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What grains help kidneys?

Whole grains with lower potassium and phosphorus content: Barley. Buckwheat (kasha) Bulgur. ... Amaranth. Brown rice. Millet. Oats. Quinoa. Sorghum (milo) Spelt. Teff. More items...

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By DaVita® dietitian Nicole Dolan, RD from California

What are whole grains?

You’ve probably heard of whole grains, but what are they really? They are unprocessed grains with the endosperm, bran and germ left intact. They are rich in fiber, B vitamins, iron, magnesium and selenium. Compared to non-enriched refined grains, whole grains have more potassium and phosphorus. The amount of these minerals and the amount of protein varies among different whole grains. There are numerous benefits to eating whole grains. Improved digestive health, lower cholesterol with decreased risk for heart disease and stroke, and cancer prevention have been linked to higher fiber intake, a result of eating whole grains.

Are whole grains acceptable for a kidney diet?

In the past, whole grains were discouraged in kidney diet due to the higher potassium and phosphorus content. Today, dietitians are changing advice on whole grains. Why is this happening? Increased use of prepared and packaged foods, and eating out more often, has greatly increased sodium, potassium and phosphorus intake—mostly due to food additives. The nutritional and health benefits of food are as important as the mineral content. It’s important to talk with your dietitian who can tell you how much of which whole grains will fit into your individualized kidney diet.

What are the best whole grain choices?

Whole grains vary in the amounts of phosphorus and potassium.

Whole grains with lower potassium and phosphorus content:

Barley

Buckwheat (kasha)

Bulgur

Popcorn

Wild rice

Whole grains with higher potassium and phosphorus content (check with your dietitian before including these whole grains):

Amaranth

Brown rice

Millet

Oats

Quinoa

Sorghum (milo)

Spelt

Teff

Triticale

Wheat berries

Consider whole grains with protein

Incorporating some of the higher protein grains can help people on dialysis meet their protein goals. Whole grains with protein include amaranth, millet, quinoa, teff and some whole wheat pastas. Breads and cereals made from whole grains may also provide a significant amount of protein.

Kidney-friendly whole grain recipes

Enjoy these whole grain recipes on DaVita.com.

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Is Avocado good for kidney patients?

It can be a challenge to follow a heart-healthy and kidney diet when you're on dialysis, because many heart-healthy foods are high in potassium and phosphorus. For example, nuts, seeds and avocados are good sources of healthy fats, but should be limited for people with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Provided by DaVita® dietitians

It can be a challenge to follow a heart-healthy and kidney diet when you're on dialysis, because many heart-healthy foods are high in potassium and phosphorus. For example, nuts, seeds and avocados are good sources of healthy fats, but should be limited for people with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Your dietitian can help you make choices that are right for your diet prescription. To start, you'll need to know which fats are good for you and which you should avoid.

Healthy fats

1. Monounsaturated Fats These are good fats that help lower bad cholesterol in our bodies. Good sources are canola oil, olive oil and peanut oil. 2. Polyunsaturated Fats These also help lower bad cholesterol and are similar to monounsaturated fats because they are plant-based and liquid at room temperature. Good sources include safflower oil, sunflower oil and soybean oil. 3. Omega-3 Fatty Acids These fatty acids have been shown to lower the risk of heart disease. Good sources are fish such as salmon, tuna, herring, rainbow trout and mackerel.

Fats to limit

Saturated Fats Saturated fats generally come from animal products and are solid or waxy at room temperature. Limit chicken skin, high-fat cuts of meat, fried and fast food, cheese, butter, whole milk, ice cream and coconut oil, and palm and palm kernel oils found in processed and baked foods.

Fats to avoid

Trans-fats This unhealthy "hidden" saturated fat is found in many processed foods such as stick margarine, vegetable shortening, whipped toppings and commercially-baked cookies, cakes and crackers. Look for trans-fat listed on the nutrition label of all packaged foods. This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment. Consult your physician regarding your specific diagnosis, treatment, diet and health questions.

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