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Renal Diet HQ

Renal Diet HQ

How to Safely Eat Pasta While on a Kidney Diet

How to Safely Eat Pasta While on a Kidney Diet

Learn how you can safely include pasta in your renal diet meal planning.


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Living with chronic kidney disease (CKD), particularly in the later stages, means constantly having to balance getting sufficient nutrition with limiting those nutrients that could put further strain on your kidneys. Many people find that they have to limit or give up their favorite foods, including comfort foods made out of grains, like pasta, due to their high potassium, phosphorus, and sodium content. Experts now say, however, that certain pastas can be eaten and enjoyed on a renal diet, and may even be beneficial. Learn more about how to eat pasta on a kidney-friendly diet.*

Kidney-friendly pasta options

Some options that are more kidney-friendly than others include pastas or noodles made from:

  • Whole wheat 
  • Zucchini
  • Shiitake mushrooms
  • Quinoa or millet
  • Brown rice
  • Lentils or chickpeas

These are rich in fiber and nutritional value, with fewer calories and generally less potassium than semolina or regular wheat, the grains from which most pastas are made. 

Macaroni is low in potassium, and egg noodles has a moderate amount, but both contain small amounts of protein that can provide energy without over-stressing your kidneys. 

You can also pair or prepare your healthier pasta with other lower-potassium foods such as:

  • Bell peppers,
  • Onions,
  • Garlic,
  • Mushrooms, and/or
  • Spinach.

Spaghetti squash can be used as either a side dish or as a substitute for pasta.

Tips for safely eating pasta on a renal diet

Some general guidelines for preparing and eating pasta while on a renal diet include:

  • Be mindful of your portion sizes and the frequency of your pasta consumption, to avoid potassium overload. The carbohydrates in pasta can also cause blood sugar spikes that are bad for the kidneys.
  • Don’t overcook your pasta, as boiling water can increase sodium concentration in food, and too much sodium can increase blood pressure. 
  • Use olive oil instead of butter, to reduce saturated fat and sodium.
  • If you crave a traditional pasta dish with tomato sauce, make your tomato sauce from scratch instead of using a store-bought version.
  • Season with herbs and spices instead of salt.
  • Make sure the pasta dish contains a kidney-friendly protein.

With the proper planning and preparation, some form of pasta can usually remain on the menu even if you need to limit certain minerals. Speak with your renal dietitian about portion sizes, frequency of consumption, and food combinations that are appropriate for your specific nutritional needs. 

*Ford, M. (2023, June 5). Can You Eat Pasta on a Renal Diet? Renal Diet HQ. https://www.renaldiethq.com/can-eat-pasta-renal-diet/

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