9 Best Foods for Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis

4. Red Bell Peppers

Red bell peppers give you vitamins A and C, but are low in potassium and phosphorus, says Machado.

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They also have high levels of antioxidants called lycopene and beta-carotene, which help lessen oxidative stress — a key driver of kidney disease progression, she says.

“Vitamin C helps your body absorb iron and supports your immune health,” says Salazer, who recommends portion sizes of ½ cup to 1 cup of firm, brightly colored peppers, raw or cooked.

You can eat red bell peppers as a side with proteins, mixed into pasta or casserole dishes, raw in salads, or even as a snack food with dips, says Machado.

5. Garlic and Onions

Garlic and onions can add a lot of flavor to your meals without any extra sodium, says Fentress. They also have antioxidants called flavonoids.

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Some research suggests these antioxidants help protect your kidneys from inflammation and cell death.

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And when you add garlic and onions to your meals, the added flavor can also help you lessen added salt in those foods, says Machado.

6. Quinoa

Plant-based proteins like quinoa create fewer waste products called uremic acids, so they offer a source of protein that the kidneys can process more easily than some animal-based options, says Salazer.

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You need protein to keep your muscles strong and help heal tissue, but your provider may tell you to limit how much you eat each day. Your daily limit will depend on your weight, age, and the amount of protein in your urine.

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Salazer recommends a ½ cup portion of cooked quinoa. This grain has a slightly bitter protective coating, so rinse it before cooking, he says.

7. Cauliflower

Cauliflower contains nutrients like vitamin C, folate, and fiber, says Salazer.

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“It also contains specific compounds (indoles and thiocyanates) that help the liver neutralize toxins, which indirectly eases the overall workload on your body’s filtration system.”

“Cauliflower in particular is low in potassium,” says Machado. And purple cauliflower also contains anthocyanin, a powerful antioxidant, she says.

Salazer recommends portion sizes of a ½ cup cooked or 1 cup raw. “If you’re buying pre-packaged ‘cauliflower rice,’ look at the ingredient list to make sure it doesn’t contain any other ingredients or additives,” says Salazer.

8. Pineapple

Pineapple helps lower blood pressure, a common complication of severe kidney disease, says Machado. “Pineapples also have diuretic properties that help the body eliminate waste products, such as creatinine, that burden the kidneys.”

This fruit also has low levels of potassium, says Machado. Too much potassium can cause heart rhythm problems, so if your provider tells you to limit potassium, pineapple can be a good dietary choice.

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9. Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

Nuts and seeds provide heart-healthy fats, fiber, and plant-based protein, says Machado. They can also have potassium and phosphorus, so ask your provider or dietitian how much you can include in your diet before you add these.

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If you need to avoid phosphorus, for example, roasted pumpkin seeds have very little. And sunflower seeds are low in potassium.

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