Short Answer: Peanuts are good for CKD in moderation. Because they have healthy fats, fiber, magnesium, and vitamin E, which can benefit your heart, blood sugar, digestion, and antioxidant status.
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a condition that affects your kidneys, which are two bean-shaped organs that filter your blood and remove waste and excess fluid.
In CKD, your kidneys are damaged over time and lose their ability to function properly.
This can lead to various health problems, such as high blood pressure, anemia, bone disease, cardiovascular disease, and kidney failure.
One of the key factors in managing CKD is diet.
What you consume can affect your blood pressure, blood sugar, electrolytes, and fluid balance, which can impact your CKD symptoms and overall health.
To effectively manage CKD, you should consume protein, potassium, phosphorus, and sodium in moderation, and follow the recommendations of your doctor or dietitian.
You should also consume fiber, calcium, vitamin D, and antioxidants rich foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products.
Now, peanuts are legumes that are high in protein, fat, and various nutrients.
People usually eat them raw, roasted, boiled, or as peanut butter, oil, or flour.
Peanuts are good for CKD in moderation because they contain healthy fats, fiber, magnesium, and vitamin E, which can lower cholesterol, improve blood sugar, prevent constipation, and protect against oxidative stress.
However, peanuts are also high in phosphorus, potassium, and sodium, which can be harmful for CKD if consumed in excess.
One ounce (28 grams) of peanuts can give you 7 grams of protein (14% of your daily needs), 14 grams of fat (22%), 4 grams of fiber (16%), 107 mg of phosphorus (11%), 200 mg of potassium (6%), and 5 mg of sodium (0%)1
Healthy fats can lower your risk of heart disease and stroke, which are common complications of CKD.
Fiber can help regulate your blood sugar and cholesterol levels, and prevent constipation.
Magnesium can help lower your blood pressure and prevent muscle cramps.
Vitamin E can act as an antioxidant and protect your cells from damage.
Phosphorus can build up in your blood and cause bone and heart problems if your kidneys cannot remove it.
Potassium can cause irregular heartbeat and muscle weakness if your kidneys cannot balance it.
Sodium can raise your blood pressure and cause fluid retention if your kidneys cannot excrete it.
Furthermore, peanuts are a plant-based protein source and plant-based proteins are good for CKD.
Because, they produce less waste products than animal proteins and are easier for your kidneys to filter.
You can eat one to two ounces of peanuts per day safely, depending on your stage of CKD and your individual needs.
More than that can cause high phosphorus, potassium, and sodium levels in your blood, which can worsen your kidney function and cause serious complications.
Also, you shouldn’t eat peanuts if you have a peanut allergy to prevent anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction.
Because, peanuts can trigger your immune system to release chemicals that can cause swelling, itching, hives, breathing problems, and shock.
You can buy fresh peanuts in your local market or can order them online.
Always choose unsalted, dry-roasted, or boiled peanuts, and avoid salted, honey-roasted, or oil-roasted peanuts.
Because, salted and roasted peanuts can increase your sodium and phosphorus intake, which can harm your kidneys.
You can store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to six months, or in the refrigerator or freezer for longer.
Finally, remember, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, stress management and essential medical care is key to managing CKD effectively.
I always recommend my CKD patients to follow a CKD-friendly diet to improve their overall well-being, and enjoy a longer and healthier life.