Potassium restriction is not required by all people with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Usually those on hemodialysis or in late stage kidney failure, but not yet on dialysis are prescribed a lower potassium diet by their doctor or dietitian. People with early stage chronic kidney disease or daily dialysis may require a more liberal potassium intake unless their lab values are high.

This is often confusing when first diagnosed with CKD. Doctors and dietitians monitor potassium lab values to determine when their patient needs to start limiting foods high in potassium. As kidney function declines, more potassium is retained in the blood, so dietary intake must be reduced to prevent high potassium levels. Too much potassium is dangerous and can cause heart failure.

People who are unsure can check with their kidney doctor and dietitian to confirm an individual daily goal for potassium as well as other diet parameters.

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Post your own reviews on recipes you have made or read what others have to say. Here are reviews by users who have tried Easy Low Phosphorus Fudge: http://www.davita.com/recipes/desserts/a/293#readreview

Renvela™ (sevelamer carbonate) is the newest phosphorus binder available for dialysis patients. It’s manufactured by Genzyme, the company who has manufactured the binder Renalgel™ (sevelamer hydrochloride) for the past 9 years.

Phosphorus binders, along with a low phosphorus diet, are prescribed to dialysis patients to help stop phosphorus from going into the blood when it is released from food during digestion. Binders work like a sponge to soak up phosphorus in the stomach and gastrointestinal track, so the phosphorus cannot be absorbed into the blood. Phosphorus control is a major daily challenge for many dialysis patients because it is present in most foods.

The main difference between Renvela™ and Renagel™ is the newer binder contains a carbonate buffer, which may be beneficial to help maintain bicarbonate if levels are low. Another benefit of Renvela™ is fewer gastrointestinal side effects compared to Renagel™.

Should a person on Renagel™ change to the newer binder? There’s no need to change if there are no problems with the current therapy. However for those with low bicarbonate levels or gastrointestinal side effects like vomiting, nausea, diarrhea or abdominal pain Renvela™ may be better tolerated. You can find out more about Renvela at http://www.renvela.com/ or ask your kidney doctor or dietitian about it.

Some phosphorus binders doctors may prescribe include Phoslo®, Fosrenol®, TUMS® and Calcichew®.  In addition, other binder brands are available.

Plain white rice is a great choice for kidney diets because it is generally low in sodium (2-3 mg), potassium (12-50 mg) and phosphorus (11-45 mg). The same half cup serving of rice contains approximately 100 to 120 calories, 22 grams carbohydrate, 2 grams protein and 0 grams fat.

For people with diabetes, the carbs can add up, so it’s best to measure cooked rice and balance with other carbohydrate foods at a meal. 1/3 cup cooked rice is equal to one starch or carbohydrate serving.

Brown rice and wild rice are higher in potassium and phosphorus than white rice. Why? Because the bran is where most of the potassium and phosphorus are found. A single tablespoon of rice bran contains 124 mg potassium and 110 mg phosphorus. Once bran is removed, the refined white rice is a perfect fit for a renal diet.

Many rice products are acceptable for kidney diets—rice cakes, rice cereal, Read more…