Most people with CKD or a kidney transplant do not have to limit nuts and seeds due to potassium or phosphorus. If your laboratory results show higher levels of potassium, a kidney dietitian may talk with you about how much to eat. Find a kidney dietitian.
Table 1 showed that the higher frequency groups had a higher intake of total energy, protein, phosphorus, and potassium. The data indicated that high nut intake had a risk of leading to hyperkalemia, hyperphosphatemia, and rapid loss of renal function.
Avoid foods that have more than 300mg sodium per serving (or 600mg for a complete frozen dinner). Avoid foods that have salt in the first four or five items in the ingredient list. Don't eat ham, bacon, sausage, hot dogs, lunch meats, chicken tenders or nuggets, or regular canned soup.
Cashew Nuts
Cashews are often considered healthy nuts because they contain protein, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. But you must limit the intake of cashews, as they are high in phosphorus, which can be harmful to the kidneys when consumed in excess.
Most nuts are not recommended for those with kidney issues, but macadamia nuts are an exception. They contain healthy fats plus B Vitamins.
Peanuts contain oxalates, a type of mineral found in kidney stones. In fact, calcium oxalate kidney stones are the leading type of kidney stones, according to the National Kidney Foundation.
Mushrooms are rich in Vitamin D and are essential to regulate kidney function and help prevent kidney disease.
Beta-Carotene Benefits
Beta-carotene, the water-soluble form of vitamin A in carrots, helps the kidneys filter toxins out of the blood and prevent urinary tract infections, according to Dr. George D.
Tomatoes are a good way to add extra potassium to your diet and decrease the need to take an additional potassium pill. Eating tomatoes will not have an effect on forming kidney stones.
BHF dietitian Victoria Taylor says:
Brazil nuts, cashews and macadamia nuts are higher in saturated fat. Too much of this can contribute to raised cholesterol levels, so only eat them occasionally. Chestnuts are an exception – they're lower in all types of fats and higher in starchy carbohydrate than other nuts.
The Worst Foods for Your Kidneys
Avocados: Avocados are often touted for their nutritious qualities, including their heart-healthy fats, fiber, and antioxidants, but one thing they aren't good for is your kidneys. This is because avocados are a very rich source of potassium.
Broccoli is a medium potassium food, low in sodium and phosphorus, and suitable for all the following kidney conditions and treatments: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
Individuals with kidney disease should limit their intake of yogurt because it is high in potassium and phosphorus. Yogurt is high in protein, a nutrient that dialysis patients require. It's also high in calcium and vitamin D.
Almonds: High in protein, vitamin E and especially high in calcium. Brazil nuts: High in fibre and the richest known source of selenium. Cashews: High in copper, zinc and iron. Hazelnuts: High in fibre, potassium, folate and vitamin E.
Because they are such a nutrient- and calorie-dense food, portion control is essential to avoid excess weight gain. More importantly, eating too many nuts can actually lead to food toxicity which can range from mild symptoms to severe illness.
Almonds are the most nutritionally-dense nuts and said to be king of superfoods by online health food brand, Healthy Supplies. They contain Vitamin E, magnesium, iron, calcium and fibre.
Water: Water is simply the best drink you can have! Water is a zero-calorie, perfectly hydrating, cheap drink. If you are in the earlier stages of kidney disease, choosing water most of the time to quench your thirst will keep your body and kidneys functioning well.
Animal-derived compounds prescribed in TPM to fatten the thin kidney include poultry meat, lamb meat, camel milk, sheep's milk and the other food materials like honey, egg.