Bread type allowed on a renal diet can be a source of confusion for people with kidney disease. When we eat food our body uses what it needs and turns the rest into waste products. Bread is one of our staple foods and provides us with energy.
However, bread also contains some salt and phosphate. When your kidneys are not working properly, waste products like phosphate can build up in the blood. The kidneys can also find it more difficult to manage your blood pressure. The tables show the effects of too much salt and phosphate in our blood.
Salt (Sodium)
Most patients with kidney disease require a salt restriction. Salt is the main preservative used to keep our bread fresh. Breads can contain different amounts of salt per slice. Check food labels and try to pick one with lowest salt content.
If you are trying to gain weight or reduce your weight, please discuss with your dietitian how many slices of bread you should eat in the day.
Phosphate
As kidney function declines, so does the kidney’s ability to filter phosphate. Excess phosphate in the blood can cause problems with your heart and bones. White bread is lower in phosphate than brown bread. Often wholemeal or wholegrain sliced pan is also suitable for people on a renal diet (discuss what bread is suitable for you with your dietitian). Homemade soda bread (made without bran, wheatgerm, phosphate containing raising agent or baking powder) is also suitable but remember to count the milk, please see below for further advice on suitable bread types. Shop bought bread may not be suitable.
Diet sheet says: Sliced pan, baguettes, rolls, ciabatta, pitta bread, wraps;
choose wholemeal or wholegrain varieties;
homemade soda bread (count the milk)
Phosphate Food Additives
Manufacturers may add phosphorus when processing foods to thicken, improve taste or prevent discoloration. Added phosphate is very easily absorbed by the body. Dozens of additives contain phosphorus. Look for any ingredient that contains “phos” in the term. Here are some examples:
- Calcium phosphate
- Disodium phosphate
- Phosphoric acid
- Tricalcium phosphate
- Monopotassium phosphate
- Pyrophosphate polyphosphates
It is recommended that foods containing these additives are not eaten.
So what type of bread can I eat if I am on a low sodium and low phosphate diet?
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. Your dietitian will also guide you on how many slices you should eat per day.
Homemade soda bread can be eaten once you discuss your phosphate and parathyroid hormone levels with your dietitian. Your recipe will also need to be reviewed by the dietitian so that milk used in making the soda bread can be incorporated into your daily dairy product allowance. Shop bought soda bread may also be suitable to eat if it contains no high phosphate containing ingredients such as baking powder, phosphate additives, bran or wheatgerm. Check the label for these ingredients or ask your baker. Ask you dietitian how much milk a slice of soda bread typically contains and count within your daily dairy product allowance.
Article Prepared by Barbara Gillman
Clinical Specialist Renal Dietitian, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital
On behalf of the Renal Interest Group, of the Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute
FAQs
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.
What is the best bread for a renal diet? ›
White bread is typically recommended over whole wheat bread on a renal diet due to its lower phosphorus and potassium levels. All bread contains sodium, so it's best to compare food labels and choose a lower-sodium variety.
Can you eat Ezekiel bread on a renal diet? ›
It's a good source of vitamins and minerals
And Ezekiel bread is pretty low in sodium — there's even sodium-free options — which Kopp says can be good for someone who has chronic kidney disease or high blood pressure and needs to watch their salt intake.
Can kidney patients eat garlic bread? ›
Better choices. Lower-potassium starters include: Garlic bread.
Can renal patients eat brown bread? ›
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.
What bread doesn't cause inflammation? ›
The best bread to reduce gut inflammation is bread made from whole grains. Refined grains, such as the grains found in white bread and white pasta, are known to increase inflammation across the whole body. Sourdough bread and rye bread are both good options for an anti-inflammatory diet.
What is the healthiest bread Ezekiel? ›
Ezekiel bread is about as nutrient-dense as a bread gets. It's a type of sprouted bread, made from a variety of whole grains and legumes that have started germinating (sprouting). Compared to white bread, which is made of refined wheat flour, Ezekiel bread is much richer in nutrients and fiber.
What is the best Subway sandwich for a renal diet? ›
Subway: Choose 6” sub, good ideas for fillings include chicken breast, tuna, ham, egg mayo, beef, turkey breast, club, sweet onion teriyaki and salad. The wraps available are all okay for those following a low salt diet.
What is the best lunch meat for a renal diet? ›
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.
What bread is kidney-friendly? ›
I recommend whole grain, whole wheat or multigrain bread for people with kidney disease. Be careful to check the sodium in whatever bread you buy. Bread is a surprising source of salt! Historically, white bread was recommended because it has less phosphorus in it.
Lunch and dinner choices for the dialysis diet
However, there are several condiments you can add to your renal-friendly hamburger, including: lettuce, onion, one slice of tomato, mayonnaise, mustard and pepper. To stay within the recommended guideline, only have one quarter pound hamburger or order a child size meal.
What kind of pizza can I have on a renal diet? ›
Pizzas are usually high in salt, potassium and fat. If your potassium levels aren't a problem, vegetarian pizzas (often called Roma) are probably the healthiest choice. Chicken pizzas may contain less salt than those with salami, pepperoni or ham/bacon.
What are kidney friendly carbohydrates? ›
Eating too many carbs can lead to weight gain. When you have kidney disease, it is best to choose whole grains and healthy carbs such as fruits and vegetables. Unhealthy carbs include sugar, honey, hard candies, soft drinks and other sugary drinks.
What cheese is good for kidney disease? ›
Better options include: cream cheese • cottage cheese • mozzarella • feta • brie • Stilton. If you do have hard cheeses, then good ways to help reduce the quantity used include: grating the cheese instead of having slices or chunks • using mature cheeses, as just a little can still add lots of flavour.
Are bananas good for the kidneys? ›
Bananas: Like avocados, bananas are high in potassium — in fact, they're famous for their potassium content. Though bananas are low in sodium, it is still best to avoid making them a daily staple if you're concerned about kidney health.
