These Are the Best Fruits for Kidney Health

If you’re looking to nourish your kidneys, these are the best fruits to focus on.

1. Berries

“Blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries provide vitamin C, fiber, and colorful polyphenols such as anthocyanins,” says Katz. “These compounds have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, although we do not yet have strong clinical trials proving that eating berries directly improves kidney function,” she adds.

2. Apples

“Apples provide soluble fiber, including pectin, which can support cholesterol, blood sugar regulation, and digestive health. Those cardiometabolic benefits are relevant because hypertension and diabetes are major drivers of kidney disease,” Katz says.

3. Red and Purple Grapes

“Grapes have a high water content and contain flavonoids and other polyphenols concentrated largely in their skins. These compounds may help counter oxidative stress,” says Katz. However, “Claims that grapes ‘cleanse’ or detoxify the kidneys are not supported,” she says.

4. Pineapple

“Pineapple provides water, vitamin C, manganese, and natural sweetness, while generally containing less potassium than many other tropical fruits. This can make it a useful choice for someone who has been advised to follow a lower-potassium diet,” Katz says.

A Note for People With Chronic Kidney Disease

If you’ve been diagnosed with chronic kidney disease, it becomes more important to limit sodium, potassium, and phosphorus because they can strain the kidneys, says Emily Johnston, MPH, PhD, a research assistant professor of nephrology who specializes in nutrition and chronic disease prevention at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine in New York City.

A registered dietitian specializing in renal health can help you develop an eating plan that meets your nutritional needs without interfering with your medications, she says. A personalized diet can also help you manage other conditions tied to renal function, including heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure.

“Because everyone’s kidney health, medications, and nutrition needs are different, it’s important to work with a registered dietitian to create a personalized plan,” Dr. Johnston says. “Kidney nutrition is highly individualized, so the best fruit choices depend on a person’s lab values, stage of kidney disease, preferences, and overall meal plan.”