Nuts are often praised for their heart-healthy fats, protein, and fiber — but if you’re living with kidney disease, you might wonder whether they belong in your diet. While nuts offer a variety of health benefits, some are also high in phosphorus and potassium, minerals you might need to limit if you have chronic kidney disease (CKD), or rare kidney diseases like complement 3 glomerulopathy (C3G) or immune complex-mediated membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (IC-MPGN).

Here’s what you need to know about nuts, seeds, and nut butters when it comes to kidney health.

Nutrients in Nuts and How They Affect Kidneys

Nuts contain essential nutrients like phosphorus, potassium, and protein. These are critical to a balanced diet, but people living with kidney disease may need to limit them because their kidneys can’t filter them as well.

It’s important to note that every person living with kidney disease may have different dietary needs. This includes recommendations around phosphorus, potassium, and protein. The amount of each of these that you need will depend on:

• The type of kidney disease you have
• Your treatment plan
• The stage of kidney disease
• Your blood test results

Your kidney treatment team will help you figure out what you need. You can work with your nephrologist (kidney specialist) or dietitian to design a healthy diet plan that meets your specific needs.

Phosphorus

Healthy kidneys filter excess phosphorus from the blood. However, if your kidneys are damaged, they may not do this as well. This can lead to high phosphorus levels in your body.

Too much phosphorus can cause:

• Joint pain
• Weakened bones
• Heart disease

In severe cases, it can even be life-threatening.

Potassium

If your healthcare team recommends a low-potassium diet, it’s likely because your kidneys aren’t filtering potassium properly.

Potassium helps your muscles, including your heart, work the right way. But when levels get too high, it can cause serious problems — including a heart attack.

Protein

Protein is important for building and repairing tissues, but when you’re living with kidney disease, too much protein can build up in your bloodstream — including protein from plant-based sources like nuts.

This can lead to symptoms such as:

• Nausea or loss of appetite
• Weakness or tiredness
• Changes in the way food tastes

Because of this, your care team may recommend limiting your protein intake.

Eating Nuts in Moderation

You may be wondering, “Are nuts a safe option for people with kidney disease?” The answer is yes — when eaten in moderation. Research shows that eating a moderate amount of nuts each week could help people live longer — including those with and without kidney disease.

Nuts appear to support overall health by lowering the risk of dying from various causes. This may be because they’re packed with nutrients that help many systems in your body work better.

Here’s why nuts can be a smart addition to your diet:

• They have a healthy balance of protein, healthy fats, and fiber.
• They contain fewer carbohydrates than many other legumes.
• They’re rich in antioxidants and important minerals.
• They’re easy to carry and don’t need to be cooked, making them a convenient snack.

These benefits may help:

• Lower inflammation
• Reduce stress on your body
• Balance blood sugar levels
• Lower the risk of hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Improve digestion

Because of these benefits, some health experts recommend eating nuts between one and six times each week — if your kidneys can tolerate them. You and your kidney care team can figure out exactly how often you should eat nuts and what your serving size should be. This will help you maximize their health benefits while ensuring you stick to a low-phosphorus, low-potassium, or low-protein diet.

What Are the Best Nuts for Kidneys?

There’s no single answer to questions like “What are the best nuts and seeds for kidneys?” or “What nuts should you avoid with kidney disease?” Instead, it depends on which nutrients you need to limit or include based on your stage of kidney disease and overall health goals.

For instance, you might wonder, “What nuts have no potassium?” While all nuts contain some potassium, certain types of nuts have lower amounts per serving. These include sunflower seeds and pecans.

Sunflower seeds are good if you need to keep your protein low, too. So are pecans, macadamia nuts, and roasted pumpkin seeds (also called pepitas). Those are also among the lowest in phosphorus.

If you need to manage more than one of these nutrients, talk with your healthcare provider or dietitian. They can help you choose the best nuts for your kidney-friendly diet, so you can enjoy their benefits without putting stress on your kidneys.

Talk to Your Doctor

If you have questions about your diet — or about eating nuts in particular — talk with your nephrologist. They can give you guidance on which nuts are safe for your kidneys, how often you can eat them, and what portion sizes make sense for you. They may also refer you to a renal dietitian who specializes in kidney nutrition to help develop a personalized renal diet.

If you’re managing other health conditions that affect your diet, it’s even more important to work with a healthcare professional. They can help you balance your body’s needs and make sure you’re getting the right nutrition.

Over time, you can find kidney-friendly recipes you enjoy — and make them part of your routine. That way, eating well isn’t just healthy for your kidneys, it’s also satisfying and easier to stick with in the long run.

Find Your Team

On MyKidneyDiseaseTeam, the social network for people with kidney disease and their loved ones, members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with kidney disease.

Have you had to limit nuts because of kidney disease? What do you eat instead? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.