Is wheat good for kidney?

Wheat is one of the most widely consumed grains worldwide. It is a staple food for many cultures and provides a good source of carbohydrates, protein, vitamins, and minerals. However, there has been some debate around whether wheat is good for overall health, especially for those with kidney disease. Kidney disease affects around 15% of US adults, and diet is an important factor in managing this condition. In the opening sections, we’ll provide a quick overview on wheat nutrition, the relationship between wheat and kidney function, and the potential pros and cons of wheat consumption for those with kidney issues.

Is wheat nutritious?

Wheat is nutritious and provides a range of essential vitamins and minerals. A 100g serving contains:

Carbohydrates – 71g

Protein – 13g
Fiber – 12g
Thiamine – 24% RDI

Folate – 44% RDI
Iron – 25% RDI
Magnesium – 22% RDI

Phosphorus – 35% RDI
Zinc – 25% RDI

It is a high quality source of plant-based protein, containing all essential amino acids. The fiber content is also beneficial for digestive and heart health. So in moderation, wheat can provide useful nutrition to most healthy individuals.

Does wheat affect kidney function?

There are mixed opinions on whether wheat is beneficial for kidney health. On one hand, the fiber and nutrients can be protective. But some sources suggest the gluten and lectins found in wheat may exacerbate kidney problems for those with impaired function. People with kidney disease are also recommended to control phosphorus intake, which is high in wheat. Overall, there is no clear consensus and it may depend on the individual. Those with kidney disease should consult a health professional about including wheat in the diet.

Potential benefits of wheat for kidneys

Some potential benefits of wheat consumption for kidney health include:

High fiber content can reduce blood pressure and diabetes risk, which benefits kidneys.

Magnesium, zinc and B vitamins support kidney function.
May help manage weight as part of balanced diet.
Provides antioxidants like selenium.

The nutrients in wheat, especially fiber, may help reduce risk of chronic kidney disease development. But for those with established issues, excess phosphorus could be problematic.

Potential downsides of wheat for kidneys

Some of the potential downsides of wheat for kidney health include:

Contains gluten, which may cause inflammation issues in sensitive individuals.

High in phosphorus, which needs to be limited in kidney diets.
Contains lectins, which may damage kidney tissue according to some sources.
Can contribute to weight gain if overeaten.

May spike blood sugar levels.

While wheat can be incorporated as part of a healthy diet by many, those with impaired kidney function may need to limit or avoid high-phosphorus grains like wheat.

Table of Contents

Wheat nutrition profile

To get a better understanding of wheat’s potential impact on kidney health, let’s take a detailed look at the nutrition composition of wheat:

Macronutrients

Carbohydrates – Wheat is a high carbohydrate food, containing 71g per 100g. The carbs are mainly in the form of starch. Starch breaks down into glucose which provides a source of energy. However, rapid spikes in blood glucose can be detrimental for kidney health, so portion control is important.
Protein – Wheat contains a moderate amount of protein, at 13g per 100g. Wheat protein is considered high quality as it provides all 9 essential amino acids. Protein is needed to maintain muscle mass and support kidney function.
Fat – Wheat contains only 2g of fat per 100g serving, mostly in the form of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats. The low fat content is beneficial as kidney diets often require limiting fats.

Fiber – Wholegrain wheat provides a good amount of fiber, at 12g per 100g. Fiber slows digestion, regulates blood sugar levels, and promotes gut health. Getting enough fiber is protective for kidneys.

Overall, wheat offers a good balance of protein and fiber, alongside release of energy from the carbohydrates. Moderation is key for kidney health.

Micronutrients

Wheat also contains a variety of vitamins and minerals:

Thiamine – 24% RDI per 100g. Thiamine or vitamin B1 helps convert food into energy. It also supports nerve signaling.
Folate – 44% RDI per 100g. Folate is a B vitamin that assists in red blood cell production and immune function.
Iron – 25% RDI per 100g. Iron carries oxygen around the body. Iron is essential for those with anemia, a common condition in kidney diseases.

Magnesium – 22% RDI per 100g. Magnesium helps regulate blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
Phosphorus – 35% RDI per 100g. Phosphorus works with calcium for bone health. But excess phosphorus can be harmful in kidney disease.
Zinc – 25% RDI per 100g. Zinc benefits immune function and wound healing.

Selenium – 50mcg per 100g. Selenium has antioxidant properties that support kidney health.

Many of these vitamins and minerals benefit kidney function. But for those with chronic kidney disease, limiting phosphorus intake from grains like wheat is advised. Overall, moderate whole grain consumption can be healthy, but those with kidney issues should be mindful of portion sizes.

Is wheat safe for kidneys?

When considering wheat’s safety for those with kidney problems, we need to look at a few key components that can impact kidney health:

Gluten content in wheat

Gluten is a group of proteins found in wheat and other grains like barley and rye. It helps give dough its elasticity and texture. Some individuals experience digestive issues and inflammation from gluten.

Those with celiac disease must avoid gluten completely. But there are conflicting opinions on whether gluten exacerbates problems for those with other kidney issues:

Some studies suggest a gluten-free diet improves kidney function markers in those with diabetic nephropathy.

However, other research has not found gluten itself to worsen kidney disease, unless there is an allergy present.
Gluten may contribute to leaky gut syndrome, which allows toxins into the bloodstream affecting kidneys.
Talk to a health professional about gluten restrictions if you have kidney disease.

Overall, gluten-free diets may benefit some individuals with impaired kidney function. But gluten itself is not conclusively shown to worsen kidney disease in those without a gluten allergy.

