Chocolate can be bad for your kidneys, but that doesn’t mean it always is. Like many other processed foods, there are different kinds of chocolate, and their ingredients and impact on your health can vary widely. Here, we’ll explore the way chocolate and the nutrients it contains impact your kidney health, both negatively and positively. Let’s dive right in! How Does Chocolate Impact Your Kidneys?Chocolate contains certain compounds that may be harmful if you have reduced kidney function or are at risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Those nutrients include the following: PotassiumChocolate is high in potassium. While potassium is essential for proper muscle function, if you have reduced kidney function, your kidneys might struggle to properly filter potassium, which can lead to hyperkalemia. Hyperkalemia can cause muscle fatigue, difficulty breathing, an abnormal heart rhythm, nausea, and even paralysis in extreme cases. PhosphorusPhosphorus is a mineral that people with CKD have difficulty eliminating. If you have too much phosphorus in your blood (hyperphosphatemia), it can pull calcium from your bones, leading to weak bones and joints, putting your safety at risk. SodiumSmall quantities of sodium are essential for maintaining your body’s fluid levels, controlling muscles, and keeping your nerves functioning. However, chocolate is often high in sodium, which can put your kidney health at risk. High blood pressure (hypertension) reduces your body’s blood flow and makes it harder for your kidneys to remove toxins from your blood. This creates a cycle in which your blood pressure increases, making it harder for your kidneys to function, further increasing your blood pressure. Saturated fatYou may be aware that there are good and bad types of cholesterol. Saturated fats raise the level of bad cholesterol in your blood, which puts you at a greater risk for heart disease, which can reduce your heart’s ability to get blood to the kidneys, thus creating a cycle as we mentioned above. SugarAs you might have guessed, many chocolates are high in sugar. Too much sugar is bad for your kidney health, as it can damage the blood vessels in your kidneys and the filters in your kidneys called nephrons. This can have a knock-on effect throughout your body. Remember that different types of chocolate may have different impacts on the kidneys due to the differences in ingredients. For instance, dark chocolate is typically lower in sugar, but it may also be higher in phosphorus. Keep an eye on the nutritional content if you choose to eat chocolates. Keep in mind that while chocolate might not always impact the kidneys directly, it can impact them indirectly by causing or contributing to high blood pressure and diabetes, which are the two leading causes of CKD. Does Chocolate Have Any Benefits for Kidney Health?Like many foods, it’s hard to make a blanket statement about chocolate being entirely good or bad for your kidney health. Although certain chocolates clearly pose health risks to people with poor kidney health when eaten in excess, it may also have some health benefits. Here are some of the more nutritious compounds found in chocolate (primarily dark chocolate):
Keep in mind that everyone’s health needs are unique. If you’re concerned about your kidney health and aren’t sure whether chocolate should be a part of your diet, talk to your physician. They can offer recommendations tailored to you specifically. Kidney-friendly Alternatives to ChocolateYou don’t have to give up on all treats just because you’re concerned about your kidney health. Here are some examples of kidney-friendly chocolate alternatives:
It can be difficult to know if your diet supports your kidney health, especially when you consider the indirect ways your kidneys are impacted by your diet. If you want to make sure you’re making the best decision for your kidney health, get in touch with one of Milwaukee Nephrologists’ dietitians today for a plan based on your needs. About Milwaukee NephrologistsWith a team of board-certified specialists and a wide variety of sub-specializations, Milwaukee Nephrologists is Southeast Wisconsin’s go-to resource for kidney health concerns.
To learn more about protecting and caring for your kidneys, check out our other educational articles, or get in touch with our staff of nephrologists, transplant specialists, and dietitians to schedule an appointment.
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