Potatoes are high in potassium (also know as “K”) which is a nutrient that must be limited when following a diet to manage kidney disease. People following a kidney-friendly diet can cut up and soak their potatoes in water to reduce their potassium content.
People withe chronic kidney disease or on dialysis who require a low potassium diet can still eat potatoes by using a technique to reduce potassium. Although potassium is not totally removed, it is lowered enough to safely include a small portion and keep your diet kidney-friendly.
Results: Mean potassium content was highest in the purple Viking potato (448.1 6 60.5 mg [11.5 6 1.6 mEq]/100 g [values are mean 6 SD unless otherwise noted]), and lowest in the Idaho potato (295 6 15.7 mg [7.6 6 0.4 mEq]/100 g). All raw potatoes had a mean potassium content of about 300 mg (7.7 mEq)/100 g or greater.
What's the best way to reduce potassium in potatoes? For the most effective potassium removal, potatoes must be cut into small pieces, sliced thin or grated. If boiled at least 10 minutes in a large pot of water, potassium is reduced by at least half the original amount.
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) Transplant. Hemodialysis (3 times/week)
When your kidneys are not healthy, you need to limit certain foods such as nuts, tomatoes and chocolate that are high in potassium. You may feel some weakness, numbness and tingling if your potassium is at a high level.
Some people with kidney disease, especially those with advanced stages of disease, do struggle with high blood potassium levels. If this is you, you can STILL enjoy potatoes occasionally. You just need to count them as one of your high potassium food choices.
Carrots and the Kidneys
Research shows that beta carotene is one of the best nutrients for helping the kidneys flush out toxins. Beta carotene, which the body converts to Vitamin A, also has anti-inflammatory properties and is especially helpful for preventing and managing urinary tract infections.
Some high-protein foods, such as red meat, poultry, and fish, can put a lot of stress on your kidneys. They are high in purines, which can increase the level of uric acid in your blood. This can lead to gout or kidney stones. You don't have to avoid high-protein foods altogether – be careful how much you eat.
Fish and seafood
Cod, flounder, halibut, whitefish, catfish, salmon, tuna steaks and shrimp are good choices for your kidney diet. Fish requires more attention than broiled meat or chicken because it cooks quickly.
Type of Exercise
Choose continuous activity such as walking, swimming, bicycling (indoors or out), skiing, aerobic dancing or any other activities in which you need to move large muscle groups continuously. Low-level strengthening exercises may also be beneficial as part of your program.
Eat a kidney-friendly diet and exercise regularly.
You are what you eat! Following a kidney-friendly diet may help you slow the progression of kidney disease, especially one that is recommended specifically for you by a dietitian. A dietitian can help you plan meals that you like based on your preferences.
While it's not possible to reverse kidney damage, you can take steps to slow it down. Taking prescribed medicine, being physically active, and eating well will help. You'll also feel better and improve your overall well-being.
Yet people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have to limit dairy products in their kidney diet. High levels of phosphorus, potassium and calcium in something like low-fat milk are not good for someone on a kidney diet.
The key is to stick to high-quality dark chocolate in small amounts: 20–30 grams daily with pure cocoa levels of 85% and above will provide the most benefits. Avoid candy bars and milk chocolate as they are high in ingredients that can worsen kidney disease.
Yes, you can still eat potatoes when you have kidney disease. Today, I'm sharing my favorite dairy free mashed potato recipe for you to try! The reason you may hear potatoes are “bad” for those with kidney disease is because they are high in potassium.