Whole grains and kidney disease Most whole grains contain less than 200 mg of both potassium and phosphorous per ½ cup serving and therefore can be included in any of the following kidney conditions and treatments: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)/Transplant. Hemodialysis (3 times/week)
Suitable bread types
White or brown pan loaf, baguettes, pitta bread, ciabatta, chapattis, white or granary bread rolls are all suitable. Your dietitian will decide if you can eat wholemeal bread based on your blood levels. Sourdough bread is not a suitable bread as it is high in phosphate.
If you are on hemodialysis, unless you need to limit your calorie intake for weight loss and/or manage carbohydrate intake for blood sugar control, you may eat as much as you desire of grains, cereals and breads. They are a good source of calories. Most people need 6-11 servings from this food group each day.
Tomatoes are a good way to add extra potassium to your diet and decrease the need to take an additional potassium pill. Eating tomatoes will not have an effect on forming kidney stones.
Carrots contain a moderate amount of potassium and can healthfully be included in a kidney-friendly diet.
Phosphorus and Dairy Foods
Most dairy foods are very high in phosphorus. People with kidney disease should limit their daily intake of milk, yogurt, and cheese to ½ cup milk, or ½ cup yogurt or 1-ounce cheese. If you do eat high-phosphorus foods, ask your doctor for a phosphate binder to be taken with your meals.
If possible, make meat sandwiches from low sodium, fresh-cooked meats such as chicken, turkey breast, roast beef, pork or fish. Use meat leftover from dinner, or cook fresh meat specifically for lunch sandwiches. Consider freezing cooked meat in 2- to 3-ounce portions until needed.
Butter contains saturated fat, which increases your risk for heart disease. The National Kidney Foundation notes that heart disease is a major risk factor for kidney disease and vice versa. Consume less butter, lard and shortening to reduce your intake of saturated fat and lower your risk for heart and kidney disease.
For a change, try hot cereal like oatmeal, cream of wheat, cream of rice, or Malto-meal. Buy the original versions without added salt. Add brown sugar, blueberries, or a scattering of raisins. Southern favorites like corn meal mush and grits, with a dab of butter or honey, make great breakfast cereals too.
According to a study done on chronic kidney disease patients, eating oats did not show any changes in creatinine levels in renal patients. Oats have a significant amount of certain minerals such as phosphorus and potassium. However, they can still be eaten by kidney patients.
Take oats. Yes, they're higher in phosphorus, but a randomized study from Clinical Nutrition found that eating a bowl a day, or about half a cup of dry oats, had a net positive effect for people with CKD.
Chronic Kidney Disease and Dialysis patients should know that refined white bread (made from wheat flour) is generally low in Phosphorus and Potassium.
Limit intake of foods with high levels of phosphate or phosphate additives such as organ meats, whole grain breads, processed foods, cola beverages, cheese, dried beans, liver, peanut butter, dairy products and chocolate.
Rice is a great choice for the kidney diet—it provides energy and is low in minerals of concern for people with kidney disease or those on dialysis.
Kapoor says a healthy diet can aid in lowering creatinine levels and one must avoid foods like red meat, salty meals, white bread, processed foods, sugary foods, caffeine, canned vegetables, and foods that may contain high quantities of protein if diagnosed with high levels of creatinine in the blood.
Calcium-fortified soy, oat and coconut-based yogurts have a favorable nutritional composition for patients with kidney conditions.
Asian Food:
Dishes without sauces or with a light sauce are more suitable e.g. steamed whole fish, braised meats, crispy skin chicken, sweet sauces such as plum, lemon, orange, and sweet and sour may also be lower in salt.
Fish and Chips:
Remove batter from battered fish as this is high in salt. A small portion of chips can be eaten as a treat but remember these are not pre-boiled so will be high in potassium. Serve with bread and side salad to fill you up. Avoid battered sausages and burgers as these are high in salt.
If possible, make meat sandwiches from low-sodium, fresh-cooked meats such as chicken, turkey breast, roast beef, pork or fish in 2 to 3 ounce portions. Egg salad or fried egg sandwiches are good low-sodium, high-protein choices.
Mushrooms are rich in Vitamin D and are essential to regulate kidney function and help prevent kidney disease.
Your body needs protein to build tissue and stay strong, so eat the right amount without eating an excess. Most people with chronic kidney disease need between 60-70 grams of protein a day, which is the amount in about 7 ounces of meat or 10 large eggs.
If you want to reduce your salt intake, try having Salt 'n' Shake crisps (without adding the salt sachet). Better sweet snacks include: • jelly sweets • fruit gums • marshmallows • Turkish delight • mints • doughnuts • shortbread • ginger biscuits • rich tea biscuits • digestive biscuits.