Most people with early-stage CKD or a kidney transplant do not have to limit tomatoes because of potassium. If your laboratory results show higher levels of potassium, your doctor or kidney dietitian may talk with you about how much to eat. Potassium can be a concern depending on the amount you eat.
Tomatoes are another high potassium fruit that may not fit the guidelines of a renal diet. They can be served raw or stewed and are often used to make sauces. Just 1 cup of tomato sauce can contain upwards of 900 mg of potassium (35). Unfortunately for those on a renal diet, tomatoes are commonly used in many dishes.
Blanching your vegetables in boiling water for 1 minute before using in cooking will also help reduce the potassium content. If making a tomato-based sauce, use less tomato than you usually would. Use tinned tomatoes rather than tomato paste, puree or passata.
People with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are often concerned about eating tomatoes if they have been advised by their renal dietitian to follow a low potassium diet. However, in the right amount and served with the right foods, tomatoes can still be enjoyed safely.
Potassium Content of Tomatoes
One medium-sized tomato supplies 292 milligrams of potassium and a small tomato provides 216 milligrams. A plum tomato or an Italian tomato each contains 147 milligrams of potassium. One cherry tomato supplies 40 milligrams of the essential mineral.
Onions. Onions are another perfect addition to a recipe for those looking to skip the salt. Onions and garlic used together and cooked in olive oil gives you the best kind of kidney-friendly flavor. They are each high in Vitamin C and B, and will bring great benefits your digestive system as well.
Don't eat ham, bacon, sausage, hot dogs, lunch meats, chicken tenders or nuggets, or regular canned soup. Only eat reduced-sodium soups that don't have potassium chloride as an ingredient (check the food label.) Also, only eat 1 cup, not the whole can.
Pastas can have different nutritional content
If you have kidney disease, it's important to check the food label to make sure the pasta suits your nutritional needs. Certain pastas can have different nutritional content. For example, some pastas can have varying amounts of salt or sodium.
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.
Beta-Carotene Benefits
Beta-carotene, the water-soluble form of vitamin A in carrots, helps the kidneys filter toxins out of the blood and prevent urinary tract infections, according to Dr. George D.
For Chinese food
Choose lower-potassium vegetables such as snow peas, string beans, water chestnuts, bean sprouts and bok choy.
Turnips are kidney-friendly and make an excellent replacement for vegetables that are higher in potassium like potatoes and winter squash. These root vegetables are loaded with fiber and vitamin C. They are also a decent source of vitamin B6 and manganese.
I recommend whole grain, whole wheat or multigrain bread for people with kidney disease. Be careful to check the sodium in whatever bread you buy. Bread is a surprising source of salt! Historically, white bread was recommended because it has less phosphorus in it.
Hard cheeses such as cheddar, Edam and Red Leicester are high in phosphate. Better options include: cream cheese • cottage cheese • mozzarella • feta • brie • Stilton.
Dark chocolate has many health benefits, including lowering blood pressure, improving vascular system function, and reducing total cholesterol and LDL. These significant benefits could reduce chronic kidney disease or kidney failure complications. However, milk chocolate bars can also harm those with kidney disease.
Avocados are high in potassium. By limiting the amount to 1/4th of a medium avocado (approximately 1/4 cup) you can still include it on a kidney diet when potassium levels are well controlled.
Foods that are high in fat, sugar and salt, such as crisps, chocolate, biscuits and cakes, can be included in your diet. However, because they do not contain good nutrients, they should only be included in small amounts occasionally.
Broccoli is a medium potassium food, low in sodium and phosphorus, and suitable for all the following kidney conditions and treatments: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
Mushrooms are rich in Vitamin D and are essential to regulate kidney function and help prevent kidney disease.
Choose soy, almond, cashew, or rice milk for less phosphorus and less potassium than cow's milk. Avoid cow's milk substitutes that are "Enriched" or have the word phosphorus or "phos" in the ingredient list. For a change, try hot cereal like oatmeal, cream of wheat, cream of rice, or Malto-meal.