Kidney Disease Archives

09Oct 2019 by KidneyChef No Comments

Pumpkin Cranberry Bread

Nothing makes it feel more like October than some pumpkin and pumpkin spice! Unfortunately, for many of you with kidney disease, enjoying pumpkin may be limited in your diet. Pumpkin puree is high in potassium and pumpkin seeds are high in potassium and phosphorus. Fortunately, there are plenty of fruits that pair well with pumpkin. Many recipes combine them, requiring less pumpkin. Less pumpkin = less potassium, allowing everyone to enjoy some comforting fall baked goods! Make your home smell amazing and feel warm and cozy this fall with this pumpkin cranberry bread. Enjoy! Pumpkin Cranberry Bread Ingredients 2 ½ cup all-purpose flour 2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice 2 tsp. baking powder 2 eggs 2 cup sugar 1 ¾ cup canned pumpkin puree ½ cup vegetable oil 1 cup…

06Oct 2019 by KidneyChef No Comments

Carbs—to Eat Or Not To Eat With CKD Management?

Carbohydrates, Kidney Disease

Carbs—to Eat Or Not To Eat With CKD Management? The carbohydrate seems to be the most controversial macronutrient. So many questions surround the topic of Carbs—to Eat Or Not To Eat, only eat certain amounts, only eat net carbs, only eat certain carbs at certain ages, are carbs fattening?, and the list goes on. The ‘claims’ are both confusing and frustrating. Let’s start with some basics to clarify. Definition of a Carbohydrate Carbohydrates are a macronutrient (meaning they are needed in large amounts in the body) and are the body’s main source of energy. Approximately 50% of our diet should be from carbohydrates. When digested, they are converted into their simplest and smallest form-glucose. Why? Because the energy from carbohydrates needs to be transported throughout the body to…

04Oct 2019 by KidneyChef No Comments

Seasonal Fall Produce And CKD Management

Kidney Disease, Renal Diet

Marika Wamback, BSc. R.D. Registered Dietitian Seasonal Fall Produce And CKD Management Fall is a wonderful time of year that brings us some of the tastiest produce. Unfortunately, not all of us can enjoy everything the fall harvest brings us. If you have chronic kidney disease (CKD), some of the produce harvested this time of year may be restricted in your diet. You may wonder how much seasonal produce can I have, what can I have, and how can I prepare it? These are common questions people with CKD ask about food and how it fits into their renal diet. If you have CKD, you may be concerned with how much potassium is in your diet. High or low blood levels of potassium can be dangerous as they can affect…

29Sep 2019 by KidneyChef No Comments

Truth Or Trick: Alkaline Diets — All Trick!

Kidney Disease

Marika Wamback, BSc. R.D. Registered Dietitian Truth Or Trick: Alkaline Diets — All Trick! Information on the alkaline diet is everywhere. Promoters of the alkaline diet theorize that by making the body more alkaline through diet, (aka-changing your pH) it will eliminate or cure any negative health issues. This is all misleading information. Why? Let’s start with the basics: Ph Scale The pH scale used to measure whether something is acidic or basic ranges from 0-14 respectively; however, the numbers increase logarithmically. For instance, if something has a pH of 2, although very acidic, is 10 times more basic than 1. 7 is considered neutral pH. Anything less than 7 is acidic, and anything more than 7 is basic. It begs the question, how would food create that much pH…

24Sep 2019 by KidneyChef No Comments

Apple Cake with Warm Honey Sauce

Kidney Disease, recipes, Renal Diet

It’s apple season! Apples are a low potassium fruit that anyone with Chronic Kidney Disease can enjoy. Apples are so versatile—they can be eaten fresh, baked in a dessert, or used as an ingredient in savory meals. This fall dessert recipe is a little slice of comfort and sure to be a crowd favorite, even for those without CKD. Apple Cake with Warm Honey Sauce Ingredients Cake: 1/3 cup lemon juice 3 cups diced, peeled apples 3 Tbsp. margarine ½ cup sugar ½ cup honey 1 egg 2 cups flour 1 tsp. baking powder Sauce: 2 ½ tsp. cornstarch ½ cup honey 1/3 cup water 1 Tbsp. grated lemon peel 3 Tbsp. lemon juice 1 Tbsp. margarine dash nutmeg ½ tsp. baking soda ¼ tsp. nutmeg Preparation Preheat oven…

20Sep 2019 by KidneyChef No Comments

What Are Oxalates and Are They an Issue for CKD Patients?

