Are Walnuts and Almonds Good for Your Kidneys? The Complete Guide

December 28, 2025 •

3 min read

Studies have shown that consuming nuts 1-6 times per week can be associated with a lower risk of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), but this benefit hinges on mindful eating, especially when considering if walnuts and almonds are good for your kidneys. While nutrient-dense, these popular nuts contain minerals that can be problematic for those with compromised kidney function.

Quick Summary

This article explores the benefits and risks of eating walnuts and almonds, focusing on their impact on kidney health, including mineral content like phosphorus and potassium, and considerations for individuals with CKD or kidney stones.

Key Points

Moderation is Essential: For those with kidney issues, portion control is key due to high potassium and phosphorus levels in nuts.
Walnuts vs. Almonds: Walnuts are generally a better choice for renal diets due to lower potassium, phosphorus, and oxalate content compared to almonds.
Kidney Stone Risk: Individuals prone to calcium oxalate stones should be cautious with almonds, which are high in oxalates, and opt for lower-oxalate nuts like walnuts instead.
Unsalted is Best: Always choose unsalted nuts to help manage blood pressure, as excessive sodium intake places extra strain on the kidneys.
Seek Professional Advice: A renal dietitian or doctor can provide personalized advice based on your specific stage of kidney disease and lab results.

Understanding the Nutritional Impact of Nuts on Kidneys

For healthy individuals, walnuts and almonds are excellent sources of nutrients that support overall health, including cardiovascular function, which indirectly benefits the kidneys. However, the calculus changes significantly for people with pre-existing kidney conditions. A kidney-friendly diet for those with advanced Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) or kidney stones requires careful monitoring of specific minerals, namely potassium, phosphorus, and oxalates.

General Benefits of Nuts for Healthy Kidneys

Heart-Healthy Fats: Both walnuts and almonds are rich in healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, including omega-3 fatty acids in walnuts, which can help manage blood pressure and cholesterol. Maintaining a healthy heart is crucial for kidney health, as the two systems are intimately linked.
Antioxidants and Anti-inflammatory Properties: Nuts contain antioxidants like Vitamin E, which combat oxidative stress and inflammation that can contribute to CKD progression.
Plant-Based Protein: Choosing plant-based protein sources like nuts can be gentler on the kidneys than animal proteins, as they produce less acid in the body.

The Mineral Challenge for Damaged Kidneys

When kidney function is impaired, the body's ability to filter out excess minerals is reduced. This can lead to a buildup of potassium and phosphorus, which can have serious health consequences.

Potassium: High potassium levels (hyperkalemia) can affect heart rhythm, making moderation or avoidance necessary for some CKD patients. Almonds tend to be significantly higher in potassium than walnuts.
Phosphorus: Excess phosphorus can weaken bones and harden arteries. Almonds are also higher in phosphorus than walnuts, making walnuts a relatively safer choice for those restricting this mineral.
Oxalates: These naturally occurring compounds can bind with calcium and form crystals, contributing to calcium oxalate kidney stones. This is where the difference between walnuts and almonds is most pronounced: almonds are high in oxalates, while walnuts are a much lower-oxalate nut.

Comparison Table: Walnuts vs. Almonds for Kidney Health (per 1/4 cup, unsalted)


Nutrient	Walnuts (English)	Almonds	Kidney Health Consideration
Potassium	~129 mg	~200 mg	Lower potassium in walnuts is often preferable for CKD patients.
Phosphorus	~101 mg	~150 mg	Walnuts have less phosphorus, offering a better option for mineral management.
Oxalate	Lower	High	Walnuts are a better choice for individuals prone to calcium oxalate kidney stones.
Omega-3s	Highest among nuts	Moderate	Walnuts offer superior heart-protective omega-3s, benefiting overall renal health.

Practical Dietary Tips for Walnuts and Almonds

For those with kidney concerns, a handful of smart strategies can allow for enjoying nuts without undue risk.

Practice Portion Control: A standard serving size is about one ounce (or a small handful). This helps limit the intake of potassium and phosphorus.
Choose Unsalted: Opt for raw or dry-roasted, unsalted versions to avoid excess sodium, which can elevate blood pressure and strain the kidneys.
Consider Mineral Binding: For those with calcium oxalate stones, pairing high-oxalate almonds with a calcium source can help bind oxalates in the gut before they reach the kidneys.
Explore Alternatives: Macadamia nuts and pecans are other good options, being lower in potassium, phosphorus, and oxalates.

The Importance of Personalized Medical Advice

Because dietary needs vary significantly based on the stage of kidney disease, dialysis status, and personal health history, a one-size-fits-all approach is not appropriate. Always consult with a healthcare provider or a registered renal dietitian to determine the safest and most effective diet plan for your specific condition. They can help interpret your lab results and tailor your nutritional intake accordingly.

Conclusion

For individuals with healthy kidneys, moderate consumption of both walnuts and almonds offers significant nutritional benefits, supporting cardiovascular health and reducing inflammation. However, the question "Are walnuts and almonds good for your kidneys?" has a more nuanced answer for those with kidney disease. In advanced stages or for those prone to kidney stones, moderation is critical due to high levels of phosphorus, potassium, and oxalates. Walnuts are often a better choice due to their lower mineral and oxalate content, but portion control remains paramount. Always consult a medical professional for guidance tailored to your specific health needs.

For more detailed information on managing a renal diet, you can visit the National Kidney Foundation.(https://www.kidney.org/nutrition)

Frequently Asked Questions

For stage 3 or 4 CKD, you must moderate your intake of walnuts and almonds. They are high in phosphorus and potassium, which can accumulate in the blood. Walnuts are often a better, lower-mineral choice than almonds, but consulting a renal dietitian is crucial to determine safe portion sizes for your specific needs.

If you have a history of calcium oxalate kidney stones, it is advisable to limit or avoid almonds. Almonds are high in oxalates, which can contribute to the formation of these stones. Walnuts, macadamia nuts, or pecans are lower-oxalate alternatives.

For those with CKD, a general recommendation is a small handful or about one ounce per day, but this can vary. Your specific diet plan should be discussed with a doctor or dietitian based on your lab results and the stage of your disease.

Some evidence suggests that soaking almonds overnight can help reduce their phosphorus content. This may make them a safer option for those on a phosphorus-restricted diet, but portion control is still necessary.

Excess sodium intake can raise blood pressure, a major risk factor for kidney disease progression. Choosing unsalted nuts helps manage your sodium intake, protecting your kidneys and cardiovascular system.

Yes, nut butters are an option, but you should choose natural varieties without added salt or sugar. As with whole nuts, moderation is key due to their mineral content. For those on restricted diets, a teaspoon may be a safer serving size.

Walnuts, macadamia nuts, and pecans are generally considered among the best nut choices for people with kidney disease due to being lower in potassium, phosphorus, and oxalates than many other nuts. However, the ideal nut and portion size depend on your individual medical status.