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.
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.
Most nuts are not recommended for those with kidney issues, but macadamia nuts are an exception. They contain healthy fats plus B Vitamins.
Almonds, for one, are rich in oxalates and you'll be surprised to know that the oxalate levels through nuts are better absorbed by the body than any other food source. That being said, the risk of developing painful kidney stones and bladder problems should keep you away from having too many almonds in a go.
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.
Take oats. Yes, they're higher in phosphorus, but a randomized study from Clinical Nutrition found that eating a bowl a day, or about half a cup of dry oats, had a net positive effect for people with CKD.
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.
While plain water is the best drink for your kidneys, other fluids are perfectly acceptable, including coffee, green tea, low-potassium juices, and infused water. Avoid sweetened, carbonated beverages and coconut water.
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.
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.
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.
One most likely reason is that nuts are rich in potassium, protein, and phosphorus, which is a potential risk for the CKD population [7]. People with CKD have an insufficient capacity of their kidneys to excrete potassium, phosphorus, and the metabolic products of proteins especially for patients with ESRD.
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)
Better options include: cream cheese • cottage cheese • mozzarella • feta • brie • Stilton. If you do have hard cheeses, then good ways to help reduce the quantity used include: grating the cheese instead of having slices or chunks • using mature cheeses, as just a little can still add lots of flavour.
In the United States, diabetes and high blood pressure are the leading causes of kidney failure, accounting for 3 out of 4 new cases.
Most dairy foods are very high in phosphorus. People with kidney disease should limit their daily intake of milk, yogurt, and cheese to ½ cup milk, or ½ cup yogurt or 1-ounce cheese. If you do eat high-phosphorus foods, ask your doctor for a phosphate binder to be taken with your meals.
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.
Choose soy, almond, cashew, or rice milk for less phosphorus and less potassium than cow's milk. Avoid cow's milk substitutes that are "Enriched" or have the word phosphorus or "phos" in the ingredient list.
Whole eggs provide a nutrient-dense source of calories to meet the increased energy demands of CKD patients. Additionally, eggs are naturally low in sodium, a nutrient which is restricted in renal diets.