Kidney Disease

Stephanie Legin RD, LDN Registered Dietitian ? What Are Oxalates? An antinutrient is defined as “a naturally-occurring substance found in plant-derived foods that interfere with absorption or proper functioning of nutrients in the body” (i.e. iron, calcium, protein). Oxalic acid is an antinutrient. Some other antinutrients are phytates, tannins, lectins, and protease inhibitors. Where Do You Find Oxalates? Oxalic acid is an organic compound found in plants. When other minerals found in plants bind with oxalic acid, they form oxalates. After consuming plant based foods, they start to breakdown in the digestive tract. During this process, oxalates bind with other minerals like calcium, forming calcium oxalate crystals. Healthy kidneys filter the excess calcium oxalate and excrete it in the urine. If the kidneys are unable to effectively filter out excess…

10Sep 2019 by KidneyChef No Comments

Easy Crockpot Apple & Cranberry Pork Tenderloin with Carrots

Kidney Disease, low potassium, low-salt, recipes, Renal Diet

After a long, hot summer, most of us welcome the cooler weather and cozier, warm meals that come along with it. This pork tenderloin recipe is perfect for a crisp, fall evening meal and is so easy to prepare and cook in your crockpot. This slow cooked, all-in-one dish is both savory and sweet and is an ideal meal if you have Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). The pork gets its wonderful fall flavor from the roasted carrots, onions, apples and cranberries and a little bit of thyme. Not only is this recipe low in sodium, potassium, and phosphorus, it is full of fiber and a great source of lean protein. Enjoy! Easy Crockpot Apple & Cranberry Pork Tenderloin with Carrots Ingredients 2 ½ pounds pork tenderloin 1 pound baby carrots…

06Sep 2019 by KidneyChef No Comments

The Systemic Impact of the Impaired Kidney’s Ability to Produce Vital Hormones, Proteins, and Enzymes

Kidney Disease

Marika Wamback, BSc. R.D. Registered Dietitian Ever wonder what the kidneys really do? They are such a vital part of our health that we cannot live without them. The kidneys have multiple functions that require other bodily systems to work properly, and are responsible for the production of hormones, enzymes, and proteins that are necessary for survival. Below is a review of just a few of the many functions of the kidney. What you eat impacts the health of your kidneys, their functions, and your CKD management. Erythropoietin Erythropoietin is a hormone produced by the kidneys that signals the bone marrow to produce healthy red blood cells. The main function of red blood cells is to transport oxygen and glucose throughout the body. CKD can cause low erythropoietin levels due…

30Aug 2019 by KidneyChef No Comments

Key Lime Squares

recipes, Renal Diet

Satisfy your sweet tooth with this citrusy dessert. These tart and creamy squares are low in sodium, potassium and phosphorus and will fit perfectly into your CKD diet. It’s a yummy and refreshing addition to any summertime meal! Key Lime Squares Crust: 1 cup all-purpose flour ¼ cup confectioner’s sugar ½ cup margarine, softened Filling: 2 tsp. lime zest ½ tsp. baking powder 2 eggs 1 cup sugar 2 Tbsp. lime juice Sliced limes and non-dairy whipped topping for garnish Preparation Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix flour, confectioner’s sugar and margarine. Press into ungreased, 8x8x2 inch pan. Bake for 20 minutes. Using an electric mixer, beat the filling ingredients on medium speed until light and fluffy, then pour over the hot crust. Bake just until no indentation remains…

23Aug 2019 by KidneyChef No Comments

Starfruit: The Forbidden Fruit for Individuals with CKD

Kidney Disease, Renal Diet

Stephanie Legin RD, LDN Registered Dietitian Individuals living with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) know the renal diet is one of the most complex diets to follow. Depending on your level of renal function and lab results, your diet can be extremely restrictive, having to avoid or limit portions of many foods and beverages. On occasion, however, your doctor and dietitian may give you some flexibility with food choices. There is one food that your renal care team will never grant you an exception to consume—that is the Starfruit (Carambola). What Is Starfruit? The Starfruit is a tropical fruit originating from Indonesia, Philippines and Malaysia. A popular fruit in most East Asian countries, it is becoming increasingly popular and more available in grocery stores in North America. Tropical parts of…