important for CKD? Studies show that our gut health is linked to our kidney health because gut-derived uremic toxins are associated with the progression of CKD, cardiovascular disease, and mortality. When you have CKD, toxins and waste products can build up in the body and become harmful. This buildup can result in further progression of CKD. Focusing on good gut health can help to reduce the amount of toxins and waste products in the body & therefore help to slow the progression of CKD.

It can also help keep your bowel movements regular, especially if you are used to experiencing constipation. If you are protecting your gut health, you’ll also help protect your kidney health.

Making gut-friendly recipes with CKD

Including more fiber, prebiotics, and probiotics in your meals and snacks can help make your diet more gut-friendly and, therefore, more kidney-friendly! So what else makes a meal or snack gut and kidney-friendly? 

  • Lower sodium
  • More plant-based
  • No phosphate additives 
  • Higher fiber 
  • Rich in pre/probiotics 

Here is one of my go-to recipes to help keep the gut healthy with CKD

Gut and Kidney-Friendly Spring Pasta Salad: 

Ingredients – 

  • 2 ounces cooked Whole grain pasta (I like to suggest rotini)  
  • 4 cups Arugula, chopped
  • ½ medium Onion, diced 
  • 1 Apple, diced
  • ¼ cup Walnuts, chopped 
  • ¼ cup plain greek yogurt (or non-dairy yogurt like Forager cashew yogurt) 
  • 1 tsp Black pepper
  • 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp Garlic powder 
  • ¼ tsp salt 

Directions – 

  1. Cook pasta according to the package and drain. Place in the fridge for 1-2 hours until cold. 
  2. In a large bowl, mix cold pasta with arugula, onion, apple, and walnuts. Stir until well combined. 
  3. In a small bowl, add yogurt, pepper, Italian seasoning, salt, and garlic powder and mix until well combined. Add to the pasta mixture and stir well. 
  4. Store in the refrigerator. Makes 2 servings. Enjoy! 

Nutrition info – 

  • 275 calories
  • 8 gm protein 
  • 35 gm carbohydrates 
  • 15 gm fat
  • 315 mg sodium 
  • 485 mg potassium 
  • ~150 mg phosphorus

Gut benefits of this recipe – 

  • Fiber – from whole grain pasta, arugula, onion, apple, and walnuts
  • Prebiotics – from apple and onion
  • Probiotics – from yogurt 

About the Author

Kellsey Reed is a kidney dietitian. She helps people with CKD learn to eat the foods they love so they can improve their kidney health and live their best life with CKD. As a registered dietitian who specializes in chronic kidney disease, she has been through extensive training to give you the best support and guidance possible. In her career, she’s seen the lack of support given to those with CKD and is on a mission to change that.

“I don’t believe in just giving you a one-page handout that says “eat this” and “don’t eat that”. I don’t believe in telling you to stop going out to eat! I don’t believe in having you cut out all the foods you love in order to manage your CKD! I believe in giving you all of the tools, resources, and support that you need to eat for your CKD with 100% confidence! I believe in helping you learn how to travel, go out to eat at your favorite restaurants, have a date night with your spouse, and celebrate holidays and birthdays with your family without stress, anxiety, or confusion!”

If you’re interested in learning more about Kellsey’s coaching program or the free resources she offers, go to her website: ckdnutrition.com. You can also follow along on Instagram or TikTok at: @ckd.nutrition.coach!