“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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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.
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🙏
Please consult a nephrologist in person. The reports are abnormal and need proper care.
Sir kidney transplant patients eats urad dal
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
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.
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
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
For high potassium need to avoid fruits(apple is ok), dry fruits, tender coconut, beans, spinach, bets.
Pk specify which dals and fruits I can take with cretanium 1.5and pottassium5.00
Hi Mr.Adarsh. The article gives information about dals. As far as fruits are concerned — apple, papaya, pineapple in small amounts are ok.
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.
For specific advice, please consult your nephrologist/dietician. For a general idea please go through the blog posts on this website. Thank you!
kidney drunkenness you need to money
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?
Hello Mr.Das. I will advise you to consult a nephrologist as each patient is different.
I was also suffered from this problem. I got cured by consuming items of Patanjali Ayurved Products.
Consume in Empty stomach – Gakshuradi gugglu vati 1 No. & Boil in 200 ml Water & reduce it to 50 ml (ingredients to be 1 Tablespoon Vrikkadashar Kadha + Neem Leaves 15, Peepal Leaves 5, 1 fist of Mehndi Leaves) drink it lukewarm condition. Consume following tablet after Breakfast & Dinner Vrikkadashar Vati, Chandraprabha vati.
Breakfast: Barley Dalia, Oats, Moong Dal, Turmeric Powder, Rock Salt (सेंधा नमक), Cinnamon Powder, Dry Ginger Powder (सौंठ पावडर), Coriander Powder. You can add Vegetables – Bottle Gourd, Tinda, Parval (पटल / Pointed Gourd), Ridge Gourds तूराइ, Cauliflower Flowers, Cabbage, Carrot, Onion, Garlic, Tomato without seeds, green chilli, coriander leaves
Lunch & Dinner: White Rice, Chapati, Vegetables to be consumed – Bitter gourd, Bottle Gourd, Tinda, Parval (पटल / Pointed Gourd), Ridge Gourds तूराइ, Cauliflower Flowers, Cabbage, Carrot, Onion, Garlic, Tomato without seeds, green chilli, coriander leaves
Oil, Masala etc to be used – Mustard Oil, Turmeric Powder, Rock Salt (सेंधा नमक), Cinnamon Powder, Dry Ginger Powder (सौंठ पावडर), Coriander Powder, Onion, Garlic – use only moderate quantity to make tasty.
Morning Brisk Walking at least 45 minutes is must.
Accupressure – Perform accupressure at Centre of your Palm in with Middle Finger on both Hands 5 minutes each. Locate the particular point where it gives more Pain. That’s the actual location. With your thum fingers apply pressure & release continuously for 5 minutes non-stop. Pain may increase for some days. Pain will reduce & completely disappear. It means that you would be successful to repair your Kidneys.
Perform YOGASANA & PRANAYAMA.
You are very younger compare to me. When I can cure it at the age of 60 years, you can also.
Do’s – Consume above food only. If you are nonvegetarian – consume Rohu Fish in limited quantity only, Eggs white part only.
Drink Barley water – Boil 50 gram barley Dalia + 1.5 litre water.
Control your Blood Pressure / Diabetes without fail – as it is the normal causes of Proteinurea. Otherwise you’ll face lot of problems.
Don’t – No heavy exercise otherwise Creatinine will increase. Completely avoid leafy vegetable as it increases Potassium level – which is more dangerous.
Remarks – you can contact me for more details through email.
Wish you a speedy recovery.
Hi
Hi Bhim ji, My father is also a ckd patient. Please share your email id/mobile no so that I can connect with you for further guidance.
I am 63 years old.my creatinine 1.4 can I take alcohol, chicken , any fruit, vegetables, in this condition.
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.
Dear Sir,
My creatinine level is 1.12. Which precaution I should follow?
Appears to be normal. A healthy lifestyle and regular checking of urine and blood should be good enough.
What is a acceptable ratio for Potassium
Tksaheap
Blood potassium between 3.5 and 5.0 meq/l is optimal.
My mother has potassium level is 5.1 I am co fuse what diet I can give her .
I want to know about toovar ( tur dal ) dal in stage 4 CKD ??
In moderate amounts it is ok.
Hi Sir,
I am 34 years old. My creatinine is 2.5, let me know the diet plan for me.thanks.
This website will give you a general idea. For a specific diet chart, you must consult a dietician or nephrologist.
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.
Consult a dietician please. Websites are only for general info.
Dear Sir,
My creatinine level is 1.19. Which precaution I should follow?
sir waiting for your reply.
many thanks
A normal healthy diet with half teaspoon of salt per day is all that is needed now. Keep rechecking the blood creatinine and urine protein annually.
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.
You need not worry about dialysis as of now. Generally it is needed at much higher levels of creatinine.
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
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
Need to get urine examination for protein and microscopy to complete the initial evaluation.
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
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!
Dear Dr. My creatinine level is 94, pl tell me my diet.
Weight 63kg
Height 5.1″
Age 67
Thank you
Need much more details. Please consult a dietician/nephrologist for a tailormade chart. Take care!
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.
As of now you need a low salt, moderate protein diet. Please consult a dietician/nephrologist for a tailormade chart. Take care!
Can inguinal hernia cause sudden increase of creatinine?
Hi. It cannot cause an increase in creatinine by itself unless there is a complication with the hernia.
मेरा creatanine लेवल 1.5 है।बाकी सब नार्मल आ चुका है।मेरी उम्र 61 साल है।दो महीने पहले पता चला था
Please see a kidney specialist to decide the best course of action.
Sir meri age 24 year hai meri creatinine 1.5 hai aur protein 4++++ hai mera age ke hisab se waite bhi 35 kg hai sayad km hai please dite ke liye salah de
Diet advice se zyaada, aapko kidney bimari ka kaaran dhoondhna aur uska ilaaj karna chaahiye. All the best!
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
*Worry..
If I have kidney stones, what should I eat? Fruits, Vegetables, Dry Fruits, Dairy Products, Lentils.Please suggest.
I am 68. I am diabetic for ghe last about 25 yrs. Recently I am having protein leakage & have lost about 20 kgs weight in last about 1 to 2 yrs. What should I do & what diet I should follow.