Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
Pineapples can be enjoyed in so many different ways. In salsas, drinks, salads, or even grilled. But are you able to enjoy them when you have chronic kidney disease? Let’s find out.
Pineapple Nutrition Information for Chronic Kidney Disease
Pineapple is technically in the berry family and is considered a tropical fruit. Check out the nutrition information for pineapple below. As you can see, pineapples contain some fiber, potassium, vitamin C, iron, calcium, and magnesium.
Nutrition information for 1/2 cup pineapple:
- 41 calories
- 0.4 gm protein
- 1 gm fiber
- 11 gm carbohydrates
- 90 mg potassium
- 0 mg sodium
- 40 mg vitamin C
- 10.5 mg calcium
- 0.2 mg iron
- 10 mg magnesium
Is Pineapple Safe for People with Chronic Kidney Disease
There is minimal research on pineapple and chronic kidney disease; however, what we know is that pineapples are a low-potassium fruit. Some people with CKD may need to limit the amount of potassium they consume daily, making pineapples a great overall fruit for those with CKD.
This golden fruit also contains beneficial nutrients that can actually help manage overall kidney health, like fiber, vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, and iron. Sometimes, when you have CKD, you might need more or less of certain vitamins or minerals. It’s important to check with your healthcare team to make sure you are getting the right amount of vitamins and minerals for your body.
Not only are they delicious, but they are versatile too. You can use pineapple in sweet or savory dishes. Try using this low-potassium fruit in BBQ chicken or tofu, cake, salads, drinks, salsas, and more. When picking pineapples in the grocery store, pick ones that smell sweet and avoid ones with softer spots on them as they may be spoiled.
According to Dole, it’s best to store your pineapple in a cold, humid place. Check out some of my favorite kidney-friendly pineapple recipes below.
Pineapple Recipes Safe for Chronic Kidney Disease
- Pineapple cake
- Pineapple coleslaw
- Pineapple punch
- Tropical salad
- Acorn baked squash with pineapple
- BBQ pineapple chicken (try with tofu for a plant-based option!)
The Bottom Line
Overall, pineapple is a great fruit to enjoy with CKD. It is low in potassium, making it suitable for anyone with CKD, regardless of one’s individual potassium needs. Pineapple also contains vitamin C, calcium, and some iron, which can be helpful for those with CKD. Enjoy pineapple any way you’d like on a kidney-friendly diet!
Resources