Listing potassium on food labels is optional for food manufacturers. Dialysis patients be aware that just because potassium is not listed on the label, it does not mean the food is potassium free.

Potassium is plentiful in milk, meats, fruits, vegetables, beans and nuts. If these ingredients are in the food, it contains potassium.

Another potassium source to be aware of is potassium chloride, the main ingredient in salt substitute. Some manufactured low-sodium food products contain potassium chloride instead of salt. Avoid this ingredient for a low potassium diet because a single teaspoon contains 2800 mg potassium.

Currently, the FDA is studying revision of nutrients required on food labels. (Docket No. 2006N-0168, titled Food Labeling: Revision of Reference Values and Mandatory Nutrients). People with CKD will benefit if potassium and phosphorus are added to the revised nutrition label.

Kidney Diet Tips has a new home at http://kidneydiettips.davitablogs.com

Please note the change in your Bookmarks or Favorites. This new address provides a direct connection to DaVita.com and their many resources on kidney disease.

Eggplant, also known as aubergine, is a great vegetable choice for kidney diets because it is low in potassium, sodium and phosphorus. One cup of steamed eggplant contains 2 mg sodium, 167 mg potassium and 17 mg phosphorus.

Some cooks soak eggplant in salted water to help remove air. This treatment decreases the amount of oil or water soaked up by the eggplant during cooking. For a low sodium diet avoid this step to keep sodium content at a minimum.

A fresh, ripe eggplant is shiny, and the flesh will bounce back when pressure is applied. Overripe eggplant becomes bitter and the skin toughens. When selecting eggplant, look for the dimple at the blossom end and choose eggplants with an oval shaped dimple instead of the round shaped dimple—it will have fewer seeds.

There are many ways to prepare eggplant. Try marinating sliced eggplant in herbs, lemon and olive oil, then cook it on the grill. Stuff eggplant with a ground meat, rice and seasonings and bake it in the oven. Dip eggplant slices in egg whites then breadcrumbs and fry it in oil. Stir-fry eggplant in peanut and sesame oil blend, and season with a dash of reduced sodium soy sauce or hoisin sauce.

Check out these kidney friendly eggplant recipes on DaVita.com:

• Eggplant Casserole
• Garlicy Ginger Eggplant
• Eggplant with Meatballs
• Eggplant Seafood Casserole

Breads can be a source of confusion for dialysis patients or CKD non-dialysis patients who require phosphorus restriction. Refined white bread (made from wheat flour) is generally low in phosphorus and potassium. The more bran and whole grains in bread, the greater the potassium and phosphorus content (and higher fiber content). A soft wheat bread that does not contain whole grain is acceptable for most kidney diets limited in potassium and phosphorus. Often soft wheat breads contain molasses to give the brown color. In deciding which one, consider how many slices you would consume (a whole sandwich vs. one slice) and if potassium and phosphorus levels are normal or high on monthly blood work.

A fact often overlooked is all breads, regardless or being refined or whole grain, provide a significant amount of sodium, Read more…