Smoothies For Renal Patients
Choosing Fruits For Kidney Friendly Smoothies
Of course, high potassium fruit should be limited with your current diet.
· Low potassium fruits (under 200mg): apricots (2), blackberries (1/2c), cherries (1/2c), peach (1), plum (1), strawberries (1/2c).
· Very low potassium fruit (under 100mg): blueberries (1/2c), raspberries (1/2c)
For each serving you are making, use 1/2 cup of fruit above. Frozen fruit works excellent in smoothies and eliminates or cuts down the need to use ice, especially if you have a fluid restriction.
Can I Use Milk In My Kidney Friendly Smoothies?
Milk, yogurt and ice cream which are normally be added to a smoothie must be eliminated because of the high phosphorus levels for most kidney patients.
To obtain a similar creaminess, non-dairy whipped topping or non-dairy creamer could be added instead of a dairy product if you can't have them. Another idea could be to add sherbet or use almond milk.
Protein In My Smoothie for My Kidneys
If you are on dialysis you have increased protein needs from when you were not on dialysis. For this reason, you may want to add a protein power.
For a high quality protein, protein powders such as whey protein powder or egg white protein powder can be used. They must be checked for potassium and phosphorus content.
Products that are low in potassium and phosphorus include:
EggPro powder, LiquaCel, Procel Whey Protein Powder, Pro-Stat, Proteinex Liquid, Pure Protein Whey Powder
OR add Some liquid renal supplements: Nepro with Carb Steady or Novasource Renal.
***For each serving you are making, use one scoop of protein powder or 4 ounces of liquid nutrition supplement.
Sample Recipes:
Berry 1
1/2 c Frozen Mixed Berries
4 Tbsp Non-Dairy Whipped Topping or 4 oz almond milk
1 Scoop Protein
1/4 c Water (add more as needed)
Instructions: Blend all ingredients together. Add water as needed for the appropriate consistency based on your fluid needs or restrictions as well as based on your preferences.
Berry 2
1/2 c Vanilla Nepro
1/2 c Frozen Mixed Berries
2 Tbsp Non-Dairy Whipped Topping
Crystal Light Strawberry Orange Banana (*optional)
Water as needed
Instructions: Blend all ingredients together. Add water as needed for the appropriate consistency based on your fluid needs or restrictions as well as based on your preferences.
Peach Blast
2 tablespoons Just Whites® (powdered egg whites) or Whey protein
3/4 cup frozen peaches
½ cup of almond milk or Nepro
Instructions: Blend all ingredients together. Add water as needed for the appropriate consistency based on your fluid needs or restrictions as well as based on your preferences.
