Dante Carrillo
People with kidney disease must be careful about what they eat. Typically, a renal diet involves limiting foods with high levels of sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and calcium. Avocados, canned goods, and dark sodas, for example, are often avoided on a renal diet due to their high potassium and phosphorus content. Buttermilk biscuits, a popular treat in the Southern United States, are generally not considered kidney-friendly because they are usually high in sodium and made with baking powder, which contains sodium phosphate. However, it is possible to make more kidney-friendly biscuits by reducing the amount of baking powder or substituting it with other leavening agents like cream of tartar and baking soda.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Are buttermilk biscuits ok on a renal diet? | No, biscuits are not kidney-friendly. |
| Why? | Biscuits are high in sodium, low in fiber, and loaded with phosphorus additives. |
| Alternatives | Replacing baking powder with baking soda and cream of tartar, or using recipes that don't require baking powder. |
| General renal diet tips | Limit sodium, phosphorus, potassium, and calcium. Choose white over whole wheat bread and white rice over brown rice. |
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What You'll Learn
- Buttermilk biscuits are not kidney-friendly due to high sodium content
- Baking powder is sodium phosphate, which is harmful to kidneys
- Phosphorus additives in biscuits are harmful to those with chronic kidney disease
- Refined flour in biscuits removes natural fiber, spiking blood sugar
- Low-phosphate baking powder can be made with cream of tartar and bicarbonate of soda
Buttermilk biscuits are not kidney-friendly due to high sodium content
People with kidney disease need to be careful about what they eat. While it is difficult to find recipes that are safe for everyone, some foods are clearly not kidney-friendly. Buttermilk biscuits are one such food that should be avoided on a renal diet due to their high sodium content.
Biscuits are typically made with refined flour, which means the natural fiber has been removed. This causes the carbohydrates in biscuits to be absorbed faster, spiking blood sugars in individuals with diabetes. Biscuits are also loaded with phosphorus additives, which are not good for the cardiovascular system. Phosphorus additives are highly absorbed by the body and can build up easily in people with Chronic Kidney Disease. The recommended daily allowance for phosphorus is 700mg, and a biscuit from refrigerated dough can contain up to 201mg of phosphorus, or 28.7% of the RDA.
Buttermilk biscuits are also likely to contain baking powder, which is sodium phosphate. This is readily absorbed and can contribute excess phosphate to those with kidney disease. While there are low-phosphate alternatives to baking powder, such as cream of tartar and bicarbonate of soda, it can be difficult to find recipes that are safe for everyone with kidney disease.
In general, biscuits are high in sodium. Most biscuits have substantially more sodium than calories. For example, a Grand’s Southern Style Biscuit has 180 calories and 470mg of sodium – that's almost 300mg more sodium than calories! As a result, biscuits are not kidney-friendly, especially those that can be bought in stores or restaurants.
While snacking is okay on a kidney diet, it's important to make healthy choices. Instead of eating foods that are high in sodium, like potato chips, it's better to opt for kidney-friendly fruits. If you have Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), you may still be able to enjoy baked goods by making them at home and controlling the ingredients.
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Baking powder is sodium phosphate, which is harmful to kidneys
Biscuits are generally not considered kidney-friendly due to their high sodium, low fibre, and high phosphorus content. However, some recipes may be modified to be more suitable for a renal diet. For instance, the amount of sodium in a recipe can be lowered, or a different type of baking powder can be used.
Baking powder is used in many bread and baking recipes to create a light and airy texture. However, commercial brands often contain high levels of phosphorus, even in small amounts. Phosphorus additives are easily absorbed by the body and can quickly build up in individuals with chronic kidney disease. Therefore, it is advisable to use phosphorus-free baking powder or substitute it with other leavening agents such as whipped egg whites, steam, or yeast.
One option for a phosphorus-free baking powder is Ener-G, which is made of calcium and magnesium. It is specifically designed for individuals on dialysis. However, it is important to consult a dietitian before incorporating it into your diet. Additionally, this baking powder might require using twice the amount specified in a recipe, and it may affect the final product, so reading the instructions and reviews is recommended.
Another option is to make your own phosphorus-free baking powder at home. This can be done by sifting and combining cream of tartar and baking soda, which acts as a leavening agent. For every teaspoon of baking powder, you can substitute a quarter teaspoon of baking soda and half a teaspoon of cream of tartar. This homemade version can be stored in an airtight jar for up to a month.
While using phosphorus-free baking powder can make baked goods more kidney-friendly, it is important to remember that baked goods are often high in carbohydrates and should be consumed in appropriate portions, especially for individuals with diabetes. Additionally, it is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or dietitian to determine the best dietary choices for your specific needs.
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Phosphorus additives in biscuits are harmful to those with chronic kidney disease
Biscuits are typically not recommended for those with kidney disease due to their high sodium, low fibre, and high phosphorus additive content. Phosphorus additives are particularly harmful to individuals with chronic kidney disease as they are highly absorbed by the body and can easily build up. This is because damaged kidneys have difficulty filtering out excess phosphorus, leading to a higher risk of elevated blood phosphorus levels.
