Kidney disease is a widespread problem affecting about 10% of the world’s population.

The kidneys are tiny but important bean-shaped organs that conduct many important functions.

They are accountable for filtering waste products, releasing hormones that govern blood pressure, balancing fluids in the body, producing urine, and many other essential tasks 

There are numerous ways in which these vital organs can become damaged.

Diabetes and high blood pressure are the most common prevailing risk factors for kidney disease. Still, obesity, smoking, genetics, gender, and age can as well heighten  the risk 

Uncontrolled blood sugar and elevated blood pressure can result in  damage to blood vessels in the kidneys, decreasing their ability to function optimally 

When the kidneys aren’t functioning properly, waste builds up in the blood, comprising ding waste products from food.

Thus, people with kidney disease need to follow a special diet.

While dietary restrictions fluctuate, it’s generally suggested that all people with kidney disease limit  the following nutrients:

Sodium

• While nuts themselves are generally very low in sodium, various packaged nuts will have added sodium.
• Traditional mixed nuts can have upwards of 90-100 milligrams of sodium per ounce. The amount will differ depending on the brand and specific product. 
• This is yet considered low sodium per serving. The significant thing to know is the serving size, which is generally listed  as 28 grams or 1 ounce.
• If you choose to snack on nuts lightly salted, it may be beneficial to buy portioned packs of nuts like these Planter’s 1-oz Salted Peanuts packs*. These are maintained to 1-oz servings, which implies sodium is only 100mg per bag.

Be careful that some of the snack packs are in 2.25-oz servings, which can provide more than double the potassium content from a 1-oz serving.

Potassium

Potassium plays numerous critical role in the body, but those with kidney disease need to restrict potassium to avoid dangerously high blood processes. It’s usually suggested to limit potassium to less than 2,000mg per day.

Phosphorus. 

Damaged kidneys can’t discard excess phosphorus, a mineral in many foods. High levels can result in damage to the body, so dietary phosphorus is restricted to less than 800-1,000mg per day in maximum patients 

Protein

Believe it or not, nuts also can be elevated in protein. This is another reason it can be crucial to limit portions as many with kidney issues follow a low protein diet.

On the other hand, protein is crucial for those on dialysis. Many people who receive this life-sustaining treatment have elevated protein needs. 

In many cases, protein supplements are continually recommended to assure adequate protein intake.

Dried fruits

Dried fruits are made by eliminating water from fruit through various processes. This creates small, dense fruits full of energy and nutrients.

Dried fruits aren’t favorable for people with kidney disease and diabetes because they’re elevated in sugar and minerals like potassium.

Just one-half cup (65 grams) of dried apricots contain approx. 755 mg of potassium.

Also, dried fruits are elevated in fast-digesting sugar, which isn’t ideal if you have diabetes.

Dry fruits which are good for your health:-

Nuts low in potassium –

Lower Potassium Nuts have 200 mg or less potassium per ounce Peanuts (~35 nuts) Cashews (~18 nuts) Walnuts (~14 halves) Pecans (~15 halves) Hazelnuts (~12 nuts) Macadamia Nuts (~12 nuts).

There are quite a limited number of low potassium nuts available! The hardest part will be selecting which one to add to your meal or snack.

1. Cashews

• Cashews have only  160 milligrams of potassium per ounce. An ounce of cashews is nearly 18 nuts.
• Raw cashews are a large base for creamy soups, sauces, and dressings. Roasted cashews can give rise to a crunchy addition to blend fry and salads, or simply be eaten as a filling snack!

1. Chestnuts

 Chestnuts are one more low potassium nut. They have nearly 168 milligrams of potassium per ounce. One ounce of chestnuts is nearly 3 chestnuts.

1. Pine Nuts

Pine nuts, generally used in pesto, are low potassium nuts too. One ounce of pine nuts has approx. 169 milligrams of potassium. An ounce of pine nuts is nearly 167 nuts.

1. Peanuts

For those that are peanut fans, rejoice! Peanuts are also evaluated  low in potassium with 180 milligrams of potassium per ounce. One ounce of peanuts is approximately 35 peanuts.

1. Brazil Nuts

Did you notice that just one brazil nut will provide you with your day’s need for selenium? What it won’t provide is your day’s requirement for potassium.

There are 187 milligrams of potassium in one ounce of brazil nuts, wow!  One ounce of brazil nuts is nearly 6 nuts.

1. Hazelnuts

Ultimately, we have hazelnuts. Hazelnuts give just 193 milligrams of potassium per ounce. And 12 hazelnuts is nearly what you’ll get in an ounce serving.

Nuts lowest in potassium :-

Here are the nuts that are the lowest in potassium.

1. Walnuts

Walnuts have nearly 125 milligrams of potassium in a one-ounce serving. A one-ounce serving of walnuts is approximately 14 shelled walnut halves.

