Key takeaways

  • Lowering your salt intake may help manage complications such as swelling and high blood pressure, supporting overall kidney health in people with IgA nephropathy.
  • To effectively reduce salt consumption, read food labels to identify high sodium products, track daily sodium intake to stay within recommended limits, and limit dining out to control salt content.
  • Flavor meals with salt-free alternatives such as herbs, spices, citrus, and vinegars. Limiting processed foods, which often contain high levels of added sodium, and planning meals in advance can help make better nutritional choices.

IgA nephropathy, also known as Berger’s disease, is an autoimmune condition that affects the kidneys.

Treatment for IgA nephropathy may include medications and lifestyle modifications, including dietary changes.

For people living with the condition, limiting salt intake can help manage certain symptoms and complications, such as swelling and high blood pressure.

In this article, we offer tips to help reduce salt intake while living with IgA nephropathy.

IgA nephropathy is an autoimmune condition that involves a buildup of an antibody protein called immunoglobulin A (IgA) in the kidneys.

Over time, this buildup can damage the kidneys’ blood vessels and lead to symptoms and complications, such as swelling, high blood pressure, and chronic kidney disease.

There’s no cure for IgA nephropathy, so treatment focuses on managing symptoms and reducing the risk of complications. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), doctors often recommend a combination of medications and lifestyle changes as part of treatment.

Lifestyle adjustments, including dietary changes, can play an important role in supporting kidney health. While there’s no evidence that diet can prevent IgA nephropathy, reducing sodium intake may help lower blood pressure and reduce swelling — two common concerns for people living with the condition.

If a doctor recommends limiting your salt intake, there are several steps you can take to help reach that goal. Below are six strategies for cutting back.

Keep in mind that reducing salt intake doesn’t mean avoiding salt entirely. Sodium is an important electrolyte, and your body needs it to function properly.

Read food labels

Food labels are an essential resource for people trying to cut back on salt. Check the “sodium” line on the Nutrition Facts label when buying prepared or packaged foods.

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), about 70% of the sodium people consume comes from these types of foods. Becoming more aware of the sodium content can be a helpful first step toward reducing your overall intake.

Track your salt intake

In addition to reading food labels, consider tracking how much sodium you consume each day. While comparing nutrition labels at the grocery store can help you choose lower-sodium options, tracking your intake can help you see how everything adds up.

So how much salt is too much? According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, adults should aim to consume less than 2,300 milligrams (mg) of sodium per day. The FDA reports that many people in the United States consume closer to 3,400 mg daily.

For people living with IgA nephropathy, sodium recommendations are often lower. Some experts suggest limiting sodium intake to less than 1,500 mg per day, depending on factors such as blood pressure, kidney function, and overall health.

A doctor can help you determine how much sodium is appropriate for your needs.

Limit how often you dine out

It’s often easier to manage salt intake when you know exactly what’s in your food. Dining out can make tracking sodium more difficult, since restaurant meals may contain higher or less predictable amounts of salt.

Cooking at home gives you more control over ingredients and portion sizes. That said, you don’t have to avoid restaurants completely. Look for restaurants that offer lower-sodium options, or consider calling ahead to ask whether a dish can be prepared with less salt.

Add flavor without salt

Salt is a common way to add flavor, but it’s not the only option, especially when cooking at home. Many herbs, spices, citrus juices, and vinegars can add depth and variety to meals without increasing sodium.

When using seasoning blends, check labels carefully, as some mixes contain added salt.

Limit highly processed foods

Processed foods are foods that have been altered, prepared, or packaged before you eat them. Some are minimally processed, such as pre-washed salad greens or frozen vegetables, while others are highly processed, including chips, canned soups, and many snack foods.

According to the American Heart Association (AHA), sodium is commonly added to processed foods to enhance flavor or extend shelf life. Because processed foods contribute a large share of daily sodium intake, cutting back on them can make a meaningful difference. When possible, choose whole foods like fruits and vegetables instead.

Plan ahead

Deciding what to eat at the last minute can make it harder to stick to dietary goals, especially when convenience foods tend to be higher in salt.

Planning meals ahead of time can help you better manage your daily sodium intake and reduce the stress of figuring out meals on the fly. Even simple meal planning, such as preparing a few meals or snacks in advance, can make it easier to stay on track.

IgA nephropathy, also known as Berger’s disease, is an autoimmune condition that can damage the kidneys and lead to symptoms such as swelling and high blood pressure.

Along with medication, doctors may recommend lifestyle changes to help manage the condition. Reducing salt intake is one step that may help ease swelling and support blood pressure control.

Simple strategies, such as reading nutritional labels, tracking sodium intake, and preparing more meals at home, can make it easier to cut back on salt while living with IgA nephropathy.