What the new HHS dietary guidelines for Americans mean for you if you are living with kidney disease

The U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently released the new Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025-2030. These guidelines encourage Americans to prioritize whole, nutrient-dense foods such as protein, dairy, vegetables, fruits, whole grains and healthy fats. They also recommend avoiding added sugars and limiting processed foods and refined carbohydrates. 

Nutrition plays a large role in everyone's health, but there is no "one-size-fits-all" meal plan. Choosing foods that follow a kidney-friendly eating pattern can help support your health and manage kidney disease. 

So, what do these new guidelines mean for those living with kidney disease? Let's break it down. 

Whole foods focus

The new guidelines place a strong focus on consuming whole foods. This means choosing foods that are closer to their natural form and less processed. Some examples of whole foods include fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean meats and seafood. 

Eating more whole foods can help you:

• Get more fiber for gut health
• Eat less salt
• Feel more satisfied after meals

Focusing on whole foods can be especially helpful if you're living with kidney disease. Processed foods tend to have more sodium and phosphorus, which can put extra stress on your kidneys when eaten frequently. 

Protein: How much and what types are right for you?

The new guidelines suggest 1.2–1.6 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight. Protein is important because it helps maintain muscle, fight infection and keep your body strong. However, eating too much protein can stress the kidneys and lead to more damage over time. 

Your protein needs depend on:

• Your body size
• Your activity level
• Your kidney function
• Whether or not you are on dialysis

This is why it is important to talk with your health care provider and/or dietitian about how much protein is right for you.

The new guidelines also emphasize more animal-based proteins like beef, chicken, eggs and dairy. While some plant proteins contain lower amounts of essential amino acids on their own, eating a variety of plant foods can still help you meet your protein needs. Amino acids are the building block of protein. Your body naturally makes amino acids (nonessential amino acids) but it cannot make others (essential amino acids) that come from food sources like meat, eggs and dairy.  

Plant-based proteins like beans, lentils and nuts are also great sources of protein. While some plant proteins may not contain essential amino acids on their own, eating a variety of plant foods can still help you meet your protein needs. Plant proteins are also lower in unhealthy fats and can support heart health. Eating a variety of both animal and plant proteins can help you build a balanced, kidney-friendly eating pattern. If you have more questions about protein and kidney disease (including the role of protein supplements), read this AKF blog post on protein for more information. 

Healthy fats

Healthy fats can help protect your heart and kidneys. The key is choosing more unsaturated fats and limiting saturated fats.

Foods higher in saturated fats include:

• Diary: butter and whole-fat dairy products (e.g., whole milk, cheese, full-fat yogurt)
• Beef: beef tallow (hardened cow fat, similar to lard), ground beef (anything under 90/10), brisket, ribeye
• Pork: pork chops, sausage, bacon
• Oils: lard, coconut and palm kernel oil 

Too much saturated fat can raise "bad" (LDL) cholesterol and increase your risk for a heart disease or stroke. Recommendations are to keep saturated fat to less than 10% of your daily calories. 

Unsaturated fat sources include: 

• Olive oil
• Fish and seafood
• Avocados
• Nuts and seeds 

Unsaturated fats are considered healthier and help to lower high blood pressure and reduce inflammation. People with kidney disease are at higher risk for heart disease, so choosing healthier fat options can help. Swap saturated fats for unsaturated fat options. 

Here are some examples of what you can swap: 

• Cook with olive oil rather than butter
• Choose leaner proteins more often like chicken, fish and turkey
• Swap butter for nut butters or avocado on toast
• Swap red meat for fish, like salmon, one to two times a week 

You can learn more about how saturated fat impacts kidney and heart health in this AKF blog post.

Alcohol: What you should know

Alcohol can affect your blood pressure and fluid balance. It can also interact with many medicines. The current dietary guidelines recommend drinking alcohol in moderation, which has been previously defined as: 

• One drink or less per day for women
• Two drinks or less per day for men

If you are living with kidney disease or kidney failure, alcohol may not be safe for you, it's important to discuss this with your health care team. 

You can learn more about alcohol and kidney disease in this AKF blog post. 

Whole grains and fiber

The guidelines recommend two to four servings each day of whole grains. Whole grains can include brown rice, quinoa, whole wheat bread and oats. 

Whole grains can help to: 

• Lower cholesterol
• Manage blood sugar
• Support digestion

It is important to note that some whole grains are higher in potassium and phosphorus. However, your body only absorbs approximately 40-70% of phosphorus from plant foods. A dietitian can help you choose whole grain options that fit your kidney health needs.

Fruit and vegetable recommendations

The new guidelines recommend three servings of vegetables and two servings of fruits per day. Fruits and veggies provide fiber, vitamins and antioxidants that support overall health.

People living with kidney disease can and should include fruits and vegetables in their eating plan regularly. However, you may need to be mindful of potassium depending on your labs and stage of kidney disease. A dietitian can help you choose the best options and preparation methods. 

Why working with your care team matters

Healthy eating is important, but it should always be personalized. When you're living with kidney disease, your nutrition plan should be based on:

• Your lab values
• Your stage of kidney disease
• Your treatment (dialysis, transplant and/or medicines)
• Your lifestyle, culture and food preferences

A dietitian can help turn these general guidelines into a kidney-friendly eating plan that works best for you. The goal is to make realistic, sustainable food choices that support your kidneys, protect your heart and bring enjoyment.