Choosing low- potassium vegetables, core principles
People with kidney failure need to limit potassium in their diet, says Dr. Sharon Palmer, a US nutritionist at the US Institute of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND). Many types of green vegetables are rich in nutrients but contain very high levels of potassium. If not properly prepared, they can be more harmful than beneficial."
Palmer recommends that patients should choose vegetables with potassium content of less than 200mg per serving, such as cabbage, red bell peppers, bok choy and squash. At the same time, you should avoid vegetables with high potassium such as fresh spinach, sweet potatoes, potatoes, or only use them when they are boiled and remove the stock of the head water to reduce this mineral amount.
How to prepare it affects the amount of minerals in vegetables
Coking techniques can decide whether vegetables are medicine or unique for people with kidney failure, says Dr. Joel Topf, a kidney specialist in the United States and a member of the American Academy of Nephrology (ASN). Boiling vegetables in many water and adding the boiled water is an effective way to reduce potassium".
A study funded by the National Institute of Nephrology, Diabetes and Gastroenterology (NIDDK) also shows that: boiling vegetables for the first time can reduce potassium levels by up to 50%, helping patients feel secure when using some vegetables that are considered "difficult".
Vegetables recommended by experts
Based on the recommendation of the National Kidney Foundation (NKF), people with kidney failure can include the following vegetables in their diet in controlled amounts:
Cabbage: Low in potassium, rich in vitamin C, fiber, helps support immunity and digestion.
Red bell peppers: Rich in antioxidants, vitamins A and C, but very low in potassium.
Cucumbers: Low in potassium, high in water, supports gentle detoxification.
Squash: refreshing, slightly diuretic, low in phosphorus and potassium.
Cinnamon: High in nutrients, but still within safe potassium levels if eaten in reasonable amounts.
