Dr. Apeksha Ekbote
Ph.D,RD,CDE
Chief Dietician, NephroPlus
One of the most common questions that patients ask me is “Can I consume rice? Will it increase my fluid weight gain?” Before answering this, let me share a few things about rice. Rice is generally a great choice for kidney patients as in 100gms one would find low sodium (2.34 mg), potassium (108 mg) and phosphorus (96 mg). Many rice products like Poha/Rice flakes, Murmura/Puffed rice, Rice noodles, Rice cereal etc. are good snack options for patients on dialysis. Rice and Chapathi/Roti give almost the same calories. However, for a diabetic, chapathis are suggested due to its fibre content which accounts for its low glycemic index as well.
Now, the question about the fluid content of rice for dialysis patients arises. Yes, it is true that the process of cooking rice involves more water than that of a chapathi. However, methods of boiling the rice and straining the water or cooking the rice in a rice cooker (where steam is removed) is a preferable method wherein you minimise the water soaked up in rice.
It is advisable to limit rice intake to once a day and not suggested to completely avoid it or fear from eating rice as it is not the main cause for your fluid gain. Rice is the staple food for most South Indians and it is a cereal grain most used in our country. Fluid can be controlled by following fluid control tips like eating a diet very low in salt, sipping beverages in smaller cups, taking pills with food etc. (Search our blog for fluid control tips).
Rice products however can be consumed freely in the form of snacks or breakfast options. Combining it with a protein source will be an added advantage. Examples – poha with egg white/boiled black channa, Dry Bhel with boiled moong or channa, Rice Sevai with soya chunks etc.
