Can patients with IgA nephropathy eat Malabar spinach?

Whether patients with IgA nephropathy can consume Malabar spinach (Basella alba) depends on their specific medical condition. If the patient's condition is stable, limited consumption is usually acceptable. However, if serious complications exist, it is not recommended. Detailed analysis is as follows:

If the patient's condition is stable, kidney function is normal, and serum potassium levels are within the normal range, Malabar spinach may be consumed in moderation. This vegetable is rich in dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals such as calcium and iron, which impose minimal burden on the kidneys. However, attention should be paid to the cooking method—for example, blanching the vegetable to reduce its potassium content—and daily intake should be controlled to avoid excessive consumption that could increase metabolic burden.

However, if IgA nephropathy patients have complications such as renal insufficiency, hypertension, or hyperkalemia, Malabar spinach, being a high-potassium vegetable, may increase the burden on the kidneys and elevate serum potassium levels, potentially affecting cardiac function and blood pressure control. In such cases, consumption should be avoided.

In daily diet, patients should also focus on balanced intake of various nutrients, avoid excessive consumption of high-purine and high-fat foods, and maintain healthy lifestyle habits.