10 of 11 · 3 min
Myths that scare people
Salt substitutes, “healthy” shakes, and the idea that one banana ruins you.
“I’ll just use salt substitute.”
Many substitutes are potassium chloride. For a lot of kidney diets that is worse than a pinch of real salt. Use lemon and the salt-free mix instead, unless your dietitian named a brand.
“Protein shakes are healthy.”
They are a lot of protein and often a lot of phosphorus in a few swallows. Food you chew is easier to portion. Skip the shake aisle unless the clinic said otherwise.
“I can never have a banana.”
A whole banana every morning is a lot of potassium. A few slices once in a while is a different story. The Slow light means small, not never — unless your labs say otherwise.
“If I was good at lunch I can have the pie.”
Kidneys do not do banking like that. One Skip food does not erase, and one good lunch does not buy Strawn’s icebox pie. The next meal is still a fresh start.
Try this
- If a friend offers a “healthy” bar or shake, look it up in search before you say yes.