Oranges with kidney disease can be a controversial topic. Many nephrologists and dietitians often discourage high citrus fruits for people with kidney disease as it contains high amounts of potassium. However, people with healthy potassium levels can actually benefit from citrus fruits as they increase the citrate in your urine, lowering your risk of kidney stones. Oranges are packed with vitamin C and the protein content is very minuscule. Eating oranges in a chronic kidney disease (CKD) diet can be done right if your potassium levels are in a healthy range. Due to the orange’s high potassium and sugar content, you must limit oranges and orange juice to moderate amounts.

 

An orange typically packs around 170mg – 330mg of potassium. High potassium content in oranges is the main spoiler if you have kidney issues. Potassium is an important mineral that your body gets from fruits and vegetables and getting the right amount of potassium can largely benefit your cardiovascular health. Normal functioning kidneys can remove excess potassium from your blood and excrete it through your urine but with kidney disease and CKD, your kidneys will have a hard time flushing out the extra potassium in your blood. With kidney disease, you should always monitor your potassium levels.

 

Tomatoes, citrus fruits, avocados, bananas, and dried fruit are among some fruits and vegetables that should be limited or avoided with kidney disease. If your potassium is in a healthy range, you can safely consume oranges in a moderate amount. Looking over your potassium levels on your latest bloodwork can give you a clear idea of where you’re at.  

 

Oranges can easily fit into a CKD diet for most people whose potassium levels are naturally low to medium. In fact, high-potassium fruits can help with fluid balance, muscle contractions, and nerve signals for those with low potassium levels. Always be sure to check with your nephrologist or dietitian before making any major changes to your diet. Checking your bloodwork can be a great start to monitor your potassium levels. 

 

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