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.
Additional Kidney Diet Resources
Visit DaVita.com and explore these diet and nutrition resources:
DaVita Kidney-Friendly Recipes
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment. Consult your physician and dietitian regarding your specific diagnosis, treatment, diet and health questions.
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