{"id":73,"date":"2023-05-03T15:49:53","date_gmt":"2023-05-03T15:49:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kidneychef.com\/unsaturated-fats-and-kidney-disease\/"},"modified":"2023-05-12T23:45:42","modified_gmt":"2023-05-12T23:45:42","slug":"unsaturated-fats-and-kidney-disease","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kidneychef.com\/unsaturated-fats-and-kidney-disease\/","title":{"rendered":"Unsaturated Fats and Kidney Disease"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Ann Haibeck, RD, LDN
Renal Dietitian<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Kidney<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Decoding Unsaturated Fats<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Unsaturated fats are generally healthier than saturated fats and trans fats; the National Kidney Foundation and American Heart Association recommend consuming mostly unsaturated fats. These types of fats are more likely to reduce inflammation and promote heart health than saturated fats. Unsaturated fats can be categorized as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. Polyunsaturated fats can further be classified as omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6 fatty acids. So what do each of these mean for your health as a kidney patient?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Monounsaturated Fats<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Kidney patients are known to have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease when compared with people without kidney disease. Monounsaturated fats are known to decrease LDL cholesterol (\u201cbad\u201d cholesterol), thereby lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke. Sources of monounsaturated fats include olive oil, peanut oil, sunflower oil, and sesame oil. All of these oils are kidney-friendly because they do not contain phosphorus or potassium. They also do not containprotein, which can be good for people which kidney disease who are not on dialysis. Other sources of monounsaturated fats are avocadoes, pecans, and almonds; however, these are less kidney-friendly because they are higher in potassium and phosphorus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Polyunsaturated fats<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Polyunsaturated fats have the same major benefits that monounsaturated fats have, including the effect of lowering LDL cholesterol. Polyunsaturated fats also provide essential fatty acids, including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.  Studies show that omega-3 fatty acid intake in dialysis patients is associated with less protein loss in the urine, decreased blood triglycerides, decreased overall inflammation, and better muscle mass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Omega-3s vs. Omega 6s<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Food sources of omega-6 fatty acids include soybean oil, corn oil, and sunflower oil, all of which have no potassium, phosphorus, or protein. Brazil nuts and walnuts also contain omega-6 fatty acids, but are higher in phosphorus and potassium, which is not appropriate for most kidney patients. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, herring, cod and trout. Oil sources of omega-3s include flaxseed oil and canola oil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The most recent research shows that consuming more omega-3 fatty acids than omega-6 fatty acids is most beneficial. Most people consume more omega-6s than omega-3s, which can result in increased risk for high triglycerides, cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer\u2019s disease, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The ideal ratio of omega-6s to omega-3s is between 1:1 to 4:1 (the same or just slightly more omega-6 than omega-3). However, the average Western diet results in a ratio of about 10:1 to 20:1 (much more omega-6 than omega-3). This indicates that most people could benefit from incorporating more omega-3 fatty acids into their diet to achieve a better balance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Omega-3 fatty acids: Food or supplements?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Ask your doctor before starting any omega-3 supplements. Over-the-counter nutrition supplements are not regulated as strictly as prescription medications. There is a risk that fish oils specifically could contain harmful amounts of heavy metals, depending on the source of the oil and how it is processed. In addition, excessive omega-3 intake can thin the blood and therefore increase the risk of internal bleeding, especially if taken with prescription blood thinners. The safest way to get your omega-3 fatty acids is in moderate amounts through food, unless otherwise indicated by your physician.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

See more in this YouTube video: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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