Are Bananas Bad for Kidneys? (2024)

FAQs

Are Bananas Bad for Kidneys? ›

Damaged kidneys build up potassium in the blood, resulting in serious heart problems. Potassium is present in bananas, other fruits and vegetables (such as potatoes, avocados and melons). People with advanced kidney disease are usually advised to avoid some fruits and vegetables, including bananas.

A large banana contains 487 mg of potassium, meaning a person with CKD should avoid or limit eating this fruit. Many other tropical fruits also have high potassium content. Pineapples may be a suitable alternative as they contain a much smaller amount of potassium compared with other tropical fruits.

If you have kidney disease, you may need to limit your intake of fruits high in potassium, including apricots, bananas, cantaloupes, and dates. Dried fruits are also often high in potassium and carbohydrates, which can increase blood sugar levels if consumed in large amounts (14).

Diabetes is the most common cause of kidney disease. Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. But also heart disease and obesity can contribute to the damage that causes kidneys to fail. Urinary tract issues and inflammation in different parts of the kidney can also lead to long-term functional decline.

Egg whites provide a high quality, kidney-friendly source of protein that is low in phosphorus. Egg whites may be a better choice than whole eggs for people on a renal diet, as egg yolks can be high in phosphorus.

Whilst all fluid counts towards your fluid intake, water is one of the healthiest choices when it comes to maintaining kidney health. Sip water little and often. Women should aim to drink eight 200ml glasses of fluid a day. Men should aim to drink ten 200ml glasses of fluid a day.

Avoid foods that have salt in the first four or five items in the ingredient list. Don't eat ham, bacon, sausage, hot dogs, lunch meats, chicken tenders or nuggets, or regular canned soup. Only eat reduced-sodium soups that don't have potassium chloride as an ingredient (check the food label.)

It's naturally low in carbohydrates, and has plenty of fiber to aid digestion. It's a good substitute for meat in a kidney diet plan. However, it's worth noting that 2 tablespoons of peanut butter also has 65 milligrams of oxalate, and high amounts of oxalate can contribute to kidney stones (54, 55).

Research has not shown that drinking 3-4 cups of coffee a day increases the risk of kidney disease or increases the rate of decline of kidney function, however, moderating how much coffee you drink is a good idea. Those struggling with blood pressure control should especially drink less than three cups per day.

Low-phosphorus meat and poultry choices

Fresh or frozen red meats are better choices for a kidney diet if you are on dialysis. Avoid packaged red meats that have breading, pre-made marinades or sauces, which could contain unwanted phosphorus additives.

Is watermelon good for the kidneys? ›

Diuretic & Kidney Support

Watermelon is a natural diuretic which helps increase the flow of urine, but does not strain the kidneys (unlike alcohol and caffeine). Watermelon helps the liver process ammonia (waste from protein digestion) which eases strain on the kidneys while getting rid of excess fluids.

Healthy options for kidney disease are protein, egg whites, fish, unsaturated fats, fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables, apple juice, grape and cranberry juice, light colored soda. The amount of protein intake per day varies depending on the stage of kidney disease.