Whole Grains in Chronic Kidney Disease

Majority of the recommendations given for following a healthy diet suggest choosing half of your daily grains as whole grains. This is because whole grains help in preventing some diseases (diabetes, cancer, hypertension, and heart disease).

Whole grains provide important nutrients and fiber that can help support kidney health. These are often the first things avoided by CKD people by checking the internet.

All whole grain kernels contain three parts: the bran, germ, and endosperm. The bran is the fiber-rich outer layer that supplies B vitamins, iron, copper, zinc, magnesium, antioxidants, and phytochemicals. The germ is rich in healthy fats, vitamin E, and others. The endosperm holds carbohydrates, proteins, and small amounts of B vitamins and minerals.

Can I include whole grains with CKD?

Whole grains may contain higher amounts of potassium and phosphorus per serving compared to refined grains. This can be a concern for people with CKD. However, phosphorus in plant-based foods is not absorbed completely due to the presence of phytates in plants, so there is really no need to stress over the phosphorus from whole grains. Phosphorus from animal food sources is absorbed at a higher rate, which one should take into consideration.

4 Whole grains to add to your diet.

Whole grains can be included in moderation because most whole grains contain less than 200 mg of potassium and phosphorus per 1/2-cup serving.

For Example:-  (1/2cup cooked value)

– Barley – 73mg of potassium; 42mg of phosphorous; 3gms fiber.

– Bulgur – 62mg of potassium; 36mg of phosphorous; 4gms fiber.

– Buckwheat – 148mg of potassium;118mg of phosphorous; 4.5gms fiber.

– Wild rice – 88mg of potassium; 71mg of phosphorous; 2gms fiber.

Whole grains may offer additional benefits for those with CKD by helping with bowel regularity, blood pressure control, cholesterol levels and blood glucose control. The fiber content of whole grains helps to manage constipation which is a common problem among the people with CKD. Avoiding constipation helps you to manage potassium because potassium is eliminated through the stools.

In conclusion, people often feel that the renal diet is very limited with few options. Including whole grains will provide more variety in your diet.

Written by
P. Chaitanya
Executive Dietician