Spinach: Yes or no for a dialysis diet?

Raw spinach is lower in potassium than cooked spinach. If you’ve ever cooked a bag of spinach, you can probably guess why. When heated, spinach leaves wilt, so it takes about 3 times more to produce an equal volume.

For comparison, 1/2 cup cooked fresh spinach weighs 3 ounces and contains 419 mg potassium. 1/2 cup raw fresh spinach weighs 1 ounce and contains 156 mg potassium.

If a low potassium diet is required due to kidney disease or dialysis, it’s best to stick with raw spinach in small amounts. Try mixing spinach leaves with lettuce for a salad or add to your favorite sandwich or wrap.