Are Onions Good for CKD? (Expert Answer)

Short Answer: Onions are good for CKD. Because they have quercetin and they are low in potassium, phosphorus, and sodium. They can lower blood pressure, blood sugar, and inflammation, which are beneficial for kidney health.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a condition that affects your kidneys, which are responsible for filtering waste and excess fluid from your blood.

In CKD, your kidneys are damaged and lose their ability to function properly.

This can lead to various health problems, such as high blood pressure, anemia, bone loss, and cardiovascular disease.

One of the key factors in managing CKD is diet.

What you consume can affect your blood pressure, blood sugar, electrolyte balance, and kidney function, which can impact your CKD symptoms and overall health.

To effectively manage CKD, you should consume potassium, phosphorus, and sodium low foods like fruits, vegetables, grains, and lean protein and avoid potassium, phosphorus, and sodium high foods like dairy, nuts, beans, and processed foods.

Now, onions are bulb-shaped vegetables that belong to the genus Allium.

They are widely used as a flavoring or side dish in many cuisines.

People usually eat them raw, cooked, or pickled.

Onions are good for CKD because they contain quercetin, a flavonoid antioxidant that has anti-inflammatory, anti-hypertensive, and anti-diabetic effects.

Quercetin can help lower blood pressure, blood sugar, and oxidative stress, which are beneficial for kidney health.

One medium onion (110 grams) can give you 44 calories, 10 grams of carbs, 1.4 grams of fiber, 0.9 grams of protein, and 0.1 grams of fat.

It also provides 12% of your daily vitamin C, 5% of your daily vitamin B6, and 4% of your daily manganese needs.

Quercetin can positively affect CKD by reducing inflammation, which is a common cause of kidney damage.

Quercetin can also lower blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for CKD progression.

Quercetin can also improve blood sugar control, which is important for preventing diabetic kidney disease.

Furthermore, onions are a low-potassium, low-phosphorus, and low-sodium food, which is good for CKD.

Because, high levels of these minerals can worsen kidney function and cause complications like fluid retention, muscle weakness, and heart problems.

You can eat one to two servings of onions per day safely.

More than that can cause gastrointestinal discomfort, bad breath, or allergic reactions.

Also, you shouldn’t eat onions if you have a history of kidney stones to prevent recurrence.

Because onions contain oxalates, which can bind to calcium and form kidney stones.

You can buy fresh onions in your local market or can order them online.

Always choose firm, dry, and smooth onions with no signs of sprouting, bruising, or mold.

Because these indicate freshness and quality.

You can store them in a cool, dry, and dark place for up to two months.

Finally, remember, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, stress management, and essential medical care is key to managing CKD effectively.

I always recommend my CKD patients to follow a CKD-friendly diet to improve their overall well-being and enjoy a longer and healthier life.