Avocado on old wooden table in bowl.

Can You Eat Avocados When You Have Chronic Kidney Disease?

By: Kellsey Reed RDN, LDN, PatientsLikeMe Contributor  

Toast, tacos, sushi, avocados are delicious with most types of cuisine. These creamy green fruits are a nutrient-dense food that are a staple in many individuals’ diets. But can you eat avocados when you have chronic kidney disease? It’s important to review the nutrients that are in avocados first.

What’s in an avocado?

Avocados are packed with nutrients like fats and fiber. These powerful nutrients can help to keep us full and satisfied! What else is in an avocado?

Nutrition for 1 whole avocado:

  • 240 calories
  • 3 gm protein 
  • 22 gm fat
  • 13 gm carbohydrates
  • 10 gm fiber
  • 78 mg phosphorus
  • 11 mg sodium 
  • 728 potassium

Things to keep in mind if you have CKD

As you can see, avocados are packed with fiber, healthy fats, and potassium. Fiber and healthy fats are great additions to a kidney-friendly diet because they help to manage your blood sugars, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and gut health. Talk about a win win! If you need a potassium restriction, it is important to keep in mind your portion size of avocados. Instead of having a whole avocado, try having ¼ or ½ of an avocado. This may fit into your nutrient needs better. Remember, not everyone with CKD needs a potassium restriction. Be sure to talk with your doctor and dietitian before changing your diet.

How to pick a ripe avocado and how to store them

According to Avocados from Mexico, avocados are ripe and ready to be eaten when they are not too green and not too hard. The best avocados are avocados that are a darker brown color and that slightly yield to gentle pressure. If you pick an avocado that is not ripe, simply store on the counter until it is ready to eat. If your avocado is too ripe and you are not yet ready to eat it, you can store it in the refrigerator. Refrigeration slows down the ripening process, according to Eating Well. You may also notice that avocados tend to brown quickly when opened. Storing an open or cut avocado with the pit and the skin can help to prevent browning.

Kidney-friendly recipes made with avocados

Here are some of my favorite recipes made with avocados. These recipes are kidney-friendly because they are lower sodium and more plant based.

The bottom line

    Yes, you can enjoy avocados when you have CKD, but it’s important to keep a few things in mind. If you need a potassium restriction, be mindful of your portion size of avocado. Instead of avoiding them completely, try having a smaller portion so you can still enjoy them on your kidney friendly diet. Happy eating!

    Resources:

    1. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/1102652/nutrients 
    2. https://www.eatingwell.com/article/7825925/how-to-store-avocados/ 
    3. https://avocadosfrommexico.com/how-to/how-to-tell-if-an-avocado-is-ripe/ 
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