10 Low Electrolyte Foods for People with Chronic Kidney Disease

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10 Low Electrolyte Foods for People with Chronic Kidney Disease

Electrolytes are essential nutrients necessary for maintaining a proper balance of hydration and pH in the body. (1) However, for those diagnosed with chronic kidney disease, limiting some or all electrolytes may be necessary. (2)

Electrolytes for the body include sodium (NA), potassium (K), calcium (CA), magnesium (MG), phosphorus (P), and chloride (CL). (1) Sodium and chloride constitute table salt and therefore are widely found in modern diets.

Foods low in electrolytes include refined oils, honey, certain boiled and drained vegetables, low mineral water, certain fruits, and for protein: egg whites. (3) Below are 10 foods low in electrolytes. For more, see the articles on low potassium foods, and low phosphorus foods.

Foods Low in Electrolytes

1 Refined Oils (Flaxseed)
Oil from a bottle
One tblsp (14g) contains:
Sodium: 0mg (0% DV)
Potassium: 0mg (0% DV)
Magnesium: 0mg (0% DV)
Calcium: 0mg (0% DV)
Phosphorus: 0mg (0% DV)
2 Honey
A spoon of honey
One tblsp (21g) contains:
Sodium: 1mg (0% DV)
Potassium: 11mg (0% DV)
Magnesium: 0mg (0% DV)
Calcium: 1mg (0% DV)
Phosphorus: 1mg (0% DV)
3 Leeks (Boiled and Drained)
Leeks
One leek cooked (124g) contains:
Sodium: 12mg (1% DV)
Potassium: 108mg (2% DV)
Magnesium: 17mg (4% DV)
Calcium: 37mg (3% DV)
Phosphorus: 21mg (2% DV)
4 Bottled Water (Non or Low-Mineral)
A glass of water
One cup (237g) contains:
Sodium: 5mg (0% DV)
Potassium: 0mg (0% DV)
Magnesium: 5mg (1% DV)
Calcium: 24mg (2% DV)
Phosphorus: 0mg (0% DV)
5 Egg Whites
Egg whites
One egg white (33g) contains:
Sodium: 55mg (2% DV)
Potassium: 54mg (1% DV)
Magnesium: 4mg (1% DV)
Calcium: 2mg (0% DV)
Phosphorus: 5mg (0% DV)
6 Blueberries
Blueberries
One cup (148g) contains:
Sodium: 1mg (0% DV)
Potassium: 114mg (2% DV)
Magnesium: 9mg (2% DV)
Calcium: 9mg (1% DV)
Phosphorus: 18mg (1% DV)
7 Napa Cabbage (Boiled and Drained)
Napa Cabbage
One cup cooked (109g) contains:
Sodium: 12mg (1% DV)
Potassium: 95mg (2% DV)
Magnesium: 9mg (2% DV)
Calcium: 32mg (2% DV)
Phosphorus: 21mg (2% DV)
8 White Rice
White Rice
One cup cooked (158g) contains:
Sodium: 2mg (0% DV)
Potassium: 55mg (1% DV)
Magnesium: 19mg (5% DV)
Calcium: 16mg (1% DV)
Phosphorus: 68mg (5% DV)
9 Apples
Apples
One cup (125g) contains:
Sodium: 1mg (0% DV)
Potassium: 134mg (3% DV)
Magnesium: 6mg (1% DV)
Calcium: 8mg (1% DV)
Phosphorus: 14mg (1% DV)
10 Whole Wheat Pasta
Whole Wheat Spaghetti
One cup (117g) contains:
Sodium: 5mg (0% DV)
Potassium: 112mg (2% DV)
Magnesium: 63mg (15% DV)
Calcium: 15mg (1% DV)
Phosphorus: 149mg (12% DV)

About the Data

Data for the curated food lists comes from the USDA Food Data Central Repository.

You can check our data against the USDA by clicking the (Source) link at the bottom of each food listing.

Note: When checking data please be sure the serving sizes are the same. In the rare case you find any difference, please contact us and we will fix it right away.

Data Sources and References

  1. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance
  2. Electrolyte and Acid-Base Disorders in Chronic Kidney Disease and End-Stage Kidney Failure.
  3. U.S. Agricultural Research Service Food Data Central
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