Sourdough bread is an excellent source of: Calcium. Potassium. Magnesium.
Additional low potassium sides like rice, blueberries and sourdough bread complete the meal without exceeding 1/3 of the daily potassium goal. A medium banana at 400 mg potassium is considered high in potassium, since it is only a small portion of the daily intake.
The bottom line
Sourdough is a healthier alternative to regular white or whole wheat bread. Although it has comparable nutrients, the lower phytate levels mean it is more digestible and nutritious. The prebiotics also help to keep your gut bacteria happy, and it may be less likely to spike blood sugar levels.
Refined grains, such as the grains found in white bread and white pasta, are known to increase inflammation across the whole body. Sourdough bread and rye bread are both good options for an anti-inflammatory diet. The best sourdough and rye bread varieties to reduce gut inflammation are those made from whole grains.
Sourdough contains a variety of vitamins and nutrients, making it super beneficial to your day-to-day health. Sourdough bread has small to moderate amounts of: iron, manganese, calcium, B1-B6, B12, folate, zinc, potassium, thiamin, niacin, riboflavin, selenium, iron, manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, and vitamin E.
Traditionally, white bread was recommended for people with kidney disease because it has less potassium and phosphorus.
Suitable bread types
White or brown pan loaf, baguettes, pitta bread, ciabatta, chapattis, white or granary bread rolls are all suitable. Your dietitian will decide if you can eat wholemeal bread based on your blood levels. Sourdough bread is not a suitable bread as it is high in phosphate.
Most breads and cereals are good choices as they are low in potassium.
Some starchy foods such as bread, rice and pasta are low in potassium and can be eaten freely. However, some starchy vegetables like potato, sweet potato, cassava and yam are particularly high in potassium and need to be limited in the diet.
Potassium and your diet
The recommended potassium intake for an average adult 19-50 years of age is 3,400 milligrams (mg) per day for men and 2,600 mg per day for women.
I recommend whole grain, whole wheat or multigrain bread for people with kidney disease. Be careful to check the sodium in whatever bread you buy. Bread is a surprising source of salt! Historically, white bread was recommended because it has less phosphorus in it.
Water pills (diuretics) help rid your body of extra potassium. They work by making your kidney create more urine. Potassium is normally removed through urine. Potassium binders often come in the form of a powder.
Foods low in potassium include most refined fats and oils, grains like cornmeal, white rice, and pasta, cheeses like soft goat cheese, and blueberries, eggs, leeks, Napa cabbage, and chia seeds. Boiling vegetables in water and discarding the water can help reduce their potassium and electrolyte content.
Broccoli is a medium potassium food, low in sodium and phosphorus, and suitable for all the following kidney conditions and treatments: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Transplant. Hemodialysis (3 times/week)
While oatmeal is higher in potassium and phosphorus than other hot cereals, it can still be part of a healthy kidney diet. A 1/2 cup serving of cooked oatmeal has 80 to 115 mg potassium and 90 to 130 mg phosphorus.
Pros: For many, sourdough is easier to digest and can help regulate blood sugar levels. Cons: Sourdough is a calorie dense bread, meaning it can be hard to maintain your weight. Although white bread is ideal for fairy bread, it is the least healthy option.
How much sourdough bread is a healthy amount to consume in a day? It is currently recommended to consume 6 servings of grains per day. One sourdough slice of bread is equal to one serving.
Scientists, nutritionists, and health experts all agree that naturally-fermented sourdough bread is healthier than 'regular' white or whole wheat bread – for a multitude of reasons! Sourdough is more nutritious, easier to digest, and has a lower glycemic index. Sourdough also contains less gluten than other bread.