Which dal is good for kidney diseases?

“Which dal is good for kidney diseases?” is a commonly asked question by patients suffering from them before they start following a particular diet chart. It is important to understand that there are different categories of kidney diseases which are broadly classified into acute and chronic.

Acute diseases like kidney stones and acute kidney failure occur over a short duration of time. Chronic kidney disease, on the other hand, is a condition where the functioning of the kidney decreases gradually over months to years and thus, the patient’s diet needs to be carefully managed throughout the illness.

Before we get to it, let’s have a quick summary of the importance of proteins in kidney diseases. As you may have heard, proteins are one of the most important components of our diet. They are the building blocks of our bodies. Everything from our hair, nails, muscles, bones, etc is composed of proteins.

However, the digestion of proteins also results in the production of some waste materials in the body that need to be filtered out by the kidneys. Thus, depending on the severity of the disease, the protein intake has to be strictly regulated in a person with kidney diseases.

We must understand that the Indian diet is already deficient in proteins. So a further decrease in the protein intake of a person with chronic kidney disease can be harmful to them as it will lead to weakness and a loss of immunity. Therefore the moderation of dietary protein is key.

While eating protein-rich food, there are 3 things that a kidney patient should keep in mind.

 1) The protein should be easily digestible.

 2) It should be easily absorbed.

 3) It should produce the least amount of waste products.

The proteins present in meat and seafood contain high amounts of sodium, creatinine, and potassium, which put an extra load on the kidneys to filter out this excess waste. Therefore, meat should be consumed in limited quantities, especially for someone with a severe form of kidney disease. 

A vegetarian source of protein like dal (lentils) is preferable for patients with kidney diseases because these do not contain high levels of such waste materials and are relatively easy to digest.

So circling back to the question of which dals should be eaten by people with kidney diseases.

Dals to Eat for Kidney Diseases

Moong Dal (Yellow Lentils) 

Which dal is good for kidney diseases?

Moong dal is one of the best sources of protein for kidney patients. It is best eaten mixed with rice as khichdi. The combination of dal and rice fulfills the essential amino acid requirement, making it a complete protein source.

Arhar Dal (Pigeon Peas)

Which dal is good for kidney diseases?

Arhar dal is free of cholesterol and has a sufficient amount of protein and fiber. Also, it is not heavy on the digestive system and is a healthy choice for maintaining our gut health.

Dals to Eat in Moderation

Masoor Dal (Red Lentils)

Which dal is good for kidney diseases?

Masoor dal contains high amounts of folate, potassium, tryptophan, copper, iron, etc. The kidneys have to work harder to excrete out these excess waste products. Therefore, it is better for people suffering from kidney diseases to consume masoor dal in moderation.

Urad Dal (Black Gram) 

Which dal is good for kidney diseases?

Urad dal increases the production of Uric Acid in the body, which has to be removed by the kidneys. This can burden the kidneys of a person suffering from kidney failure. It also contains large quantities of calcium, iron, and potassium and should be eaten in moderate amounts. 

Chana Dal (Chickpeas) 

Which dal is good for kidney diseases?

Chana dal takes a long time to digest in our system. When it comes to kidney diseases, chana dal should be consumed in minimal amounts. It is rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and fiber. All these things are generally good for our health but can put an extra workload on the kidneys, especially for someone undergoing dialysis.

The most important thing to keep in mind while eating dals is that whichever dal you choose, it is important to soak it in water before you cook it. This will decrease the potassium content in the dal, which in turn will help reduce the load on the kidneys. 

Bottom Line

People with kidney diseases must follow a strict diet that is specifically tailored for them to cut down the amounts of toxic products that come from the food they consume. Following a proper diet chart also helps improve the overall functioning of the kidneys in the long run and slow down the progression of kidney failure. Eating nutritious and well-balanced meals is extremely important for a kidney patient to reduce the levels of waste materials in the body.

49 thoughts on “Which dal is good for kidney diseases?”

  1. I am 72 yrs young but recently my creatinine has increased to 1.9 & Heamoglobin decrease to 9.7
    Weight has gradually come to 50 kgs, lost about 7kgs in one year.
    Please advice. Thanks🙏

    Reply
  2. Sir I am 73 yr old ckd patient since 2005 and now creatinine 4.3 from 2 in 2005 can I take mungdal with rice plus chicken/vegetables

    Reply
    • Thanks for the comment. All these items are ok in proper amounts but you need a proper diet plan. Please consult a dietician or a nephrologist for a diet plan that is suited for you.

