Chocolate and nuts contain high amounts of phosphorus and potassium. Your dietitian can help you see which candy is acceptable and which is not. Here are examples of candy types that are not recommended for people with kidney disease or on dialysis.
– Avoid desserts with chocolate, cream cheese, ice cream or nuts – they are high in potassium and phosphorus.
Of course, the darker the chocolate the better, but any 70 percent dark chocolate or higher contains antioxidants, fiber, potassium, calcium, copper, and magnesium, according to an overview published in December 2019 in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.
Chocolate, or the compounds within it, does not have any known negative effect on kidney function. However, if you already have kidney disease you may have to limit your intake of chocolate due to the high content of potassium or other minerals.
Dark chocolate has many health benefits, including lowering blood pressure, improving vascular system function, and reducing total cholesterol and LDL. These significant benefits could reduce chronic kidney disease or kidney failure complications. However, milk chocolate bars can also harm those with kidney disease.
People who love chocolate may find the kidney diet difficult, because chocolate contains a significant amount of phosphorus and potassium. In addition, many chocolate candies also contain nuts – another high potassium, high phosphorus ingredient.
Advanced kidney disease is a common cause of hyperkalemia. A diet high in potassium. Eating too much food that is high in potassium can also cause hyperkalemia, especially in people with advanced kidney disease. Foods such as cantaloupe, honeydew melon, orange juice, and bananas are high in potassium.
White chocolate is considered a low potassium chocolate. It has just 81 milligrams of potassium per ounce. A bar of white chocolate would contain about 284 milligrams of potassium, which would make it a high potassium dessert.
Even if hyperkalemia isn't a crisis, you still need to get your potassium levels down. Some medications lower potassium slowly, including: Water pills (diuretics), which rid the body of extra fluids and remove potassium through urine. Sodium bicarbonate, which temporarily shifts potassium into body cells.
Excessive water consumption may lead to depletion of potassium, which is an essential nutrient. This may cause symptoms like leg pain, irritation, chest pain, et al.
The good news is that people on a low-potassium diet don't have to give up chocolate entirely. Although dark chocolate is relatively high in potassium, white and milk chocolate contain much less of this mineral5,6. All types of chocolate contain potassium due to its cocoa content.
One large egg contains about 63 mg of potassium. 1 Eggs are considered a low-potassium food, but check with your doctor or dietitian to find out how often you should eat them. What meats and fish are best for a low-potassium diet?
High potassium can be acute (lasting up to a few days) or chronic (lasting a long time). Acute high potassium may go away with short-term treatment. Chronic high potassium requires continual treatment and monitoring by a physician.
While not considered a high potassium food, the potassium in cheese should absolutely be made aware. On average, one ounce of cheese will provide about 35 milligrams of potassium. The cheese with the most potassium is processed cheese (like the cheese-in-a-can products).
People with kidney disease typically need to follow a low-sodium diet. This means avoiding foods such as salted snacks, cured meats, and processed foods. Some people may also need to manage their intake of potassium and phosphorus.
Carrots contain a moderate amount of potassium and can healthfully be included in a kidney-friendly diet.