Pomegranates offer a number of health benefits, some of which may support overall kidney health. However, people with certain kidney problems such as chronic kidney disease may need to consume with caution.
Health Benefits of Pomegranate
Pomegranates are packed with polyphenols, powerful plant pigments that give the fruit its vibrant red hue. Polyphenols also work as antioxidants, helping reduce inflammation throughout the body. While not an exclusive benefit to the kidneys, these antioxidants may support healthy kidney function.
Pomegranate may also help reduce LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and triglycerides, which helps protect against heart disease. Heart disease is closely linked to kidney health, too. As the condition progresses, it can cause renal damage, and poor kidney health can worsen heart problems.
Pomegranate Juice for Kidney Stones
While some anecdotally recommend drinking pomegranate juice as homeopathic support against kidney stone formation, the National Kidney Foundation debunks this myth. More human subject clinical trials are needed to confirm whether pomegranate juice consumption can help prevent or manage kidney stones.
Some of the best ways to prevent kidney stones from forming include staying well hydrated, limiting your consumption of salty foods, and avoiding animal-based foods. As such, drinking pomegranate juice and eating pomegranate seeds aligns with this guidance.
Pomegranate Juice for People With Chronic Kidney Disease
People with chronic kidney disease (CKD) need to monitor the potassium levels in their blood, as having too much (hyperkalemia) or too little (hypokalemia) may impact heart function.
Some people with advanced CKD require dialysis, a medical procedure used to help people with nonfunctioning kidneys remove waste products and excess fluid from their blood. There are several types of dialysis, each of which must be monitored and adjusted carefully by healthcare professionals to manage potential risks and complications, such as potassium levels rising too high or falling too low.
Pomegranate juice is fairly high in the mineral potassium. A half-cup serving of pomegranate arils (seeds) contains 205 milligrams (mg) of potassium, and 8 ounces (oz) of pomegranate juice contains 533 mg of potassium. The recommended daily allowance of potassium is 2,600 milligrams for adult women and 3,400 milligrams for adult men.
It’s recommended that people with CKD consult their care team for recommendations on how much pomegranate and pomegranate juice may be safe for them to consume.
