What are the effects of avocado on the kidneys? – The financial

Cleveland Clinic highlights that this mineral is essential for the control of blood pressure and the heart health: “A low level of potassium in the blood can increase blood pressureincrease the risk of kidney stones and even extract calcium from the bones.” But in certain cases your intake should be controlled.

Can potassium affect the kidneys?

Healthline explains that people with renal disease they must watch their consumption of sodium, potassium and phosphoruswhich are present in Cola sodabrown rice, bananas, processed meats, nuts and avocados.

“Although avocados are usually a healthy addition to the diet, they are considered one of the potassium-rich foods that you should avoided with kidney disease”says said health site.

The kidneys are responsible for filtering blood and maintain the balance of substances (sodium, potassium and calcium), so when they do not work well potassium accumulates in the blood“this can cause changes in the heartbeat and even a heart attack”Cleveland adds.

Does avocado cause kidney stones?

The kidney stones are mineral deposits which are influenced by various factors such as poor diet, too many sugary drinksdrinking little water, weight, among other aspects.

According to the Mayo Clinic, these ‘stones’ are produced when high amounts of substances such as calcium, oxalate and uric acidwhich forms crystals.

National Kidney Foundation believes that avocados do not influence the generation of stones in the kidneys, but LiveStrong details that a whole avocado has a lot of oxalate (19 mg), a small serving can be part of a diet low in oxalates and this would not influence stone formation.

What benefits does avocado have for the kidney?

The benefits of avocado and its derived products for the kidneys you could see them in the context of a balance dietsince they are rich in healthy compounds such as antioxidants, which prevent oxidative stress that causes diseases.

For example, there are some good indirect effects because of how it can influence pressure.

The high blood pressure is a risk factor in kidney diseases. A study of Life (Basel) published in 2021 analyzed the avocado oilnot exactly the fruit, but found that it decreased blood pressure, in addition to “relief of kidney damage” caused by oxidative stress.

“It may have potential as a nutritional adjuvant to counteract the negative effects of hypertension on the kidney”.

How much potassium does avocado have?

One serving (1/3 of an avocado) has about 250 mg potassiumor, a medium-sized avocado has around 690 mg.

Does it mean that if you suffer from kidney problems you should give up guacamole and other preparations? Not necessarily, just moderate consumption and consult with a specialist to review your specific case to make a kidney diet.

When should you not eat avocado?

In reality, recommendations vary depending on the severity of kidney damage and it is essential to consult with your doctor to know the safe amount in each case.

Healthline mentions that if the portion is reduced to just a quarter of an avocado, people with kidney failure can continue consuming it, while limiting potassium.

In this regard, the National Kidney Foundation has the following reference depending on the condition:

• kidney stones: Avocado has no effect on the formation of these stones.
• Chronic kidney disease and transplant: in an initial phase they do not necessarily require restricting potassium, it depends on the levels presented according to blood tests.
• Hemodialysis (3 times a week): most people can include avocado, but controlling portions.
• Daily dialysis: they may need more potassium in the diet, but the nutritionist must determine how much avocado.

In any case, with or without kidney problems, it is not recommended eat a lot of avocado every day, you will make better use of your benefits if you consume it within a balanced dietsince excess could cause weight gain, poor digestion, allergies, and more.