Kidney disease has become one of the most common medical conditions in the world. People with this condition should avoid taking excess phosphorus, potassium, and sodium. Foods that contain high levels of these minerals include dried fruits, processed meats, bananas, brown rice, and cola. The kidney is a bean-shaped organ located in the abdominal region. They perform many vital functions that help maintain overall health. Some of its functions include blood filtering, removing waste through urine, hormone production, minerals balance, and regulating fluid balance.
Many risk factors are associated with kidney disease. The most common risk factors include high blood pressure and untreated diabetes. Any damage to the kidney that affects its functions can cause accumulation of fluid in the body and waste. This may lead to several health complications. Doctors recommend consuming a kidney-friendly diet and staying away from certain meals that help reduce the accumulation of waste products in the blood, boost kidney function, and prevent further damage.
Foods that contain high levels of phosphorus may affect the kidneys negatively. Let’s take a look at some foods to avoid if you want a healthy kidney.
Whole Wheat Bread
For people with kidney disease, it is important to pay good attention to the mineral content of a bread before purchasing. Doctors recommend whole wheat bread over processed, white flour bread for healthy people. While whole wheat bread may contain more healthy elements like fiber, it may lead to several health complications in people with kidney disease. Doctors recommend white bread over whole wheat bread. This is because it contains a lesser amount of potassium and phosphorus. The higher the bran and whole grains in the bread the higher the potassium and phosphorus contents.
For instance, a standard slice, or 36-gram (g) serving of whole wheat bread usually contains nearly 76 mg of phosphorus and 90 mg of potassium. On the other hand, a standard slice (28g) of white bread contains about 32 mg of phosphorus and potassium.
You can consume one slice of whole wheat bread instead of two to reduce your phosphorus and potassium intake with Pugh staying away from whole wheat bread completely. It is important to note that most bread and bread products, irrespective of whether it is whole wheat or white, also contain high levels of sodium. It would help to compare the nutritional values of differ types of bread and select a lower sodium option if possible.