Doctors Are Begging You to Avoid Walnuts If You’ve Ever Suffered From This Common Medical Issue

Walnuts are often praised for their health benefits, such as reducing LDL cholesterol, lowering blood pressure, and decreasing inflammation. [1] However, doctors have warned that you should not consume walnuts if you have a commonly diagnosed medical condition. What is this condition, and how does eating walnuts put you at risk? To find out more, keep reading below. 

The Risks of Walnut Consumption

Despite the many health benefits that walnuts offer, for a certain percentage of the population, eating walnuts can have negative consequences. In fact, 1 out of every 7 adults is at risk of developing issues if consuming walnuts. You may be tempted to think that we must be talking about some kind of nut allergy, however, this is untrue. Believe it or not, it is actually people who suffer from kidney disease who need to avoid walnuts. A big concern is that as many as 9 out of 10 sufferers are not even aware that they have this disease. [2]

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The Signs of Kidney Disease

With so many people left undiagnosed, it is important that people know to recognize the signs of kidney disease. A reduction in kidney function leads to a buildup of toxins in the bloodstream. This leads to feeling tired the whole time and having no energy to perform daily tasks. It can also be difficult to sleep, your skin can feel itchy and dry, and you need to urinate more often. Other signs include foamy urine, puffy eyes, and muscle cramps. A buildup of toxins can also lead to a loss of appetite. [3]

Not All Kidney Disease Patients Are Affected 

However, it is not all patients with kidney disease that are affected by walnut consumption. It is only individuals who have advanced-stage chronic kidney disease and dialysis patients who need to be cautious of their walnut intake. This is due to the high levels of potassium and phosphorus found in walnuts, which are toxic at high levels. The problem is that people with chronic kidney disease are not able to process phosphorus and potassium. Typically, our kidneys regulate our levels of these chemicals. However, this is not the case with CKD patients, making them susceptible to excessive levels. Another issue is that walnuts contain oxalates, which can potentially cause kidney stones if ingested in large quantities. 

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Walnuts Are Not the Only Foods that Can Potentially Cause Issues

People with Chronic kidney disease are typically recommended to follow a kidney-friendly diet. Also known as a renal diet, it involves drastically reducing the intake of salty, sugary, and processed foods and drinks. Brightly colored sodas are the most problematic as they contain higher phosphorus levels. To play it safe, rather buy a clear soda, such as a Sprite, instead of something like a bright orange Fanta. Other foods to be aware of are potassium-rich foods such as spinach, avocado, citrus fruit, bananas, and tomatoes. This is in addition to phosphorus-rich foods such as dairy products, dark soda drinks, and organ meats. It is also recommended that people steer clear of excessive sodium use. This will help maintain healthy blood pressure, which is essential in preventing chronic kidney disease. 

Recognizing the Signs of Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney disease occurs when the kidneys are damaged and gradually lose their ability to filter blood effectively. Consequently, harmful waste and excess fluid build up in the body. This can potentially lead to conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and even premature death. Early signs of CKD can be subtle and include fatigue, swelling in the legs or ankles, persistent itching, and changes in urination patterns, such as increased frequency or foamy urine. Left untreated, chronic kidney disease can progress to more severe complications, making early detection and management crucial for preserving kidney function.

Nutritional Alternatives to Walnuts

Depending on the severity of your kidney disease, you will either have to limit or completely cut out walnuts. Most people only need to cut down and limit their intake. However, if you do need to completely cut out walnuts, there are many other foods you can eat to provide the same levels of nutrition. Be sure to incorporate foods that are packed with nutrients such as polyphenols, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants. This includes fatty fish, apples, berries, green beans, bell peppers, and chia seeds. 

The Bottom Line on Walnuts

Walnuts offer many health benefits, including promoting a healthy gut, and lowering blood pressure, and are significantly richer in omega-3 fatty acids. However, they should not be consumed by those who suffer from advanced-stage chronic disease. Due to the fact that so many people remain undiagnosed, it is important to see a doctor if you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above. If it turns out that you do have a kidney disease, you may be required to make certain changes in your diet, such as cutting out walnuts. However, there are luckily many delicious and nutritious substitutes that you can incorporate into your diet, so all is not lost!

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