Living with chronic kidney disease means a lot of changes to your diet, but it does not mean you get to skip any meals, especially meals like breakfast on a kidney-friendly diet. You know what they say, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. You will be happy to know that there are many kinds of cereal that can satisfy the requirements for being low in potassium content and phosphorus content while also being tasty and filling to help you start your day and promote good kidney health on a kidney diet.

 

Why Do Kidney Patients Need To Eat Low Potassium and Phosphorus Foods?

 

Chronic kidney disease patients need to eat low potassium and phosphorus foods because the damaged kidneys cannot clean out the excess of these minerals as well as they could before. The inability to get rid of the excess of these minerals leads to a buildup of potassium and phosphorus in the body which can lead to a multitude of health risks. An increase in phosphorus in the body can lead to brittle bones, itchy skin, and other skin problems. An increased amount of potassium in the body can lead to fatigue, nausea, muscle pain, breathing issues, and heart issues.

 

Are There Cereals That Have Low Potassium and Phosphorus?

 

You may think that it would be hard to find low potassium and phosphorus cereals, but there are actually many different options for cereals that meet these requirements. There are many that are even popular brands that you may enjoy now without even knowing! Keep reading to learn all of the delicious and healthy cereal options for you if you are looking for breakfast options with a great ingredient list for CKD patients that also have great health benefits.

 

Breakfast Cereals Low In Potassium & Phosphorus for CKD Patients

 

Corn Pops

 

A Kellog brand cereal which you surely see every trip you take down the cereal aisle at your local grocery store, Corn Pops are actually an option that is low in sodium, potassium, and phosphorus intake. This is a tasty and simple sweet corn cereal, and it only has 30 milligrams of potassium, 160 milligrams of sodium, and no listed phosphorus. This is a great option for those who do not want any fruity flavors but still enjoy a sweeter cereal.

 

Frosted Mini-Wheats

 

Frosted Mini-Wheats are the most popular form of shredded wheat cereal and they are packed with healthy fiber as well as being lower in potassium, sodium, and phosphorus. While not as low in potassium as our previous choice, these still have a low amount at about 160 milligrams of potassium in the entire 32-ounce box. There are 10 milligrams of sodium and about 10 percent phosphorus.

 

Fruit Loops

 

Fruit Loops are a classic fruity cereal option that may remind you of childhood, but if these are the types of breakfast flavors you enjoy, you will be happy to know that this is a low potassium and low phosphorus option you can enjoy on a CKD diet. While this option does have a higher amount of sodium with 180 milligrams per box, it does have the benefit of having no phosphorus, and having only 60 milligrams of potassium.

 

Apple Jacks

 

Apples may be a great fruit for those on CKD diets, but the tasty cinnamon-apple cereal, Apple Jacks, is also safe to eat if you have chronic kidney disease. This is an interesting combination of slightly fruity apple and cinnamon flavors. This unique cereal can be enjoyed guilt-free because it is low in potassium and phosphorus. It is not as low as other options for sodium as it has 210 milligrams, but it does not have any phosphorus. In addition to these pros, it only has 50 milligrams of potassium.

 

Which Hot Cereals Are Low Potassium and Low Phosphorus?

 

Bob’s Red Mill Creamy Wheat

 

Bob’s Red Mill is a great company with many organic and gluten-free options. They also have a great organic hot cereal, Bob's Red Mill Organic Creamy Wheat Hot Cereal, which is low in sodium, phosphorus, and potassium. Made with organic wheat, it only contains 62 milligrams of potassium, zero sodium, and zero phosphorus. It is a great and easy to cook option that you can add many additional ingredients like fresh fruit to.

 

Cream of Wheat

 

If you are looking for hot cereals low in potassium and phosphorus, then Cream of Wheat will fit your exact needs. Certified Kosher and fat free, this option is also made with wheat but does contain more sodium than our previous option. At about 100 milligrams of sodium, it isn’t too crazy and it only has 30 milligrams of potassium. Phosphorus is not included. A quick and affordable option that is readily available at many local grocery stores, this is a great attainable hot cereal that you can enjoy with CKD.

 

Cream of Rice

 

Much like the last option, there is a brand and product called Cream of Rice. It is a hot cereal that is gluten-free, fat-free, Kosher-certified, cholesterol-free, and a great addition to a healthy diet. It is also low in potassium and phosphorus. It contains zero sodium, zero phosphorus, and only 30 milligrams of potassium.

 

 

The Best Low Potassium Granola Recipes For a Renal Diet

 

Nature’s Path

 

Nature’s Path has a honey almond flavor that is low in potassium, sodium, and phosphorus. It is made with gluten-free oats, honey, and almonds. It is a simple and tasty option for those who need gluten-free options as well as those on a renal diet. It has about 90 milligrams of potassium, 65 milligrams of sodium, and no listed phosphorus.

 

KIND granola

KIND is a popular brand that makes various forms of healthy grain bars, cereals, and granola clusters. KIND Healthy Grains Oats & Honey Clusters with Toasted Coconut is a low potassium granola option. It's gluten-free, Kosher, and has no GMOs. It only contains 75 milligrams of potassium, 25 milligrams of sodium, and no phosphorus.

 

Thrive Market Granola

 

Thrive Market has a delicious and healthy granola option that is grain-free. Organic Granola, Vanilla Cinna-Yum has a few more flavors than our other options and is low potassium, low phosphorus, low sodium, gluten-free, vegan, and dairy-free. It has only 55 milligrams of sodium, about 70 milligrams of potassium, and no phosphorus.

 

 

Breakfast for CKD patients can be tricky, but luckily there are quite a few choices for eating low potassium and low phosphorus cereals.

 

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and these options of cereal for kidney disease should make you feel confident that you can keep enjoying some of your favorite cold and hot cereals low in amounts of potassium and phosphorus levels. Always consult with your health professional to acquire a deeper understanding about health and how to read cereal labels. Whether you want something fruity, natural, gluten-free, hot, or cold, you have many options and are not as limited as you may think when it comes to tasty and quick breakfast choices.