Is Rice an Acceptable Food for a Kidney Diet?

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, rice crackers, rice bread, plain rice vinegar and rice milk beverage (the ones without added calcium and phosphorus). Always read labels for sodium—it’s high in many processed rice products. Seasoned rice mixes, fried rice, Spanish rice, rice noodles, rice and bean mixes and rice pilaf contain 400 to 800 mg sodium for a single serving. Ramen soup, also made from rice noodles has up to 1500 mg sodium a bowl.

Lower sodium rice recipes are available on several kidney recipe websites. Check out these recipes on DaVita.com:

Autumn Wild Rice http://www.davita.com/recipes/rice,-pasta-and-breads/a/278

Caraway Cabbage and Rice http://www.davita.com/recipes/rice,-pasta-and-breads/a/443

Dirty Rice http://www.davita.com/recipes/rice,-pasta-and-breads/a/502

Elegant & Easy Lemon Rice with Vegetables http://www.davita.com/recipes/rice,-pasta-and-breads/a/554

Rice Pilaf http://www.davita.com/recipes/rice,-pasta-and-breads/a/591

Spanish Rice http://www.davita.com/recipes/rice,-pasta-and-breads/a/457

Rice Pudding http://www.davita.com/recipes/desserts/a/466