What are the best legumes to eat with kidney problems? (2024)

FAQs

What are the best legumes to eat with kidney problems? ›

Beans are in the legume family which includes dried lentils and split peas. Recent research shows the benefits of plant-based foods in the kidney diet. Beans are great for people with kidney disease to enjoy.

Choosing plant dominant meals, rich in vegetables, low in animal products, with fruit as a sweet treat, to slow the progression of kidney disease. 1 Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Lentils are an excellent source of plant-based kidney friendly protein, rich in vitamins, minerals and fiber.

As you can see, the white bean potassium density is the highest out of all 24 bean varieties compared, while the potassium in chickpeas was the lowest. But don't let that get you down if you love garbanzo beans. Even though they're lowest on the ranking, garbanzo beans are still a great source of potassium!

Arugula provides vitamin K, manganese, and calcium, all of which are important for bone health. This nutritious green also contains nitrates, which can lower blood pressure — an important benefit for those with kidney disease. One cup (20 g) of raw arugula contains : sodium: 5 mg.

Beans are in the legume family which includes dried lentils and split peas. Recent research shows the benefits of plant-based foods in the kidney diet. Beans are great for people with kidney disease to enjoy. Beans are affordable and easy to get!

Plant-based protein like beans and nuts are easier on the kidneys than animal proteins like meat and dairy products. This is because plant proteins produce less acid in the body than meat proteins. More acid in body can damage the kidneys.

Eat less than 4 ounces each day of high-phosphorus foods such as milk, yogurt and ice cream. Limit cheese and cheese-flavored snacks, processed meats, nuts and nut butters, starchy beans and peas (kidney beans, refried beans, baked beans, chickpeas, hummus) and soy products (soy milk, tofu).

Chickpeas are a great source of plant-based protein, fiber, and vitamins, such as folate, vitamin B6, and iron. This makes them a great addition to a wide range of eating patterns, including a kidney-friendly diet.

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). People with advanced kidney disease are usually advised to avoid some fruits and vegetables, including bananas.

What vegetable cleans the kidney? ›

Dandelion is a kidney tonic, but also stimulates bile production to improve digestion and minimize the waste reaching the kidneys. Another effective cleansing agent for the kidneys is cranberry juice which supports the urinary tract, fights urinary tract infections and removes excess calcium oxalate.

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.

Vitamin C helps dissolve kidney stones easily. Foods rich in vitamin C promote better kidney health such as, citrus fruits like orange, cucumbers, broccoli are effective in keeping the kidney healthy. Apples help to maintain acidity in urine and prevent the growth of bacteria inside the kidneys.

Many manufacturers of dark-colored drinks add phosphorus to their products to enhance flavor, prolong shelf life, and prevent discoloration. Phosphorus in its additive form, found in dark cola and beer, is highly absorbable by the human body and is not recommended for those following a renal diet.

Lentils are frequently cooked with strong spices, which can cause indigestion in some people. Lentils are a good source of potassium, however, too many lentils in the diet can cause hyperkalemia (symptoms may include vomiting, fatigue, irregular heartbeat and difficulty breathing) in people with poor kidney function.

One cup of cooked soybeans adds nearly 890 milligrams of potassium to your meal, about 18% of your daily value. Other legumes, such as lentils and kidney beans, are also high in potassium, with about 730 milligrams and 600 milligrams for the same serving, respectively.

Nutritional properties: Lentils have a lower phytate content than beans and are lower in indigestible sugars, which means that they are less likely to lead to flatulence than beans. Beans are also slightly higher in carbs than lentils, though their dietary fiber content can vary between legumes.

Once excluded from kidney diets due to higher amounts of potassium and phosphorus, compared to refined grains, some whole grains are making an appearance in dietitian-approved recipes. Barley, buckwheat, bulgur, wild rice and other whole grains may be included based on your dietitian's recommendation.