Kidney patients can eat nuts, but should choose those lower in potassium and phosphorus, like macadamia nuts, pecans, and walnuts, while limiting higher-potassium options such as almonds and cashews, especially if on hemodialysis; always control portions (around 1/4 cup) and consult a dietitian, as needs vary.
Almonds. Nuts in general and almonds, in particular, are rich in Vitamin E and unsaturated fats. These help the liver in eliminating bad cholesterol from the body and lowering blood pressure, besides protecting against fatty liver disease.
Nuts with added salt can be detrimental to kidney health because they provide excess sodium. Your kidneys are responsible for regulating sodium levels in your body, and when they are not functioning correctly, as is the case with kidney disease, they may struggle to flush extra sodium from the body.
Limit to ¼ cup portion. Use the chart on the next page to choose nuts and seeds that will fit your kidney diet plan. For example, macadamia nuts and pecans are lower in potassium and phosphorus than peanuts and almonds. These types of dialysis can remove more potassium, so you may need to eat more potassium foods.
Diabetes and high blood pressure are the top culprits damaging kidneys most, as they harm the delicate filtering blood vessels, leading to chronic kidney disease (CKD) and failure; other major factors include smoking, obesity, dehydration, poor diet (high sugar/salt/red meat), certain medications (NSAIDs), lack of sleep, and genetic conditions. These factors create a cycle where damaged kidneys worsen blood pressure, further damaging them.
Here are the top 5 nuts lowest in potassium per 1-oz serving: 🥇 Macadamia – 103 mg 🥈 Pecans – 116 mg 🥉 Walnuts – 125 mg 🏅 Cashews – 160 mg 🏅 Peanuts – 180 mg And yes — they're delicious, filling, and packed with fiber and healthy fats.
Top 15 Healthy Foods for People with Kidney Disease
To strengthen your kidneys, focus on a healthy lifestyle: stay hydrated with water, eat a balanced diet low in salt and processed foods, exercise regularly, maintain a healthy weight, and avoid smoking and excessive alcohol, while also managing blood pressure and blood sugar to prevent damage.
Other Nuts High in Phosphorous (%DV per ounce): Pine Nuts (16%), Almonds and Cashews (14%), and Pistachios (13%).
Kidney-friendly sandwiches made with your choice of wholemeal bread, pittas, English muffins, rolls or wraps
Other ways to boost your kidney health are to: Avoid processed foods, which are high in salt. Eat plenty of fruits and veggies. Exercise routinely.
5-Minute Kidney-Friendly Breakfasts
Here's a breakdown of the six most common supplements people with CKD may need to support kidney health.
Most nuts are too high in phosphorus for people following a kidney-friendly diet, but macadamia nuts are the exception.
Lower potassium green vegetables, including Brussels sprouts, asparagus, green beans, okra, cabbage, broccoli and raw spinach, are all nutritious and low potassium alternatives. Depending on the time of year, purchasing these vegetables in season may mean tastier veggies as well as a lower price.
Eat larger portions of fruits and vegetables, which are naturally low in phosphorus, and smaller portions of foods high in phosphorus. Keep in mind, your body absorbs more phosphorus from animal-based foods, such as meat and poultry, than from plant-based foods, such as beans and seeds.
I recommend whole grain, whole wheat or multigrain bread for people with kidney disease. Be careful to check the sodium in whatever bread you buy. Bread is a surprising source of salt! Historically, white bread was recommended because it has less phosphorus in it.
What can I do to keep my kidneys healthy?
In the general population, approximately 38% of adults aged 70 or older have an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2, with most having moderate reductions in eGFR in the 30-59 ml/min/1.73 m2 range (1).
For these reasons, it is very unlikely that your eGFR number will ever go back up. So, instead of focusing too much on your eGFR number, focus that energy on finding steps you can take to maximize your healthy habits and improve your kidney health.
If you find yourself occasionally craving a fast food hamburger, it's fine to have one every now and then. Remember to order your hamburger with no salt, pickles or grill seasoning, so you can limit sodium and potassium.
A mix of vegetables, fruit and protein is sure to satisfy and add a healthy boost to your kidney-friendly meal.