Lectins in wheat

Lectins are carbohydrate-binding proteins found in many plants, including wheat. It is suggested they may damage kidney tissue, based on results in animals. But current research in humans is limited:

A 2021 study on dialysis patients did not find a lectin-restricted diet improved kidney function.

However, earlier research showed potential benefits of limiting dietary lectins for those with kidney disease.
Lectins may be reduced by proper cooking, sprouting, and fermentation of grains.
Those with impaired kidney function should discuss potential lectin restrictions with a healthcare provider.

At this stage, there is not enough evidence that lectins worsen kidney disease. But more research is still needed, especially in humans rather than animal models.

Phosphorus content in wheat

Phosphorus is a mineral found abundantly in grains, beans, dairy, meat, and nuts. It is vital for energy production, bone health, and kidney function. However, excess phosphorus can be detrimental in advanced kidney disease.

As kidney function declines, phosphorus excretion is impaired. This leads to a build up of phosphorus in the blood. High serum phosphorus contributes to bone disease, heart disease, and faster kidney function loss.

To manage phosphorus levels, those with chronic kidney disease are advised to limit phosphorus intake to 800-1000 mg per day. As wheat contains 357 mg phosphorus per 100g, portion control is necessary. Soaking grains overnight, sprouting, and fermenting can reduce phosphorus content. Consuming wheat in moderation, along with adequate dialysis or medications, can keep phosphorus balanced.

Overall, the phosphorus content of wheat is of most concern for advanced or end-stage kidney disease. Being mindful of serving sizes and preparation methods can allow some inclusion of wheat and other grains.

How does wheat compare to other grains for kidneys?

Looking at how wheat compares to other grains can provide insight into the best options for those with kidney issues. Here is a breakdown of key nutrients per 100g for different grains:

Grain	Phosphorus (mg)	Potassium (mg)	Protein (g)	Carbs (g)
Wheat grain	357	363	13	71
Brown rice	333	223	3	77
Quinoa	152	318	4	21
Oats	523	429	13	66
Millet	285	195	11	72
Buckwheat	347	460	13	71

Key takeaways:

All grains provide carbohydrates and protein.
Wheat and oats are highest in phosphorus.

Quinoa is lowest in phosphorus but provides protein.
Millet and brown rice are medium phosphorus options.
Buckwheat is similar to wheat nutritionally.

Wheat, oats and buckwheat tend to be highest in phosphorus. Quinoa, millet and brown rice provide good nutritional value with less phosphorus per serving. For kidney health, balancing different grains and controlling portions is ideal.

Should you avoid wheat with kidney disease?

Whether to avoid wheat depends on your individual circumstances:

In early stage kidney disease, wheat can be consumed in moderation as part of a healthy diet with appropriate management of phosphorus levels through medication or dialysis.

In later stage kidney failure, avoiding wheat and other high phosphorus grains is often recommended, especially if phosphorus levels are elevated.
With gluten intolerance, gluten-containing wheat should be avoided. Try gluten-free grains like rice, quinoa, millet instead.
With diabetes, wheat consumption may need to be controlled and paired with adequate medication to manage blood sugar spikes after eating.

With gut issues, some individuals feel better avoiding wheat. Monitor symptoms and consider eliminating wheat for a trial period to see if gut health improves.

Consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice based on your kidney function markers, medications, and overall symptoms when grains like wheat are consumed.

Tips for including wheat safely

Here are some tips to enjoy wheat more safely with kidney issues:

Opt for sprouted grains which are lower in phosphorus.
Consume wheat in moderation as part of balanced diet.
Pair wheat with low phosphorus foods like vegetables, lean meat.

Soak grains overnight before cooking to reduce phosphorus.
Maintain good hydration to flush out excess phosphorus.
Take phosphorus binder medication as prescribed with meals.

Being mindful of serving sizes and enjoying a variety of grains can allow some room for wheat in kidney-friendly meal planning.

Is whole wheat better than refined wheat?

Whole wheat refers to grains that contain all three parts of the kernel – bran, germ and endosperm. Refined grains have the bran and germ removed during processing, leaving only the starchy endosperm.

Here’s a comparison:

	Whole wheat	Refined wheat
Fiber	High	Low
Nutrients	Higher B vitamins, minerals	Lower nutritional value
Phosphorus	357mg per 100g	108mg per 100g
Glycemic index	Lower GI	Higher GI

Based on this comparison:

Whole wheat is higher in fiber, nutrients, and phosphorus than refined.
Refined wheat is lower in phosphorus but also lower in overall nutrition.

Whole wheat has a lower glycemic index, beneficial for blood sugar control.

Overall, whole wheat is considered healthier than refined. But with kidney disease, the higher phosphorus content should be kept in mind. Enjoying a mix of both whole grain and refined grain foods may be the best approach.

Conclusion

Wheat can provide useful nutrition like fiber, B vitamins, and protein that benefit kidney health when consumed in moderation. However, wheat also contains gluten, lectins and phosphorus that may be problematic for some individuals with kidney issues at larger amounts. Avoiding wheat is often advised in later stage kidney disease when phosphorus levels are elevated. Those with gluten intolerance or sensitivity should avoid wheat. For others, small servings of wheat balanced by low phosphorus grains, adequate medication, and phosphorus binders can allow for occasional inclusion. Check with your healthcare provider about the best approach to grains like wheat for your individual kidney condition. With careful portioning and preparation methods, wheat can be safely enjoyed as part of an overall kidney-friendly diet in many cases. But those with advanced kidney failure or uncontrolled phosphorus levels often need to minimize or exclude wheat.