Cooking on a chronic kidney disease diet can seem stressful and quite a chore. Sometimes we just want something simple that still fills us up or gives us a healthy snack. That’s where delicious, fresh, and a healthy smoothie can come in. Smoothies are an easy way to enjoy a snack with quality protein or a breakfast or lunch option on a kidney diet. You can pack a homemade smoothie with many kidney-friendly smoothie options and ingredients and nutrients that are good for you and will give you the energy to get through the day.
Are Smoothies Good for Kidneys?
Smoothies can include many kidney-friendly ingredients that are good for your overall health and a healthy diet. However, it is important to remember that smoothies are a good majority liquid and may not be the best option for substitutes for those on dialysis, as the liquid intake would have to be monitored heavily.
What Kinds of Smoothies Are Good for Kidneys?
Many different smoothies can be good for kidneys. It is important to focus on the ingredients, whether they are homemade or store-bought versions. Most of the smoothies should include kidney-friendly fresh fruit like berries, apples, pineapple, etc. But they are also much better for you if you include things like cinnamon, flax seeds, chia seeds, or kale. This adds more fiber and gets you to enjoy your intake of nutritional needs.
High Protein & Low Potassium Smoothie Recipes
Cinnamon Apple Tofu
This may sound a little strange if you are not used to using tofu in many dishes, but tofu is a great ingredient that adds protein to just about anything. It also has the ability to be flavored and blend into whatever spice or ingredients you are pairing it with. This high protein, low potassium smoothie recipe can be created by using this chronic kidney disease friendly recipe, as a base. You should include apples, cinnamon, tofu, dairy-free milk, oats, and any other additions you may want to add. You can sweeten it with honey or maple syrup and have a delicious dessert like a smoothie that is packed with protein.
Peach Protein
This high protein low potassium fruit smoothie recipe is a great one for those really looking for maximum flavor and maximum protein. The Peach High-Protein Fruit Smoothie just calls for powdered egg whites, ice, peaches, and sugar. A very simple smoothie that is delicious and helps you meet your protein goals for the day.
The Best Low Potassium Fruits for Smoothies
Blueberries
These little berries are great for kidney-friendly smoothies because they include antioxidants, are low in sodium, and low in phosphorus. They are less than 150 milligrams of potassium, as well, making them even more kidney-friendly. High in fiber and low in calories, these fresh or frozen blueberries really pack a healthy punch.
Peaches
Peaches are a good addition to low potassium smoothies because they are one of the sweeter, low potassium fruits. They are a better alternative to the common mango which is included in many recipes but is higher in potassium. Peaches are very easy to pair flavors with as they can be sweet, tangy, and tart depending on their ripeness and what flavors you add with them in your smoothies.
Pineapple
If you are on a renal diet and are looking for a good ingredient for your low potassium smoothie recipe, you will be happy to know that pineapples have the lowest potassium of many of the tropical fruits we love. Kiwi and other citrus fruits can contain high potassium, so pineapple will help you achieve that tropical flavor while still being safe on your renal diet.
Cranberries
Many of us know that cranberries are good for things like urinary tract infections and other bladder issues, but are they good for your kidneys as well? The answer is yes! Since the phytonutrients inside the cranberries are what helps to prevent bacteria from building up and causing urinary tract infections, and UTIs and kidney disease frequently go hand in hand, they are very helpful at inhibiting the buildup of those bacteria.
Apples
Apples may not be your first choice when you think of smoothie ingredients, but they are a fruit that has tons of variety, and is low in potassium, sodium, and phosphorus. A very versatile fruit, the apple can be sweet or tart and can help bring a bright flavor to your smoothies. It pairs great with cinnamon, kale, and light fruits like pineapple or peaches.
Which Fruits Have High Potassium?
Avocado
Many healthy dishes and smoothies love to include avocado. While it is a fruit with a great source of healthy fats and proteins, it is also one of the fruits with the highest level of potassium. For one average avocado, there is about 975 milligrams of potassium.
Banana
Bananas are famously a potassium-rich fruit, which means they are not a great option for those looking for a low potassium smoothie. While they have less than the avocado, with about 422 milligrams of potassium in the average banana, it should still be avoided or enjoyed in moderation.
Kiwi
Like many of our tropical fruits, the kiwi is high in potassium and should be avoided. It is also high in oxalate, which can be a concern for those with urinary or kidney stones as it could make that condition worse.
Citrus Fruits
Not all citrus fruits, but some, are high in potassium and should be avoided when you are gathering low potassium smoothie ingredients. Grapefruit, apricots, and oranges are all high in potassium.
Do Premade Smoothies Have Low Potassium?
NovaSource Renal
NovaSource Renal has an entire brand centered around renal safe products and they have many options for low potassium smoothies such as their peaches and cream shake, lime coconut cooler, and their apple cinnamon shake. Explore their recipes here.
Nepro
Nepro focuses mainly on shakes that are safe and healthy supplements for those with chronic kidney disease, but they also have a mixed berry flavor. This flavor can be enjoyed by itself or added to a berry-based smoothie recipe without adding any additional liquid. It is made with carb steady ingredients, so it is a good choice for those with diabetes as well as those on dialysis.
Frozen Fruit Packs
Dole has a few frozen fruit smoothie packs which are great for low potassium smoothie recipes. This one, Veggie Berries ‘n Kale, is especially great for those on a renal diet and includes many of our good kidney ingredients. The pack only has 240 milligrams of potassium in total and is an easy way to start your favorite smoothie without plucking and chopping your ingredients.
Eating low potassium smoothies on a CKD diet makes a delicious and healthy breakfast or lunch.
Smoothies can be a delicious substitute to avoid cooking or when you are in a rush, and with these low potassium smoothie options, you can be sure that you are using healthy and kidney-friendly foods and ingredients as additions to smoothies to make your favorite snack.
Leave a Reply