Which fruits are allowed for kidney patients ?

Consuming a diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins and other nutrients can help improve kidney health. 

  • Fruit and vegetables are a known high source of potassium, still the types chosen and how they are prepared and cooked can affect their potassium content. 
  • Even with a potassium limitation, two portions of fruit, such as an apple and an orange and two portions of vegetables, such as two heaped tablespoons each of carrots and broccoli, are allowed daily.
  •  Avoiding known higher sources and preparing them in the right way, helps you to keep a safe potassium level within your blood.

If you have kidney disease, a variety of fruits can be advantageous to include in your diet as long as they don’t contain unnecessary amounts of potassium and phosphorus.

  • Strawberries
  • Contain two kinds of phenols, anthocyanins and ellagitannins, which boost kidney function.
  • Rich in antioxidants, which help safeguard the body from oxidative damage.
  • Vast source of vitamin C, manganese and fiber. 
  • Including  anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties that promote overall good health.
  1. Cranberries

Packed with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which are helpful for people suffering from kidney diseases or UTIs.

  1. Blueberries
  • 1 cup of blueberries comprises 114 grams potassium and 18 milligrams phosphorus.

 

  • High in antioxidants and phytonutrients called anthocyanidins, which decrease inflammation and promote renal and kidney health.

 

  • Rich source of vitamin C and manganese, which are good for bones and skin and help decrease signs of aging
  1. Raspberries
  • Enriched with phytonutrients called ellagic acid, which benefit to  neutralize free radicals in the body and prevent cell damage.

 

  • Include flavonoids, which are good for enhancing kidney function and can decrease the growth of cancer cells.

 

  • Wonderful source of manganese, vitamin B and C, fiber and folate.
  1. Apples
  • 1 medium-sized apple contains  195 milligrams potassium and 20 milligrams phosphorus. 

 

  • May benefit in lowering cholesterol and blood sugar levels and ease constipation.

 

  • Anti-inflammatory properties and increase fiber content, which help boost kidney function.
  1. Grapes
  • 1 cup of grapes comprises 288 milligrams potassium and 30 milligrams phosphorus
  • Rich source of vitamins C and K (low levels of these vitamins are related to kidney disease).
  • High in fiber and comprises small amounts of minerals like copper, manganese and magnesium.

 

  1. Pineapples

Low-potassium food alternative that supports lower blood pressure, which is a common complication of severe  kidney disease.

  • Includes bromelain, a digestive enzyme benefits  dissolve kidney stones in the body.

 

  • Rich in fiber and supports heart health (heart complications are common in people undergoing dialysis).

 

  • Rich source of vitamin C rise, which helps  boost the immune system.

 

  1. Watermelon 

The basic reason why watermelon is good for kidney disease is that it is simply a fruit! People who eat plenty of fruits and vegetables tend to have better blood control, lower acid levels and slower succession of kidney disease. 

(1) It is a win-win!

Fruits and veggies are also loaded with fiber! Of course, fiber supports you to  keep  regular and prevents constipation. In kidney disease, constipation can be much more than a bugbear! Constipation may raise potassium levels and uremic toxins. 

(2) It has also been associated with a greater risk of end-stage kidney disease, heart disease, and mortality. (3) So, watermelon can be a considerable way to add some additional fiber and help keep you regular!

Watermelon also has a lot of healthy vitamins and minerals like vitamin C and vitamin A. 

(4)Watermelon also has a compound called “lycopene” in it, which has been associated with a lower risk of cancer. 

Watermelon has a reasonable amount of potassium in it. One cup of diced watermelon contains 170 mg of potassium. No matter what your potassium requirements are, watermelon can fit into a kidney-friendly plan for you!

  1. Guava 

Guava is a nutrient-rich fruit. Still, for people undergoing kidney disease, the consumption of guava may require to be moderated in some conditions. 

Benefits 

For kidney patients suffering from digestive issues like constipation, guava can be a perfect  choice because guava is rich in insoluble fiber which not only helps in the smooth transition of food in the digestive tract but also feeds the good bacteria in the small intestine hence, improving overall digestive health.

 

Guava is also a low-calorie fruit which means it can be a healthy selection for kidney patients looking to lose weight. 

 

Guava is also a rich source of Vitamin A and other phytonutrients such as lutein and lycopene which are compounds that include antioxidant properties which can help the cells of the kidneys against oxidative stress and maintain overall optimum health.

Further, guava also has an adequate amount of vitamins like vitamin B6, vitamin E, and vitamin K along with minerals like manganese, magnesium, and copper which are required by the body for optimal functioning. Thus, kidney patients will benefit from having an adequate amount of vitamins and minerals without any deficiency. 

Concerns while eating guava for kidney patients

There might be concerns for eating guava when it comes to people suffering from CKD and require to moderate their potassium levels since guava is full of minerals and potassium being one of them.

For CKD patients, it is necessary to not put any extra load on the kidneys, and hence adding foods with high potassium might not be ideal.

Not all CKD patients have the same dietary restrictions. Accordingly, it is reasonable to get personalized dietary recommendations from your nephrologist or renal dietitian that suits the requirements of your kidney disease

10.Citrus fruits

The better vitamin C in your diet, the better for your kidneys. Oranges, lemons and other citrus fruits contain vitamin C in rich quantities. Eating dilute lemon juice daily may benefit to  decrease the risk of kidney stone formation.

 

Additional fruits

Other fruits that may be suggested for promoting kidney health include:

 

Pears, Peaches, Clementines, Nectarines, Mandarins, Plums, 

 

Fruits to avoid 

Restrict or avoid oranges and orange juice, nectarines, kiwis, raisins (or other dried fruit), bananas, cantaloupe melon, honeydew melon, prunes and nectarines.

 

Mango 

Especially in the summer season, every kidney failure patient likes to eat mangoes.

  • Yes, a kidney failure patient cannot eat mangoes as they are high  in ascorbic and citric acid, which results in a rise of waste material level in the patient’s body.
  • This quantity of acid, when produced in the body, results in metabolic acidosis. 
  • However, the creatinine levels of kidney failure patients slowly rise from 1 to 4, these creatinine levels suddenly increase and cause symptoms. 
  • This abrupt rise of creatinine levels not only causes symptoms but also deteriorates kidney health.
  •  Whether the Mango is sweet or sour, the kidney failure patient must avoid mangoes to avoid increased creatinine levels.
  •  Besides that , patients can eat papaya, Chikku, Jamun. 
  • A patient must make sure of the quantity as a kidney failure patient must not exceed the portion of one cup of fruits in a day.
  •  The patient can also eat Roti but not  ghee and oil. 
  • If a patient does not eat a proper diet, it results in weight  and muscle loss. 
  • The patient must take a proper diet.



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