Traditionally, white bread was recommended for people with kidney disease because it has less potassium and phosphorus.
Sourdough contains a variety of vitamins and nutrients, making it super beneficial to your day-to-day health. Sourdough bread has small to moderate amounts of: iron, manganese, calcium, B1-B6, B12, folate, zinc, potassium, thiamin, niacin, riboflavin, selenium, iron, manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, and vitamin E.
Breads with sprouted grain, whole grain, or multigrain may be higher in potassium and phosphorus . Please see the list below for high fibre breads that are good choices .
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.
Note: Sourdough is not suitable for people with coeliac disease, who should follow a strictly gluten-free diet. If you have coeliac disease but still want to enjoy the benefits of sourdough, always look for gluten-free options.
Avoid black-eyed peas, dried beans, cooked greens, spinach, yams, and sweet potato pie. All are high in potassium.
Lower potassium alternatives
Limit to a maximum of 3 x 80g portions per day e.g. apple, blueberries, orange, pear, canned fruit. Vegetables Vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, tomatoes, brussel sprouts, parsnips, beetroot (fresh), baked beans.
Serve curry with rice, chapattis or plain naan bread. These are often high in potassium and so are best taken sparingly e.g. 1 teaspoon.
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.
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.
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.
If you need to lower your potassium, avoid whole grain products and chickpea flour rotis, or other foods made with chickpea flour. Lower potassium choices are white, whole wheat, light rye, or sourdough breads.
Water pills (diuretics) help rid your body of extra potassium. They work by making your kidney create more urine. Potassium is normally removed through urine. Potassium binders often come in the form of a powder.
Low potassium (best choice)
Cereals that are free from bran, dried fruit, nuts and chocolates such as: Weetabix® Shredded wheat®
cereals. Pick those that do not contain dried fruit, nuts or chocolate. Good options include porridge, cornflakes, Rice Krispies, Weetabix, shredded wheat, Special K and Cheerios.
When is bread not healthful? The highly processed flour and additives in white, packaged bread can make it unhealthful. Consuming too much white bread can contribute to obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.
Sourdough has made a comeback—and for good reason. It's packed with nutrients, healthy carbs, protein, fiber, iron and vitamins like folate. It can improve digestion, lower chronic disease risk and even promote healthy aging.
People with a gluten intolerance may find that sourdough is easier to digest, but people with celiac disease will likely still experience symptoms if they eat sourdough bread. If you have a gluten intolerance or celiac disease, consult with your physician before adding sourdough bread to your diet.