It's a misconception that kidney patients cannot eat beans.

It has long been a folk belief that kidney disease patients should avoid beans and bean products. This viewpoint emphasizes that when kidney function declines to a certain extent, protein intake should be controlled, with a preference for high-quality protein sources such as animal meat, milk, and eggs, while avoiding plant proteins like soybeans and peanuts. This method of controlling protein intake is known as the high-quality, low-protein diet therapy.

Is the "tradition" of kidney disease patients avoiding beans reliable? In fact, the idea that kidney disease patients cannot eat beans is a misconception.

Beans are nutritious, with protein quality close to animal protein

Although beans are a plant food, the essential amino acids in their protein are similar in quantity and proportion to animal protein. Bean products have a protein content as high as 35% to 40%, with soy protein being the best plant-based, high-quality protein. Moreover, soybeans are also rich in calcium, phosphorus, iron, and B vitamins.

Regular consumption of bean products can not only improve the supply of dietary nutrients but also avoid the negative effects of eating too much meat. Because while bean products are rich in protein, their cholesterol content is much lower than that of fish, meat, eggs, and milk. Furthermore, bean products are rich in linoleic acid and phospholipids, which can promote children's neurological development. Linoleic acid also helps lower blood cholesterol, making it a good food for preventing hypertension, coronary heart disease, arteriosclerosis, and other conditions.

Homemade tofu

Kidney disease patients can moderately consume bean foods

The diet of kidney disease patients should control the total protein intake, and animal protein and plant protein foods should be consumed in combination. Soybeans, large green peas, and black beans are high-quality proteins that break down into essential amino acids, which are necessary for the body's synthesis and metabolism. They can be eaten, but in moderation.

The intake of bean products should be considered part of the total protein intake. For dialysis patients, it should not exceed one-third of the total, which is beneficial for kidney function.

For patients with nephrotic syndrome, the daily protein intake should be around 40 to 50 grams. For patients with renal insufficiency, uremia, and renal failure, the total daily intake of plant and animal protein should not exceed 40 grams. If the patient has end-stage renal disease, the restrictions should be even stricter.