Gut health has been a hot topic recently. So you may have read online about fermented foods and how they can benefit the gut. But what about fermented foods and kidney disease? This blog post will walk you through things to consider.
We want our gut and digestive system to be healthy because it has been found to play a major role in the risk for chronic diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease, chronic kidney disease (CKD), cardiovascular disease, cancer, obesity and type 2 diabetes. What you eat can affect your gut microbiota which is the microorganisms or bacteria in the gut. We wan’t to have the good microbiota in our gut, and some foods can help with this.
What are fermented foods and kidney disease
Fermented foods are those that have undergone the process of fermentation, where microorganisms like bacteria, yeast, or fungi act to break down carbohydrates or sugars in the food so that desirable biochemical changes cause modification to the food.
This process results in:
- Preservation of the food
- Enhancement of its flavour and texture
- Increased nutritional value (vitamins, minerals, other nutrients)
- Foods that are rich in probiotics (beneficial bacteria that support gut health)
- Contributions to improved digestion, immunity, nutrient absorption
Examples of fermented foods include yogurt, kefir, kimchi, sauerkraut, kombucha, miso, tempeh, and some types of cheese. These foods have a live bacteria that helps to contribtue to a health gut microbiotia.
What about prebiotics?
Prebiotics are the dietary parts that your gut bacteria need to grow. Think of prebiotics as fertilizer. Prebiotics are found in most fruits and vegetables that contain complex carbohydrates, such as fibre. Examples include asparagus, onions, apples and garlic, sourdough bread, oats and barley. Even frozen vegetable options have prebiotics.
Gut and Kidney Disease
Fermented foods can benefit both the gut and kidneys as the gut microbiome plays an important role in kidney health. Fermented foods contain probiotics which promote a healthy balance of gut bacteria and support digestion. This balance reduces inflammation and prevents toxins from entering the bloodstream. This eases the workload on the kidneys, which work to filter toxins out of the body.
Incorporating fermented foods into the diet can help eliminate kidney toxins, improve nutrient absorption, and contribute to maintaining a healthy gut microbiome while supporting kidney function.
However, including prebiotic foods is also important. The more prebiotic foods available the more food for the good bacteria to grow.
Fermented Foods and Kidney Disease
Here are some things to consider about fermented foods and kidney disease:
Sodium Content – fermented foods like kimchi or sauerkraut often contain high levels of sodium, posing a significant consideration for those with CKD due to its association with high blood pressure and fluid retention.
Potassium and Phosphorus – some fermented foods such as yogurt, may contain high amounts of potassium and phosphorus depending on the portion size. Excessive intake should be considered with CKD as these minerals can lead to electrolyte imbalances.
Although these considerations should be kept in mind, kidney patients can still enjoy fermented foods and prebiotic foods all within moderation!
Consult with a registered dietitian to cater to your personalized needs, allowing you to benefit from probiotics without compromising your kidney health.
This article was written by Neha Dewan, Nutrition Student Volunteer.
This article was reviewed by Emily Campbell, RD CDE MScFN.
