🔸Previously; for kidney patients, refined grains were preferred over whole grains as refined grains don’t have the germ (nutrient-packed core) and bran (fiber filled), leaving only the endosperm (starchy carbs-dense part) causing them to lose protein, fiber, potassium and phosphorus, along with other nutrients.

Being low in potassium and phosphorous, CKD patients doesn’t have to shun white bread, pasta, rice, and other refined grains making it beneficial for advanced kidney patients but lately, research has suggested reconsidering the whole grains intake in CKD patients.

WHY?

🔸Commonly eaten whole grains such as wheat, rice etc., are rich in phosphorous which is bound to phytate. As our human body lacks the enzyme, phytase, which releases phosphorous from phytate, making the low bioavailability of phosphorous in whole grains making it ideal for CKD patients.

🔸With this, kidney patients now can opt for whole grains over refined ones as it can cause them to gain weight and raise the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

*A few whole grains suggested for CKD patients are:

-Dalia

-Oats

-Barley (Jau)

-Roasted, cooked Kuttu ka atta (Buckwheat flour)

-Milled Rice and rice products like Poha (rice flakes), Murmura (puffed rice), Rice noodles, Rice cereal etc.

-Suji (Semolina)

-Vermicelli