7 Summer Nutrition Tips for Kidney Health

Written By Michelle Adams

Summer is a great time to enjoy fresh foods, get outside, and reset your health goals. But if you’re living with chronic kidney disease (CKD), hot weather and summer treats can present unique challenges. At Balanced Bites, LLC, we support individuals managing CKD with practical, delicious, and kidney-friendly strategies all year long.

Here are 7 simple, nutrition-focused tips to help you stay hydrated, nourished, and kidney-healthy this summer.

1. Stay Hydrated — But Not Overhydrated

While staying cool and hydrated is important, people with CKD often need to manage fluid intake carefully. Talk to your provider or dietitian about your fluid limits.

Pro tip:
Instead of plain water, try sipping infused water with cucumber, mint, or berries for a refreshing twist.

2. Choose Fresh, Low-Potassium Produce

Summer brings an abundance of fruits and veggies, but not all are kidney-friendly.

Great summer picks:

  • Berries (strawberries, blueberries)

  • Apples

  • Cabbage

  • Cucumbers

  • Peaches (in moderation)

Avoid or limit:
Bananas, oranges, tomatoes, melons, potatoes — if you have been advised to watch your potassium intakes. These are higher in potassium content.

3. Grill Smart

Grilling is a summer staple, but traditional BBQ can be high in sodium and phosphorus.

Kidney-conscious grilling tips:

  • Choose skinless chicken, fish, or lean pork

  • Skip pre-marinated meats (they’re often high in sodium)

  • Season with herbs, garlic, or lemon instead of salty rubs

4. Watch Out for Hidden Sodium

Hot dogs, chips, and summer salads like coleslaw can sneak in tons of sodium.

Smart swaps:

  • Opt for unsalted tortilla chips or fresh popcorn

  • Make your own pasta or vegetable salad with low-sodium mayo

  • Use herbs and vinegar instead of pre-made dressings

5. Practice Portion Control at Cookouts

It’s easy to overdo it at barbecues and picnics. Keep your portions balanced and kidney-friendly by building a smart plate:

  • ½ low-potassium veggies

  • ¼ lean protein

  • ¼ kidney-safe starch (like rice or pasta)

6. Limit Sugary Frozen Treats

Many CKD patients also manage diabetes or prediabetes — and sugary frozen snacks like popsicles or ice cream can spike blood sugar.

Better options:

  • Homemade frozen fruit pops

  • Sugar-free sorbet

  • Frozen blueberries or grapes (in moderation)

7. Keep a Cooler of Kidney-Friendly Snacks

Whether you’re traveling or heading to the beach, pack snacks that support your kidney health:

Snack ideas:

  • Unsalted rice cakes with almond or peanut butter

  • Hard-boiled eggs or egg whites

  • Apple slices with a small serving of almond or peanut butter

  • Low-sodium trail mix (DIY version with unsalted nuts and dried cranberries)

💡 Final Thoughts

Summer should be a time to enjoy — not stress over food. With a little planning and support, you can stay cool, confident, and kidney-healthy all season long.

At Balanced Bites, LLC, we offer personalized nutrition coaching and renal-friendly meal planning to make healthy eating easier — no matter the weather.

📞 Need Help Managing CKD This Summer?

Contact us to connect with a renal nutrition expert at Balanced Bites. Let us help you simplify your summer eating — and feel your best.

Michelle Adams
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