Dr. Gott: Ask about brown rice for kidney patient

Tue., Nov. 14, 2006

Peter H. Gott, M.d. The Spokesman-Review

Dear Dr. Gott: Since reading in your column that brown rice was better than white, my mate refuses to eat any rice except brown. He is in renal failure and restricts his intake of potassium and protein, so, if you were his doctor, what would you advise about choices of types of rice to eat?

Dear Reader: To my knowledge, brown rice (which is rich in fiber) is not contraindicated in the presence of kidney disease.

However, I want to cover all the bases, so I urge you and/or your companion to run this by his nephrologist. Although I doubt that a problem exists, the prudent option is to check with the specialist.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my health report “Kidney Disorders.” Other readers who would like a copy should send a long, self-addressed, stamped envelope and $2 to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.

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