Are Bananas Bad for Kidneys? (2024)

FAQs

Are Bananas Bad for Kidneys? ›

Bananas are not bad for the kidneys unless the kidneys are damaged. 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).

Bananas: Like avocados, bananas are high in potassium — in fact, they're famous for their potassium content. Though bananas are low in sodium, it is still best to avoid making them a daily staple if you're concerned about kidney health.

Certain fruits that can help reduce creatinine levels while also nourishing one's body with fibre are: Apples, Bananas, Melons, Oranges, Avocados. Kiwis, apples, cranberries, and blueberries can also be consumed in this regard as they are rich in antioxidants.

Avoid black-eyed peas, dried beans, cooked greens, spinach, yams, and sweet potato pie. All are high in potassium. Best choices? Fried chicken (no skin), corn, string beans or okra, wilted lettuce, corn bread or dinner rolls.

Limit foods like oranges, prunes, bananas, tomatoes, egg yolks, avocados, and potatoes (including French fries). Protein—Protein makes your kidneys work harder and eating high amounts can lessen their ability to remove wastes from the body. Minimize eating animal proteins like meats, some seafood, and dairy products.

Most people with chronic kidney disease need between 60-70 grams of protein a day, which is the amount in about 7 ounces of meat or 10 large eggs. Individual protein needs will vary based on overall calories needs, activity level, and kidney function.

Kapoor says a healthy diet can aid in lowering creatinine levels and one must avoid foods like red meat, salty meals, white bread, processed foods, sugary foods, caffeine, canned vegetables, and foods that may contain high quantities of protein if diagnosed with high levels of creatinine in the blood.

Limit the proteins you consume:

Stay low on protein consumption to control the serum creatinine levels. Excessive eating of meat, eggs, and other protein-rich foods can precipitate creatine levels.

Tomatoes. Tomatoes are high in potassium. People in the earlier stages of kidney disease don't usually have to limit their consumption of tomatoes. If your healthcare provider says your potassium levels are high, however, tomatoes may have to be on your restricted foods list.

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.

What is the number one food high in potassium? ›

Some of the best sources of potassium are dark, leafy greens such as spinach, which when cooked has an astounding 839 mg potassium per cup, per USDA data. Swiss chard has even more, with 961 mg of potassium per cooked cup, and even bok choy has around 631 mg per cup shredded.

Sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate), which removes potassium through your intestines before it's absorbed. Patiromer (Veltassa), which binds to potassium in the intestines. Sodium zirconium cyclosilicate (Lokelma), which binds to potassium in the intestines.

Excessive water consumption may lead to depletion of potassium, which is an essential nutrient. This may cause symptoms like leg pain, irritation, chest pain, et al. 6. It may also cause too much urination; when you drink lots of water at once, you tend to urinate frequently.

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.

Foods that may help boost kidney health include low-phosphorus cheese, fish, root vegetables, broccoli, beans, seeds, nuts, leafy greens, whole grains, herbs, eggs, and shellfish.

What fruit helps kidneys? According to the National Kidney Foundation, fruits that may be beneficial for kidney health include pomegranates, avocados, strawberries, blueberries, cherries, apples, and citrus fruits.