Good Fruits For Kidney Disease

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4. Grocery Shopping Made Simple with a Kidney-Friendly Food List

Good Fruits for Kidney Disease | Managing Your CKD DietMost fruits make for great additions to your kidney-friendly lifestyle because they are delicious, rich in fiber, low in sodium, and contain essential nutrients. The specific dietary needs for someone with chronic kidney disease (CKD) depend on multiple factors, so it’s important to have an idea of what fruits are good for people with kidney disease. As always, check with your doctor or dietitian about your specific needs.

The Benefits of Fruits in a Kidney Disease Diet

Fruits contain fiber, which has many health benefits, including improved gastrointestinal health. Additionally, people who consume high amounts of fiber tend to be at a lower risk for stroke, hypertension, coronary heart disease, obesity, and certain gastrointestinal diseases.1

8 Great Fruits for Kidney Disease Diets

Every fruit has a special set of qualities—they look and taste unique and offer different nutritional benefits. Understanding what each type of fruit provides will help you plan your kidney-friendly meals. Note that portion size is key for a kidney-friendly diet and, in general, a serving of fruit is equal to about one-half cup of raw fruit. Here are 8 tasty fruits to consider working into your CKD diet:

1. Berries (all types): Low in potassium and high in antioxidants, fiber, and vitamin C, berries are low in sugar when they are consumed in modest portions, which can be beneficial for people with diabetes. Suggested recipe: Creamy Blueberry-Pecan Overnight Oatmeal
2. Lemons and limes: Low in potassium and high in vitamin C, lemons and limes have a lower sugar content when consumed in a modest amount. They can be used in cooking instead of salt to bring out the natural flavors of a dish. Suggested recipe: Lemon Orzo Spring Salad
3. Pineapples: Low in potassium, pineapples contain bromelain, a plant enzyme that has anti-inflammatory properties and may reduce swelling and pain in your joints. Suggested recipe: Vegan Smoothie Bowl
4. Apples: Low in potassium and rich in fiber and vitamin C, apples also contain plant polyphenols, which are disease-fighting compounds found in plants. Suggested recipe: Apple and Cheddar with Jalapeño Slices
5. Cherries: High in fiber and vitamin C and rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, cherries may also lessen the symptoms of gout, which can be a concern for people with CKD.2
6. Grapes: High in vitamin K, grapes are also a good source of B vitamins like thiamine, riboflavin, and B6. B vitamins can increase your energy.
7. Watermelon: While most melons are high in potassium, watermelon is a low-potassium fruit. It is also high in vitamins A and C, magnesium, and lycopene, a powerful antioxidant. Watermelon can contribute a significant amount of natural sugar and fluid to your diet, so stick to a 1/2 cup serving if you are watching your fluid. Suggested recipe: Watermelon, Cucumber and Feta Salad
8. Avocados: Although high in fiber, magnesium, and healthy monounsaturated fats—which lower LDL cholesterol—avocados should only be eaten in small portions because they’re high in potassium. Suggested Recipe: Egg Salad Avocado Toast

The one fruit you should avoid is star fruit—it contains a neurotoxin that can cause neurological problems and toxicity for people on dialysis.3

Managing Potassium in Fruit

Fruits sometimes get a bad rap because of their potassium content, which some people living with CKD have to limit. While some fruits do have high potassium, you can still enjoy many of them in small portions so you can benefit from their nutrients while keeping your potassium level under control. Your own potassium level will determine if you need to be more careful when selecting the best fruits for you.

Incorporate Tasty Fruits Regularly into Your Diet

Fruits make for healthy, tasty snacks and side dishes; they are an excellent source of fiber, vitamins, antioxidants, and nutrients, and should be included in your kidney-friendly meal plan. In addition to fruits, there are a number of great food choices that will help you feel your best. As with most foods, remain aware of your portions. Knowing how to balance your fruit intake will further allow you to experience their many health benefits. Talk to your renal dietitian or nephrologist for guidance on the right balance of fruit for your current diagnosis and treatment modality. For more ways to incorporate fruits into your kidney disease diet, search our recipes.

References 1Dreher ML. Whole Fruits and Fruit Fiber Emerging Health Effects. Nutrients. 2018;10(12):1833. doi:10.3390/nu10121833 2 Collins MW, Saag KG, Singh JA. Is there a role for cherries in the management of gout? Ther Adv Musculoskelet Dis. 2019;11. doi:10.1177/1759720x19847018 3National Kidney Foundation. Why You Should Avoid Eating Starfruit. Accessed March 2, 2022. kidney.org/atoz/content/why-you-should-avoid-eating-starfruit .

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