      Reply
  3. My husband is into dialysis since past 1 week and has been advised for a protein rich diet. His prosperous is high (1.5 normal range but his report shows 2.1) so pls advice what kind of vegetarian diet can b followed for a protein rich vegetarian diet keeping in view the prosperous range

    Reply
  4. My husband diagnose kidney function is slow now it is 25 as the normal range is 60 his potassium is very high now days which food for good for him pl reply

    Reply
    • For high potassium need to avoid fruits(apple is ok), dry fruits, tender coconut, beans, spinach, bets.

      Reply
    • Hi Mr.Adarsh. The article gives information about dals. As far as fruits are concerned — apple, papaya, pineapple in small amounts are ok.

      Reply
    • Dear sir,
      I am 28 years only. One of my kidney is in working condition. My creatinine level is 1.4, Phosphorus is 5.2 with high TSH level. So, Kindly advice me about diet procedure or anything. Thanks.

      Reply
      • For specific advice, please consult your nephrologist/dietician. For a general idea please go through the blog posts on this website. Thank you!

        Reply
  5. I am 46 yrs old just since 5 months suffering from proteinuria.In 24 hrs urine protien range is 0.20 and critinine range is 0.6.pls clear me what should I do.At present i take homeopathic medicine.will i use allopathic for the same?

    Reply
    • Hello Mr. Singh. Alcohol is never good for any health condition. For specific advice regarding your diet please consult a nephrologist or dietician. general advice you will find in our blog posts.

      Reply
    • This website will give you a general idea. For a specific diet chart, you must consult a dietician or nephrologist.

      Reply
  6. High potassium and creatine level. High blood pressure but low in sugar levels. Both kidneys not working properly. On dialysis 3 days a week. Confused about food consumption. Please advise/suggest a good website.

    Reply
  7. I am 71 male. Diabetic, hypertension, heart disease and from last one year creatinine is 1.7 and eGFR 42
    I am strong and energetic except a constant fobia of dialysis. What should I do for the best. Should I come to your place to get advice and treatment for reverse kidney function. Please comment.

    Reply
    • You need not worry about dialysis as of now. Generally it is needed at much higher levels of creatinine.

      Reply
  8. Sir my blood urea is 49.27 mg/dl (19-44)
    And creatnine 0.92
    Other report is normal and usg is also normal
    Is it normal or not? Sir
    Please reply how to reduce urea level

    Reply
  9. Sir my age is 28
    Heights 5’5
    Weight 63
    Sir my blood urea is 49.27 mg/dl (19-44)
    And creatnine 0.92
    Other report is normal and usg is also normal
    Is it normal or not? Sir
    Please reply how to reduce urea level

    Reply
  10. My father’s creatinine level 4.0 doctor how it will reduce to normal level but pottasium level is in border line bit blood pressure is between 90-145 to 90-165

    Reply
    • It’s not that easy or always possible to reduce creatinine levels predictably. He needs a multi pronged treatment to optimize his health. All the best!

      Reply
  11. I am a 60 yr Indian woman
    I have stage 2 CKD ,efgr 64
    I have high proteinuria.
    Controlled diabetic,hypertension and hyperlidermia.
    What diet should I be on
    And what dhal is the best for me to consume.

    Reply
    • As of now you need a low salt, moderate protein diet. Please consult a dietician/nephrologist for a tailormade chart. Take care!

      Reply
    • Hi. It cannot cause an increase in creatinine by itself unless there is a complication with the hernia.

      Reply
  12. मेरा creatanine लेवल 1.5 है।बाकी सब नार्मल आ चुका है।मेरी उम्र 61 साल है।दो महीने पहले पता चला था

    Reply
  13. I am 49 M. My creatinine level is 1.55 and eFGR is 47.89. In right kidney a 4.5mm calculus is seen at mid pole while in Left a mild hydronephrosis and hydroureter is seen. I am taking medicine. Please suggest anything to woory. Thanks

    Reply

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