Table of Contents
Are Apples good for kidneys?
Yes, apples are rich in antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins that are beneficial to people with kidney disease.
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Are apples high in potassium?
One medium apple contains 195mg of potassium making it a low potassium fruit.
Most kidney professionals consider a vegetable to be high potassium if it contains more than 200mg of potassium per serving.
If you have kidney disease, you should not restrict your intake of fruits and vegetables because of potassium content unless instructed by your kidney dietitian or healthcare provider. Many people who have kidney disease do not need to restrict their intake of potassium. There are many other factors that could cause you to have high potassium levels that are not related to the food you eat. You can learn more about potassium and kidney disease through our courses.
Are apples high in phosphorus?
No. One medium apple contains about 20mg of phosphorus. The phosphorus found in apples is natural and poorly absorbed by the body, so it is considered a low phosphorus food.
For more information about phosphorus and kidney disease, check out our youtube video.
What are the benefits of apples?
- Apples contain vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. Antioxidants consumed through fruits and vegetables are considered to have protective effects against many chronic diseases.
- The soluble fiber in apples can help lower cholesterol levels in the blood, which can reduce the risk of heart disease. The fiber content helps prevent constipation and supports a healthy digestive system. Avoiding constipation is an important way of helping maintain good potassium levels.
- Research shows that a low intake of fruits and vegetables is associated with an increased risk of developing kidney failure in people with kidney disease (as well as those who don’t have kidney disease), so be sure to eat adequate fruits and vegetables each day.
Healthy ways to eat apples
Apples are one of my favorite kidney friendly fruits because they are flavorful, high in fiber, and very portable.
- Enjoy them fresh. We recommend pairing with some kidney friendly nuts for a balanced, satisfying snack.
- Add sliced apples to a salad for a pop of sweetness and crunch.
- Add diced apples and cinnamon to oatmeal for a kidney friendly breakfast
Are apples high in oxalates?
Apples are a low oxalate food. (Source)
Oxalates are naturally occurring compounds found in many foods. When consumed, oxalates can bind with calcium in the body to form crystals, which can contribute to the formation of kidney stones in some individuals.
Kidney stones are hard deposits that form in the kidneys when there are high levels of certain substances, such as calcium, oxalate, and uric acid, in the urine. The most common type of kidney stone is calcium oxalate stones, which are formed when calcium and oxalate combine in the urine.
While oxalates are present in many foods, not everyone who consumes oxalates will develop kidney stones. Factors such as individual susceptibility, overall diet, and lifestyle choices play a role in kidney stone formation.
The highest oxalate fruits and vegetables are spinach, rhubarb, and swiss chard. However, it’s important to note that the mere presence of oxalates in food does not guarantee kidney stone formation. If you are not prone to developing kidney stones, then there is no reason to avoid foods that are high in oxalate.
High and Low Potassium Fruit and Vegetable Tool
Looking for more information on other kidney friendly fruits and vegetables? Check out our Fruit and Vegetable Potassium Tool.
