Processed meats like hot dogs, sausage, and deli meat contain high amounts of sodium. Three ounces of deli turkey, which is four to six thin slices, can have up to 800 milligrams (mg) of sodium, says Melanie Betz, RD, the Chicago-based founder and CEO of the Kidney Dietitian. That’s nearly half the daily sodium limit for people with chronic kidney disease (CKD), including FSGS, who are often advised to stay under 2,000 mg of sodium per day, though individual limits can vary based on blood pressure, kidney function, and medications. And if you’re making a sandwich, that’s before you factor in the sodium content in bread and condiments.
In addition to sodium, processed meat often contains potassium and phosphorus additives, and the body absorbs these chemically added minerals more easily than the naturally occurring forms found in whole foods. In people with FSGS, the kidneys may have a hard time removing these minerals from the body, which can lead to an unhealthy accumulation in the blood. High potassium levels can cause irregular heart rhythms and muscle weakness. Excess phosphorus in the blood may weaken the bones and increase the risk of bone fracture.
Both sodium and these mineral additives drive up blood pressure and can accelerate kidney disease progression, says Hernandez. To protect your kidneys, check nutrition labels and look for products with 140 mg of sodium or less per serving, which the U.S. Food and Drug Administration considers low sodium, she says. Avoid products with any ingredient containing “phos,” like dicalcium phosphate, which indicates that phosphorus has been chemically added to the food, Hernandez adds.
For a more kidney‑friendly alternative, Betz suggests making sandwiches with roasted vegetables and hummus, or using slices of baked chicken you’ve prepared at home. Roasting a turkey breast yourself is another good option. Also look for low-sodium bread with 140 mg or less of sodium per serving, or make a lettuce wrap instead. Fish and legumes are also healthier swaps for processed meats, says Hernandez.
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