1. Pecans

Pecans have about  116 milligrams of potassium in a one-ounce serving. This is roughly 15 shelled pecan halves.

1. Macadamia Nuts

• Macadamia nuts come in one of the lowest potassium nuts.
•  They give only 103 milligrams of potassium in one ounce. One ounce of mac nuts is almost 12 nuts.
• Most nuts are high in phosphorus and not suggested for those following a renal diet.
• However, macadamia nuts are an enjoyable option for people with kidney problems. They are much lower in phosphorus than traditional nuts like peanuts and almonds.
• They are also stored with healthy fats, B vitamins, magnesium, copper, iron, and manganese.

One ounce (28 grams) of macadamia nuts includes:-

sodium: 1.4 mg

potassium: 103 mg

phosphorus: 53 mg

Macadamia nuts are elevated in saturated fats. Too much-saturated fat in the diet has been shown to elevate the risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.

1. Cranberries

• Cranberries are beneficial for  both  urinary tract and kidneys.
• These tiny, tart fruits include  phytonutrients called A-type proanthocyanidins, which curb bacteria from sticking to the lining of the urinary tract and bladder, therefore preventing infection .
• This is beneficial for those with kidney disease, as they have an increased risk of urinary tract infections.
• Cranberries can be consumed dried, cooked, fresh, or as a juice. They are fairly low in potassium, phosphorus, and sodium.

One cup (100 grams) of fresh cranberries comprises:-

sodium: 2 mg

potassium: 80 mg

phosphorus: 11 mg

Nuts high in potassium 

We do have a pair of nuts that are evaluated as quite high in potassium. They may require to be limited for those on a low potassium diet.

1. Almonds

Almonds have nearly 202 milligrams of potassium per ounce. An ounce of almonds comprises about 24 nuts. They just missed the cut at enabling the low potassium nuts!

1. Pistachios

Pistachios are elevated in potassium. They have about  285 milligrams of potassium per ounce. An ounce of pistachios is almost 49 nuts. 

Advantages Of Adding Nuts To A Renal Diet.

Nuts can be an outstanding addition to a healthy renal diet. Here are some of the justifications why!

1. Heart Health

Many studies have indicated that routine consumption of nuts protects heart health. The fats like poly-unsaturated and mono-unsaturated fats help in decreasing the risk of cardiovascular disease and high cholesterol.

1. Brain Health

The brain advantage from a healthy fat diet, comprising a diet with nuts. 

Studies have indicated that adding nuts to the diet can help decrease the risk of developing Alzheimer’s and safeguard cognitive function.

1. Gut Health

While nuts are most popularly known for their protein and healthy fats, they can also be an awesome source of fiber!

Our gut relies on getting sufficient fiber to fuel our gut that helps break down our foods. And various people do not get sufficient fiber in their diet.

1. Blood Sugar maintain 

There have been studies that noticed nuts and diabetes prevention. Those that consume nuts often have had better blood sugar levels.

How To Include Nuts To A Renal Diet

While the nutrients and serving knowledge can be very helpful, it can be tough to decide how one can add nuts to a renal diet.

Here are some examples of means to include nuts in a renal diet.

1. Sprinkle on your salads

Nuts will give a great texture change and crunch to a salad. Begin adding some nuts instead of salty croutons on your next salad!

1. Blend into yogurt

You may like probiotic-rich yogurts but find them to be boring alone. Put  in a sprinkle of chopped pecans or slivered almonds to put on some extra intrigue to a kidney-friendly snack.

1. Prepare a creamy sauce or dressing

Raw cashews are a very simple addition to a simple creamy base for soups, sauces, or dressings. 

Because they’re raw, they don’t give a very “nutty” flavor, making them an easy addition without altering the flavor.

1. Raw Or  Roasted Nuts 

• Nuts are roasted to improve the crunchy texture by reducing some of the water.
•  Dry-roasting nuts does not make considerable changes to the overall nutritional value.
• There is one more type of a cooking method for nuts that is oil-roasting. 
• This is where oil, frequently peanut oil or vegetable oil, is added to the nuts to enhance the texture and taste. 
• Still, the amount of fat isn’t considerably higher in this type of  cooking method.

So nutritionally speaking, there is the least difference between raw and roasted nuts. 

For instance, one ounce of raw almonds gives  208 milligrams of potassium. One ounce of roasted almonds provides roughly  202 milligrams of potassium.

What To Say About Peanut Butter And Other Nut Butters?

Immediately that we’ve gone over potassium in nuts, what about potassium in peanut butter, almond butter, and other nut butter?

These are packaged foods, meaning some processing happens when making these delicious spreads. It doesn’t mean they require it to be avoided.