Q: As a kidney patient, does organic or natural make a difference in my diet?
As a consumer, you’ve probably seen or heard the word “organic” one too many times. And if you are a kidney disease patient, you are probably wondering how organic foods play a role in your already modified diet of controlled sodium, phosphorus and potassium.

What is “organic” food?
The term “organic” should not be confused with the word “natural.” According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Web site, “organic food is produced using sustainable agricultural production practices. Not permitted are most conventional pesticides; fertilizers made with synthetic ingredients, or sewage sludge; bioengineering; or ionizing radiation. Organic meat, poultry eggs and dairy products come from animals that are given no antibiotics or growth hormones.” Only foods bearing the USDA seal are certified organic. However, the term “natural foods” has no legal definition.

Although it has not been determined organic foods are more nutritious than conventional foods, organic farming may bring other benefits, especially to the environment. In addition to decreased chemical impact, crop rotation and natural fertilizers are beneficial in that they help to keep the soil nutrient-rich and reduce disease. Organic farming practices can be more expensive since it is also labor-intensive to raise organic crops. However, consumers who believe in its benefits are willing to pay the extra cost.

The Dirty Dozen
The Environmental Working Group, a nonprofit group based in Washington, D.C., has produced a list of foods ranked with the most pesticide and here’s the top 12 from that list:
1. Peaches
2. Apples
3. Sweet Bell Peppers
4. Celery
5. Nectarines
6. Strawberries
7. Cherries
8. Lettuce
9. Grapes-Imported
10. Pears
11. Spinach
12. Potatoes

The last two produce in the list are high in potassium. It is best to check with your dietitian to plan a healthful diet that includes your favorite food items without increasing your potassium levels. One such practice is peeling your potatoes and soaking them in water. Then, draining and rinsing the potatoes in streaming water to help reduce the potassium content. Washing and scrubbing your produce in running water also helps reduce its pesticide content.

Get Fresh, Buy Local
Support your local farming community by buying local. Some organic foods may be shipped by gas-guzzling trucks or cargo ships. Some may even have traveled from across the globe. Buying your fresh produce from the local farmer’s market or co-op not only ensures it is less harmful to the environment, it also supports your local farming community. Buying produce that are in season are tastier and the cost is comparable to their counterparts in grocery stores.

Check Labels
As a kidney disease patient, it is important to develop a healthy habit of checking food labels. “Organic” foods are not always the healthiest choice. A food product can be certified organic with highly processed ingredients. Organic or not, you want to look for ingredients like sodium phosphate, tricalcalcium phosphate, monosodium glutamate and many similar terms. Your healthcare team reviews your lab results every month and can make adjustments to your diet or medications (including your phosphate binders) as necessary. Always remember you are the most important part of the team. Get involved and ask questions. We’re here to help!

References:
1. Nutrition Concepts and Controversies 8th Edition: 16.
2. Consumer Corner. Is Organic the Answer? Nutrition Concepts and Controversies 8th Edition: 525.

Resources:
www.usda.gov
www.ewg.org
www.ultracare-dialysis.com

Maria Sheila A. Opina, RD, works in four Fresenius Medical Care dialysis clinics in Ypsilanti, Mich. She practices yoga, Pilates and loves to travel.

This article originally appeared in the Special Bonus Issue of the November 2008 aakpRENALIFE which also included aakpDelicious!

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