Top Nuts and Seeds for CKD

Nuts and seeds are tiny but mighty. They actually deliver quite a punch of nutrition. Are there top nuts and seeds for CKD?

Did you know nuts are actually the seeds of plants? Whereas seeds come from vegetables, flowers or other crops. But they are packed with healthy nutrients like omega-3, fibre, and plant-based protein. 

Nuts and seeds are extra wonderful because:

  • Can help suppress hunger because of their protein, fat, and fiber content.
  • Add texture, crunch and flavour to foods.
  • A convenient snack. 

Benefits of Nuts and Seeds

Promotes Heart Health

Heart disease and CKD are linked. So including foods that are heart healthy, like nuts and seeds can help to prevent heart disease. Nuts and seeds are a source of omega-3 which help to reduce bad cholesterol levels in the blood. When we have too much bad cholesterol, we can develop heart disease.

Rich in antioxidants and are anti-inflammatory

Nuts and seeds are a great source of vitamin B6, vitamin B3, vitamin E, and minerals like calcium, iron, selenium, copper which all help to beat inflammation in our bodies.

May help lower blood pressure

A source of L-arginine, an amino acid needed to build muscle. Often found in animal protein, which are limited with CKD, nuts are also a great source of L-arginine. Research suggests that L-arginine may help to lower blood pressure and cholesterol.

Top Nuts and Seeds for CKD

So you might be wondering, what are the top nuts and seeds for CKD? Here are some of the best choices. But remember to choose unsalted. 

Nuts and seeds (1/4 cup)Phosphorus (mg)Potassium (mg)Protein (g)
Pumpkin seeds (whole)151493.0
Sunflower seeds3752766.3
Macadamia661222.6
Pecan821182.7
Hazelnuts932264.5
Walnut881123.9
Almonds1652507.3
Cashew1701965.2
Pistachio1463146.5

How To Enjoy Nuts and Seeds with CKD

Looking to include some nuts and seeds in your kidney-friendly diet? Here are some ways to get started:

  1. Add nuts or seeds as an ingredient to foods. Try them on oatmeal, in a salad, or on top of soup. Maybe make your own nut butter.
  2. Incorporate them in your pasta dish or salad for some plant-based protein. Try this feta, spinach, lentil salad with sunflower seed recipe (be sure to make some low sodium swaps).
  3. Toss some into your smoothie for a bit of extra fibre and protein. 
  4. Enjoy it as a snack. Pair nuts with a piece of fruit for a delicious snack.
  5. Pair with vitamin C foods like clementines, strawberries, bell peppers, or tomatoes to help increase their iron absorption.

Does Today’s Article Speak To Your Struggles?

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17 thoughts on “Top Nuts and Seeds for CKD”

  1. Pingback: Kidney-Friendly Muffins - Kidney Nutrition

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    1. Great question! Potassium is a concern for some with kidney disease, but not everyone, Having a dietitian review your bloodwork and provide personalized recommendations for how much potassium you can have per day is important. With potassium understanding how much of a serving and how much potassium a food has can help us include a variety in our diet. High potassium is not always related to foods. So it is important the cause is resolved.

      1. Potassium helps our heart beat. We need some potassium in our diet. At later stages of kidney disease, you may not be able to get rid of excess potassium. If it builds up it can change the heartbeat. That’s why checking your bloodwork is important. Not everyone needs a potassium restriction. So working with a renal dietitian can help you determine this.

  3. I find the internet my best source for how to get the best information for my CKD 3a. Yet, there are still contradictions of one says it’s good & safe for CK then another source says “No”. How can I possibly create a healthy diet for myself?

  4. Great post on nuts and seeds for CKD. There is one nut that is missing. How much phosphorus and potassium do peanuts have in 2 tablespoon or 1/4 cup?
    Thank you!

  5. Pingback: Constipation and kidney disease - Kidney Nutrition

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