Dry Fruits in Kidney Patients
- Although small, your kidneys play a significant role in numerous bodily processes, including blood filtration, blood pressure regulation, electrolyte balance maintenance, and urine production. However, some medical disorders, including high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity, as well as your lifestyle and nutrition, have the tendency to harm your kidneys, which reduces their capacity to operate.
- And when your kidneys don’t function as they should, fluid, toxins, and food waste build up in your body. As a result, those who have renal issues should keep up a healthy diet.
- According to research, the renal disease affects around 10% of the world’s population. It elevates it to a widespread health issue.
- You might need to adhere to a particular diet if you have kidney disease or a condition. You can still consume a variety of wholesome fruits, veggies, proteins, and fats.
- When it comes to dry fruits, there are numerous types of nuts and seeds. Despite the high oil content in most nuts and seeds, they contain “healthy fats” such as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.
Why are dry fruits superfoods?
- Numerous healthful substances, including heart-healthy lipids, omega-3 fatty acids, plant sterols, fiber, plant proteins, vitamin E, selenium, and calcium, are found in nuts and seeds. They are abundant in antioxidants and aid in the prevention of inflammation.
- Due to their high protein, fat, and fiber content, nuts can aid in reducing appetite.
- Foods with crushed nuts have a better texture and taste.
- Nuts and seeds can be eaten as a snack (a handful), added to smoothies or trail mix, or sprinkled on top of salads or cereal.
Kidney disease and dry fruits
Potassium and phosphorus can be found in nuts and seeds. Depending on your stage of kidney illness or the type of dialysis you receive, you may be able to consume a certain quantity each day.
Kidney disease, and recipients of transplants
Due to potassium or phosphorus, the majority of persons with CKD or a kidney transplant do not need to restrict nuts and seeds. If your laboratory findings reveal elevated potassium levels, you could discuss how much to eat with a kidney dietitian or nephrologist.
Hemodialysis (3 times a week) (3 times a week)
Nuts and seeds may be sensitive to potassium and phosphorus. Limit your portion to 1/4 cup. For instance, compared to peanuts and almonds, macadamia nuts and pecans are lower in potassium and phosphorus.
Renal stones
Discuss the need to reduce oxalates with your doctor or a kidney dietician if you have a history of calcium oxalate stones. Oxalates are prevalent in almonds, mixed nuts, sans peanuts, and sesame seeds.
Peritoneal dialysis and daily home and nocturnal hemodialysis
It would be best if you consumed more potassium-rich meals because these types of dialysis can remove more potassium. Your blood phosphorus level will determine how much phosphorus you may have.
Talking about some particular widely eaten dry fruits:
- Apricots
This fruit is high in potassium even though it can provide the body with essential nutrients, including fiber and vitamins A and C. Did you know that a cup of apricots contains 427 mg of potassium? Dried apricots have an even higher potassium content—a cup contains more than 1,500 mg! Given that a cup of dried apricots has 75% of the 2,000 mg potassium limit advised for people with chronic kidney disease, it is preferable to avoid them.
- Dates, raisins, and pistachios
The nutrients in dried fruits, including potassium, are concentrated throughout the drying process. Because of this, a cup of prunes has 1,274 mg of potassium, but only four dates contain 668 mg. Therefore, if you have a chronic renal illness, it is a good idea to avoid dried fruits like raisins and dates due to their high potassium content to prevent further difficulties.
Why can dry fruits be harmful to kidney patients?
- Due to their high sugar and potassium content, dried fruits are not advised for those with diabetes or kidney problems.
- In actuality, 65 grams (or half a cup) of dried apricots have 755 milligrams of potassium.
- Dried fruits are high in sugar that digests quickly, which is not good if you have diabetes.
Points to keep in mind regarding dry fruits
- Dry fruit consumption is incredibly healthy for our bodies. Dry fruits help keep our hearts in good condition. Since they are hot enough, dried fruits should constantly be soaked in water.
- Soak them for a few hours prior to when they need to feed. It also removes any contaminated particles that are present on the top layer of their peels. Dried fruits contain a lot of protein, so if you have high blood pressure or kidney illness, consume them in a limited manner, or ask your nephrologist and create a diet plan.
- Because they are high in sugar and nutrients like potassium, dried fruits are not recommended for those with diabetes and kidney problems. The amount of potassium in just one-half cup (65 grams) of dried apricots is 755 mg.
- When taken in significant numbers, cashews contain a lot of oxalates. Oxalates are known to contribute to kidney and other chronic illnesses.
Which nuts are safe for kidneys?
The majority of nuts are high in phosphorus and are not suggested for people on a renal diet. However, macadamia nuts are a fantastic alternative for those with kidney issues. They contain substantially less phosphorus than common nuts like almonds and peanuts.
Conclusion
- Even though eating fruits and vegetables is typically highly healthful, people with the renal illness may need to limit specific veggies because they are high in minerals.
- Since dried fruits are concentrated sources of many nutrients present in fresh fruits, it may be simpler to consume more than the advised daily allowance. Due to their high potassium content, apricots, dates, prunes, and raisins should not be consumed by anyone on a renal diet.
- Doctors often advise patients with chronic renal disease to consume less potassium, phosphorus, and sodium to assist and control their condition. The dietary restrictions vary depending on the stage of kidney disease.
- A renal diet includes a broad list of foods that are best avoided, but it also consists of a wide variety of nutritious foods that people can eat without endangering their kidney function.
- A person can consult a nephrologist to identify the best diet for them.