Have you spoken with your dietitian about specific kidney-friendly foods? Healthy eating habits can help manage, and even prevent, a number of long-term conditions, such as chronic kidney disease (CKD). One research study links the regular consumption of nuts regularly to a lower risk of CKD and death. Learn more about the specific benefits they found.*

What they did

Ying Yao, M.D. and colleagues at Tongji Hospital in Wuhan, China analyzed data from the 2003-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), in which thousands of participants completed questionnaires about how frequently they consumed various foods. Of the 6,072 adult participants, 19.8% had CKD. The majority of CKD patients were in the early stages of the disease.

What they found

The researchers discovered that nuts, in particular, seemed to have a dramatic effect on the development and progression of CKD. Compared with zero nut consumption, consuming nuts one to six times per week (but not more than once daily) was significantly associated with better health outcomes, including: 

• 33% lower chance of developing CKD in the non-CKD population
• Lower chances of death from any cause in the non-CKD population
• 37% lower odds of death from any cause in those with CKD

What it means

Whether eaten as a snack, ground up in nut butter, or sprinkled on a salad, nuts are a nutritious food that can be easily incorporated into a diet. Nuts contain many nutrients including unsaturated fatty acids, vegetable protein, fiber, phytosterols, vitamins, and minerals. The positive benefits of these nutrients may help prevent CKD and delay its progression.

Most nuts are also rich in potassium and phosphorus, which may need to be restricted in advanced CKD. “In general, ‘1–6 times per week’ rather than a higher frequency might be an appropriate choice, in which nuts could continue their good work without causing any complications,” the authors wrote. “More rigorously designed studies are needed to confirm this conclusion.”

Speak with your doctor and dietitian about what size and number of servings would be appropriate for your unique situation, especially if you have or suspect that you have any nut allergies.

*Persaud, N. (2022, June 16). Frequent Nut Consumption Linked With Lower CKD Risk. Renal and Urology News. https://www.renalandurologynews.com/home/news/nephrology/chronic-kidney-disease-ckd/frequent-nut-consumption-folate-foods-may-prevent-ckd/