Fruits contain important vitamins and minerals that help the body function properly. Many fruits are also high in fiber, low in fat and low in calories. People with kidney disease need to limit their intake of some fruits, as they contain high levels of minerals that make the kidneys work harder. Selecting the right fruits will help people with kidney disease enjoy the nutritional benefits of these foods without compromising their kidney function.
Significance
People with kidney disease need to preserve their remaining kidney function to prevent end-stage renal failure or other serious complications, as recommended by the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Following a renal diet that includes specific fruits reduces the amount of phosphorus, sodium and potassium in the blood. While no diet completely reverses kidney disease, following this type of diet can slow the progression of kidney disease and improve quality of life for those who have this condition.
Considerations
The renal diet restricts the intake of potassium, so people following this diet need to choose low-potassium fruits and avoid fruits with high levels of potassium. Fruits with high levels of potassium include bananas, cantaloupe, mangoes, nectarines, honeydew melon, kiwi, oranges, raisins and papaya. The Medical College of Wisconsin recommends apples, peaches, berries, pineapple, grapes and dried cranberries for people with kidney disease. Patients on the renal diet should also choose apple or grape juice instead of orange juice or prune juice.
Effects
Eating fruit has several positive effects for people who have kidney disease. The vitamins found in fruits help the body produce energy, manufacture proteins, produce DNA and metabolize nutrients, as explained by the Davita website. Davita provides hemodialysis services to people with kidney disease. These vitamins also support the functions of the nervous system. Fruits also provide a more healthful alternative to processed foods and fast foods. The fiber found in fruits aids in the digestive process and helps maintain regular bowel movements.
Convenience
Eating fresh fruit makes planning a renal diet much more convenient. Busy moms or people with demanding careers can eat whole fruits to eliminate the need for peeling, chopping and slicing. Those who want to eat apple slices or pineapple chunks can cut these fruits ahead of time, making it easy to grab a quick snack or pack a healthy lunch.
Warning
Some people have both kidney disease and diabetes. Those with diabetes need to plan their meals carefully, as eating foods that contain carbohydrates--like fruits--may cause sudden increases in blood glucose levels. The renal diabetic diet controls carbohydrate intake and limits the consumption of sodium, phosphorus and potassium. This diet aims to preserve remaining kidney function and prevent the complications of diabetes.
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