It is a common sense that all kidney failure patients should have a scientific and reasonable diet so as to control various symptoms. As the progress of disease, their diet should also keep changing. However, are walnuts good for kidney failure patients? Please keep reading and you will find out the answer.

Actually, walnuts are a nutrient-dense food: 100 grams of walnuts contain 15.2g protein, 65.2g fat and 6.7g dietary fiber as well as abundant omega-3 fatty acid. We can see that this type of nuts are a good source of protein and healthy fat which can provide many essential amino acids and protect our body against heart disease. Therefore, it is no doubt that walnuts are healthy and nourishing nuts for healthy people. Then, how about people with kidney failure?

To be frank, walnuts are not recommended to patients with kidney failure. Why? There are several reasons which offer reference to you.

A large amount of plant protein.

As mentioned above, 100g walnuts contain about 15 grams of protein. Thereby, it is a good source of protein. While, for renal failure patients, eating more protein than the body needs can increase the burden of kidneys and cause rapid decline of renal function. So renal failure patients are usually suggested to eat moderate or right amount of protein, which is good for reducing kidney’s burden and protein in urine as well as slowing decline of GFR. In view of there regards, kidney failure patients are not allowed to eat walnuts.

They are rich in potassium.

Keeping electrolytes balance is one of our kidney’s functions. However, due to severe kidney damage, kidney fails to discharge excess potassium out of the body. In this condition, it is possible to cause hyperkalemia. What’s worse, hyperkalemia can bring more discomforts, like fatigue, fingers numb, limb weakness, decreased heart rate and so on. Judging from this case, renal failure patients should keep away from this nut.

For kidney failure patients, diet is just like a double-edged sward. It can help you get rid of various symptoms, while it also can worsen your illness condition. Therefore, it is important to contact a dietitian for an individualized diet plan. If you still confused about what you can eat or what you should be avoided, you can chat with our Online Doctors directly.