Understanding IgA Nephropathy: A Practical Nutrition Guide for Australians

If you have recently been diagnosed with IgA Nephropathy (IgAN), you may be wondering how much your lifestyle needs to change. While a diagnosis can feel daunting, it is important to know that nutrition is a significant factor in managing the condition and protecting your kidney function over the long term.

As a renal dietitian, I work with people to simplify the "kidney diet" into something manageable and sustainable. Here is a look at what is happening in your body and how food plays a role.

Colourful fruit and vegetables forms part of healthy eating for igA nephropathy

What exactly is IgA Nephropathy?

IgA Nephropathy, often called Berger’s Disease, is an autoimmune condition. IgA (Immunoglobulin A) is an antibody that usually helps your immune system fight off viruses and bacteria.

In people with IgAN, these antibodies form clumps that lodge in the glomeruli—the tiny, delicate filters inside your kidneys. This causes inflammation and, if left unmanaged, can lead to scarring. When these filters are damaged, they can't effectively clear waste from your blood or keep essential proteins where they belong.

Key Nutrition Principles for Kidney Support

Managing IgAN isn't about "cleanses" or restrictive fads; it’s about reducing the workload on your kidneys and controlling inflammation.

1. Managing Sodium (Salt)

In Australia, a large portion of our sodium intake comes from processed foods rather than the salt shaker. High sodium intake increases blood pressure, which is the primary driver of kidney damage in IgAN.

• The Goal: Aim for less than 2,000–2,300mg of sodium daily.

• Practical Step: Check the "Per 100g" column on nutrition labels. Aim for products with less than 400mg per 100g, or ideally less than 120mg.

  
  

2. Protein Quality and Quantity

When we eat protein, our body creates a waste product called urea. Your kidneys are responsible for filtering this out.

• The Strategy: You don't need to cut out protein entirely, but shifting toward more plant-based options (like legumes, tofu, or nuts) can be gentler on the kidneys.

• Portioning: Optimising the total amount of protein consumed in a day and try to distribute over the course of the day, rather than having most of the protein at dinner time. Fill the rest of your plate with vegetables and whole grains.

  
  

3. The Role of Healthy Fats

Because IgAN involves chronic inflammation, incorporating Omega-3 fatty acids may be beneficial. Research suggests that these healthy fats can help reduce the inflammatory response within the kidney filters.

• What to eat

  • Oily fish like salmon or mackerel (twice a week), walnuts, flaxseeds, and using Extra Virgin Olive Oil for cooking.

  • Plant foods such as fruit, vegetable, nuts, legumes, herbs and spices.

    
    

Why Personalized Advice Matters

It is common to see general advice online telling kidney patients to avoid potassium or phosphate. However, for many people with IgA Nephropathy—especially in the earlier stages—these restrictions may not be necessary and can actually make your diet less healthy.

Your nutritional needs are tied directly to your blood test results (like your eGFR). A "kidney diet" should always be tailored to your specific stage of health and your lifestyle.

Managing Your Health via Telehealth

Navigating a kidney diagnosis can be complex, but you don't have to do it alone. Through telehealth, we can review your pathology results and build a plan that works for your specific situation, all from your own home.

If you're in Australia, your GP can often provide a dietitian referral under a Chronic Disease Management Plan to help to coordinate your medical care, as well as the costs of these consultations.