Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
By: Kellsey Reed, RDN, LDN, PatientsLikeMe Contributor
Mushrooms are a nutritious and delicious vegetable found in so many different dishes across the world. When you are living with chronic kidney disease, you may wonder if you can enjoy mushrooms with CKD. In this blog post, we will explore if mushrooms can fit into a kidney-friendly diet.
Mushrooms and CKD
Mushrooms are technically a vegetable, even though they are also a part of the fungi family. While there are over 10,000 types of mushrooms, there are often only a few that you may find in your local grocery store. Mushrooms are a good source of antioxidants, fiber, potassium, B vitamins, and sometimes vitamin D too. These versatile vegetables actually contain a precursor of vitamin D, meaning that when they are exposed to sunlight, this precursor converts to vitamin D. This can be a great benefit to those with chronic kidney disease who may struggle with low vitamin D levels.
One of the controversial opinions about mushrooms is that they contain too much potassium and should be avoided. While mushrooms do contain potassium, they do not need to be avoided. If you are living with CKD, it’s important to remember that not everyone with chronic kidney disease needs to be on a potassium restricted diet. In fact, some people may be unnecessarily restricting potassium in their CKD diet. Everyone with CKD has different nutrient needs and therefore needs to work closely with their healthcare provider and dietitian to make sure they are following the right diet for them. If you are someone who needs to limit your potassium intake, be mindful of your portion size of mushrooms and any other high potassium foods you are having
One thing to keep in mind when you are enjoying mushrooms with CKD is that the potassium content of mushrooms will change when you enjoy them raw vs cooked. Raw mushrooms will typically be lower in potassium whereas cooked mushrooms will be higher. This is because cooked mushrooms will weigh more than raw mushrooms.
Here is the nutrition information for 1 cup of white mushrooms:
- 15 calories
- 2 gm protein
- 2 gm carbohydrate
- 0.7 gm fiber
- 2 mg calcium
- 0.35 mg iron
- 223 mg potassium
- 3.5 mg sodium
How to Safely Enjoy Mushrooms with CKD
- Portion Control - Given that the potassium content in mushrooms can vary, portion control is key. Stick to smaller servings—about half a cup of cooked mushrooms at a time—to keep your potassium intake in check.
- Balance with Low-Potassium Foods - To further manage your potassium intake, pair mushrooms with other low-potassium foods. For example, enjoy them with rice, pasta, or a salad made with lettuce, cucumbers, and bell peppers, which are all lower in potassium.
- Choose edible mushrooms only - When choosing mushrooms to enjoy, be sure to choose edible varieties available in your local grocery stores. Some wild mushrooms not found in grocery stores can be poisonous.
Recipes with Mushrooms for CKD
- Mushroom bolognese
- Roasted vegetable salad
- Balsamic marinated mushrooms
- Mushroom soup
- Mushroom risotto
- Mushroom croquettes
- Stir fry vegetables with mushrooms
- Mushroom pasta
The Bottom Line
Mushrooms can be a nutritious addition to your diet, even if you have kidney disease. By understanding their potassium content and practicing portion control if you need to limit your potassium intake, you can safely enjoy mushrooms while keeping your potassium levels in check. As always, it’s important to work with your healthcare provider and a dietitian to tailor your diet to your specific needs. With careful planning, mushrooms can remain a flavorful part of your kidney-friendly diet.
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