Can Kidney Patients Consume Potatoes?

Kidneys are one of the most important organs of our bodies. They have the all-important task of filtering our blood so that clean, filtered blood is transported to different parts of the body. Apart from filtering blood, kidneys also play a vital role in the production of red blood cells in the body. By producing a compound called Renin, kidneys also help regulate blood pressure and they also help produce vitamin D in the body. One question that bothers renal patients is, “Can kidney patients consume potatoes?” This article will try to answer this question in detail.

Potatoes for Kidney Patients

Before answering questions such as, “Is boiled potato good for kidney patients?”, you must know a bit about potatoes. Potato is a starchy root veggie that is native to the Americas. They are a rich source of vitamin C and have ample nutrients. Potato is also rich in potassium which aids in the workings of our cardiovascular system. In fact, they have a higher potassium content than bananas. Potato skin is rich in fiber that helps in the smooth working of our digestive system.

Potatoes for Kidney Patients: Can Kidney Patients Consume Potato?

As mentioned in the paragraph above, potatoes are a rich source of potassium. If you are a renal patient, then your nephrologist must have advised you to stay away from potassium-rich foods. A high concentration of potassium in the body negatively impacts your renal system. That is why, potatoes are often not recommended to renal patients, especially if your renal damage is on the higher side.

Is Boiled Potato Good for Kidney Patients?

Now, one technique that has often been recommended to renal patients if they want to include potatoes in their daily diet is by boiling them. Double-cook is one of the most popular techniques where you reduce the content of potassium in potatoes. This technique involves stages such as peeling, cutting, or shredding the potatoes. Then you boil them and drain the water. After that, you need to add fresh water and boil the potatoes again till they get tender. Studies have shown that you can reduce the potassium content of a 100-gram portion of potatoes to below 200 mg. However, you must always consult with your nephrologist before you include potatoes in your diet.

Mashed Potatoes for Kidney Patients

Usually, mashed potatoes are not advised for renal or CKD patients. Though you can reduce the potassium content of potatoes by double boiling them, mashed potatoes are still not considered suitable for renal patients. You can go for sweet potatoes, as their potassium content is lower than potatoes. You can easily replace mashed potatoes with mashed cauliflower. This dish is not only delicious but is low in potassium and rich in nutrients such as vitamin K, folate, fiber, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds. 

How do you Cook Potatoes for Kidney Disease?

Let’s assume you have a renal disorder and you love potatoes. Now, this is a tricky situation to be in as potatoes are high in potassium. If you are still bent upon including potatoes in your daily diet, then there are cooking ways through which you can reduce the potassium content in the potatoes.

Cooking Potatoes for Renal Patients:

To cook potatoes for kidney disease, you need to:

• Reduce potassium levels: You can do this by removing the skin, cutting the potatoes into small pieces, and soaking them in a pot filled with water overnight. The next day, boil the potato pieces in fresh water. To further reduce the potassium levels in the potatoes, double boil the potatoes in fresh water.
• Limit portion size: You should aim for 150 grams (5 ounces or 3 egg-sized potatoes) per meal.
• Avoid certain cooking methods: Baked potatoes, microwaved potatoes, scalloped potatoes, and French fries must be avoided at all costs as these cooking methods retain much of the potassium levels in the potatoes.
• Use dairy alternatives: If making mashed potatoes, try to use unsweetened cashew milk as it is quite low in potassium.

Kidney Treatment in Ayurveda

Ayurvedic treatment for renal disorders often makes use of specific Ayurvedic herbs like Punarnava, Gokshur, Ashwagandha, etc. These natural herbs are extremely potent and they thoroughly treat our renal disorders. Additionally, Ayurvedic treatment also utilizes the powers of Panchakarma and other healing therapies to thoroughly treat these renal disorders. Dietary and lifestyle modifications are also an integral part of Ayurvedic treatment of renal disorders. For example, consuming less salt and animal-based protein, including more fiber in your diet, etc. are some of the dietary modifications that are recommended to renal patients.

Conclusion

Potatoes, though rich in nutrients and good for health, may not be the ideal food for renal patients due to their high potassium content. If you still want to include potatoes in your daily diet, double-cooking them, reducing their potassium content, and consuming potatoes in moderation are ways through which you can savor this delicious vegetable.