
Pizza is a popular dish loved and enjoyed worldwide. It consists of a round, flat crust topped with tomato sauce, cheese, and various toppings, which are then baked until the crust is crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Pizza is highly customizable, allowing people to choose from a wide variety of toppings to suit their tastes. Let’s look into kidney-friendly pizza.
The origins of pizza can be traced back to ancient times, and its evolution has been influenced by various cultures throughout history. Pizza originated in Naples, Italy. The dish can be traced back to the 18th and 19th centuries.
Today, pizza is enjoyed in countless variations and styles worldwide. Different regions have developed their unique takes on pizza, incorporating local ingredients and culinary traditions.
Some popular pizza styles include Neapolitan pizza, New York-style pizza, Chicago deep-dish pizza, and many others. The versatility and universal appeal of pizza have solidified its place as one of the most beloved and iconic dishes worldwide.
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Kidney-Friendly Pizza Toppings
When looking for kidney-friendly toppings for pizza, it’s essential to keep an eye on the ingredients’ potassium, phosphorus, and sodium content. Here are some kidney-friendly pizza toppings to consider.
Veggies: Load up your pizza with a variety of fresh or sautéed vegetables. Some kidney-friendly options include:
- Bell peppers (all colors)
- Mushrooms
- Onions
- Spinach
- Zucchini
- Broccoli
- Tomatoes (in moderation, as they contain some potassium)
Lean proteins: Opt for lean meats or plant-based protein options to reduce the phosphorus and sodium content:
- Grilled chicken (without added salt)
- Turkey pepperoni (in moderation, to limit sodium)
Fresh herbs: Flavor your pizza with herbs instead of relying on high-sodium sauces or processed seasonings:
- Basil
- Oregano
- Thyme
- Rosemary
Limit high potassium or high sodium ingredients: Some toppings are naturally high in those nutrients, so try to limit them:
- Olives
- Artichokes
- Avocado
- Anchovies
Cheese and Pizza
When reading the labels of cheese products, there are specific factors to consider, especially if you have specific health targets for sodium and milk fat. Here’s a breakdown of what to look for:
Sodium content:
- Aim for cheeses with lower sodium content.
- Check the nutrition label for the “Sodium” value, which is usually listed in milligrams (mg).
- A general guideline is to choose cheeses that contain around 200 mg of sodium or less per serving.
Milk Fat content:
- The milk fat content in cheese can vary significantly depending on the type of cheese and its processing.
- If you are looking for lower-fat options, choose cheeses with reduced-fat or part-skim varieties.
- Aim for cheese choices around 20% Milk Fat on the package.
Always be cautious when consuming processed or pre-packaged cheese products, as they may contain higher sodium levels than natural cheeses. Additionally, some specialty or flavorued cheeses may have added sodium or other ingredients that can affect your dietary goals.
Let’s compare some cheese options:
- Mozzarella (part-skim): Sodium 176 mg, Total Fat: 5 grams
- Feta: Sodium 315 mg, Total Fat: 4 grams
- Goat cheese: Sodium: 80-100 mg, Total Fat: 6-8 grams
Are you looking to enjoy pizza with CKD? Try this homemade pizza dough recipe. My favourite to cook is using a pizza stone.
Pizza Dough
Ingredients
- 2 cups All Purpose Flour
- 1 tsp Quick Acting or Pizza Dough Yeast
- 3/4 cup Warm water
- 2 TBSP Olive Oil
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, add flour.Â
- In a small bowl, add yeast to warm water. Let the yeast activate and bubble for about 5 minutes.
- Add the yeast/water and the olive oil to the dry ingredients and mix with a wooden spoon or your hands.
- Once the dough starts to come together, turn it out onto a clean worktop and start kneading with your hands. You may need to add a bit of flour to prevent sticking. Continue kneading for 5-10 minutes or until the dough is smooth and forms a ball.
- In a large bowl, add 1 TBSP olive oil and place dough inside to rise for at least 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- When the dough is ready, roll to your desired thickness, shape, and size. Transfer to a baking sheet or pizza stone, add your toppings, and bake in a preheated oven at 450℉ for 12-15 minutes or until the crust turns golden brown on the edges. Slice, then serve.
Notes
Per serving: 290 calories, 48 g carbohydrates, 2 g fibre, 7 g fat, 7 g protein, 3 mg sodium, 77 mg potassium, 68 mg phosphorus.
This article was written by Natasha Arabian, Nutrition Student Volunteer.
This article was reviewed by Emily Campbell, RD CDE MScFN.
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