Is Grapefruit Good For Kidney Failure Patients

The grapefruit is a large orange-like fruit that belongs to the citrus family. Low in calories, high in fiber and phytonutrients, grapefruit is a healthy dietary choice. Whether grapefruit is good for kidney failure patients depends on your own medical condition. The following will tell you when you can eat it and when you should avoid grapefruit.

When can you eat grapefruit?

1. Prevent kidney stones

A study has found that when women drank 2/1 to 1 liter of grapefruit daily, their urinary PH value and citric acid excretion increased, significantly dropping their risk of forming calcium oxalate stones.

2. Rich vitamin C

Grapefruit is a great source of vitamin C, which is able to boost immune system. As a powerful antioxidant, vitamin C protects our bodies against oxidative stress caused by free radical damage and the inflammation.

3. Diabetes

A diabetic person can safely eat a grapefruit. Actually, more consumption of this fruit will help reduce the starches and sweets in the system. If you are at a risk of diabetes, you can consume this grapefruit juice to prevent it.

4. Digestive disorder

Digestive problem is often experienced by kidney failure patients. Grapefruit juice helps to promote digestion by increasing the flow of gastric juices.

When should you avoid grapefruit?

1. Cholesterol-lowering drugs

If a kidney failure person take statins, a cholesterol-lowering drug, you may incur serious kidney damage, including kidney failure. In addition, if you take any kind of medication, either prescription drugs or over-the-counter supplements, you should be very careful and ask your doctor or our online doctor whether you can safely take them with grapefruit.

2. High potassium level in blood

If you suffer from kidney failure, you are more likely to have high potassium level in blood. One cup of grapefruit contains 400 mg of potassium. The potassium in grapefruit could worsen your condition. Therefore, you should avoid eating grapefruit.

If you have chronic kidney disease, you should also avoid foods with added salt, including canned vegetables and salty snacks, and follow a low protein diet.