A low-sodium diet is essential for individuals with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), as damaged kidneys cannot effectively eliminate excess sodium and fluid. This buildup can lead to fluid retention and high blood pressure, resulting in further progression of CKD. Worry about sacrificing the taste of food? The good news is there are plenty of flavourful ways to enjoy meals while keeping sodium in check. [1]
Recommended sodium intake for CKD patient: <2400mg/day [2]
Spice up your cooking without salt. [3]
Herbs | Spices | Citrus & vinegar | Umami-rich ingredients | Aromatics |
Basil Cilantro Parsley rosemary Oregano Thyme Dill Bay leaves Cardomon Chives | Fresh garlic fresh onion garlic powder onion powder black pepper Cumin Paprika Cinnamon Turmeric powder lemon juice vinegar | Lemon juice Vinegar Lime Balsamic vinegar | Mushrooms Kombu seaweed Tomatoes Green tea Yeast extracts | Ginger Garlic Shallots Onions Spring onions leeks |
Incorporating these ingredients and seasonings into your meals can elevate flavor without relying on salt, making your low-sodium dishes both satisfying and delicious.
Cook it right, taste it bright
- Roasting: Enhances flavour via caramelization
- Grilling: Adds smoky depth
- Steaming: Preserves nutrients
- Carmelization/Browning: Rich, deep flavour
- Homemade Low-Sodium Broth: *avoid high potassium tomatoes
Reading labels, smart shopping
- Know your daily sodium limit
- Check nutrition labels: Compare the sodium content per serving with your daily limit.
- Avoid products contains 240 mg or more sodium per serving
- Compare similar products: Choose the one with the lowest sodium content for the same serving size
- Prioritise products labeled as ‘sodium-free,’ ‘very low,’ ‘low,’ ‘lower,’ or ‘reduced sodium’
Dining out smartly
Eating out is always challenging to control sodium intake as many restaurant and hawker foods are prepared with high-sodium ingredients like sauces, seasoning powders, and processed items, making it difficult to estimate or limit your intake. Here are some tips to help you make healthier, lower-sodium choices when dining out: [2,4]
- Watch for hidden sodium: belacan, budu, tempoyak, cincalok, sambal, gravy/sauces (kuah)
- Avoid processed and cured food such as bacon, sausage and ham
- Make special request for your meal to be prepared without added salt, MSG, or seasoning powders, and ask for sauces, gravies, and condiments to be served on the side
References
- Vaidya SR, Aeddula NR. Chronic kidney disease [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan– [updated 2024 Jul 31; cited 2025 Jul 30]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK535404/
- Eat the Renal Way – Limiting Sodium Intake – Malaysian Dietitians’ Association [Internet].[cited 2025 Jul 3] Available from: https://www.dietitians.org.my/pages/default/152078
- Sodium and your CKD diet: How to spice up your cooking [Internet]. National Kidney Foundation.[cited 2025 Jul 3] Available from: https://www.kidney.org/kidney-topics/sodium-and-your-ckd-diet-how-to-spice-your-cooking
- UCSF Health. Guidelines for a low sodium diet [Internet]. ucsfhealth.org. 2024.[cited 2025 Jul 3] Available from: https://www.ucsfhealth.org/education/guidelines-for-a-low-sodium-diet