Phosphorus additives are commonly found in biscuits as they are often made with refined flour and baking powder, both of which contain phosphorus. Refined flour has been stripped of its natural fibre, causing carbohydrates to be absorbed faster and potentially spiking blood sugar levels. This is particularly concerning for individuals with diabetes, in addition to kidney disease.
Baking powder, a common ingredient in biscuits, is made with sodium phosphate, which is readily absorbed by the body and can contribute to excess phosphate levels. This is harmful to those with kidney disease as it further challenges their kidneys' ability to regulate phosphorus levels.
To make biscuits more kidney-friendly, it is recommended to substitute regular baking powder with kidney-friendly baking powder made with sodium bicarbonate and cream of tartar. This simple swap can drastically reduce the phosphorus content in biscuits. However, it is important to note that this modification will increase the sodium content, so adjusting the amount of salt in the recipe is necessary.
While modifying biscuit recipes can make them more suitable for individuals with kidney disease, it is still important to consume them in moderation. Biscuits, even with modified recipes, are typically not considered a healthy food choice due to their high sodium and low fibre content. Therefore, it is recommended to view biscuits as an occasional treat rather than a daily food option.
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Refined flour in biscuits removes natural fiber, spiking blood sugar
While biscuits are not recommended for kidney patients, making them at home can make them more kidney-friendly. Store-bought or restaurant-bought biscuits are typically made with refined flour, which means the natural fibre has been removed. This removal of fibre can cause blood sugar spikes, especially in individuals with diabetes.
Fibre is a type of carbohydrate that is not digested by the body. It influences gut health and may slow digestion, which helps regulate blood sugar. Fibre also helps you feel fuller for longer, reducing the likelihood of overeating, which can negatively impact blood sugar. Refined flour is also low in protein and heart-healthy fats, which are important for managing blood sugar.
When making biscuits at home, you can substitute refined flour with flour varieties that are high in fibre, protein, and heart-healthy fats. Almond flour, for example, is low in carbs and can be used in place of refined flour in recipes like biscuits. Chickpea flour is another option with a nutty flavour that can be used in both sweet and savoury recipes. Oat flour is also a good source of fibre and protein and can be used as a substitute for wheat flour.
In addition to using alternative flours, you can also experiment with lowering the amount of sodium in biscuit recipes. Sodium is typically considered low in foods if there is less sodium than calories. Most store-bought biscuits have substantially more sodium than calories. By reducing the sodium content, you can make biscuits that are more kidney-friendly.
It is important to note that while these substitutions can make biscuits more kidney-friendly, they may still be high in sodium, low in fibre, and low in antioxidants. Therefore, it is recommended to practice portion control and balance biscuit consumption with other foods to maintain a healthy renal diet.
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Low-phosphate baking powder can be made with cream of tartar and bicarbonate of soda
Biscuits are typically not considered kidney-friendly due to their high sodium, low fibre, and high phosphorus content. However, those on a renal diet can still enjoy baked goods by making a few adjustments to the ingredients used.
Baking powder, for instance, is a common ingredient in biscuits, but it contains sodium phosphate, which can contribute to excess phosphate levels. To make biscuits more suitable for a renal diet, low-phosphate baking powder can be made with cream of tartar and bicarbonate of soda (also known as baking soda). This combination can help cakes rise without the need for phosphate.
The recommended ratio for this substitute is two parts cream of tartar to one part bicarbonate of soda. For every teaspoon of baking powder in a recipe, you can replace it with half a teaspoon of cream of tartar and a quarter teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda. This substitute can be used in the same proportion as commercial baking powder for cakes, quick breads, muffins, tortillas, pancakes, and waffles.
It is important to note that while this substitute can reduce the phosphate content, it may increase the potassium content. Cream of tartar is a source of potassium, so it should be used carefully if you are on a low-potassium diet. Additionally, even with these adjustments, biscuits made with refined flour will still be low in fibre, which can cause blood sugar spikes.
Overall, while it is possible to make biscuits more suitable for a renal diet by using low-phosphate baking powder, it is important to remember that moderation and a balanced diet are key. Consult with a dietitian or healthcare professional for personalised advice and to ensure your dietary needs are met.
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Frequently asked questions
Buttermilk biscuits are typically not recommended for a renal diet due to their high sodium, phosphorus, and potassium content. However, it may be possible to modify the recipe to make it more kidney-friendly by reducing the amount of baking powder or substituting it with a combination of baking soda and cream of tartar.
Biscuits are often made with refined flour, which has had the natural fiber removed. This causes the carbohydrates to be absorbed faster and can lead to higher blood sugar spikes. The refined flour may also be treated with phosphorus additives, which are easily absorbed by the body and can build up in individuals with kidney disease.
You can experiment with reducing the amount of sodium in the recipe or substituting it with a low-sodium alternative. You can also try using a different type of flour, such as a low-phosphorus option like white flour, bulgur, buckwheat, or couscous.
Yes, it is recommended to limit or avoid canned foods, dark-colored sodas, and avocados on a renal diet due to their high sodium, phosphorus, or potassium content. It is also important to monitor your intake of potassium-rich fruits like bananas and other tropical fruits.
Yes, there are kidney-friendly baking recipes available, such as tea loaves, muffins, and cakes that incorporate fruits and vegetables. Home baking gives you more control over the ingredients, allowing you to make treats that are lower in sodium, phosphorus, and potassium.
