Is Canned Salmon Good for Kidney Disease?

Salmon is widely considered one of the healthiest fish you can eat. It is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, vitamins and minerals. But when you have kidney disease, you may wonder whether canned salmon is a good choice compared to fresh salmon. In this article, we’ll look at the pros and cons of canned salmon for kidney health.

An Overview of Kidney Disease

Before diving into canned salmon, let’s look briefly at kidney disease. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a condition where the kidneys become damaged and can’t filter blood properly. This leads to a buildup of waste products in the body.

There are 5 stages of CKD from mild (stage 1) to severe (stage 5). In the early stages you may not have symptoms. Later on, symptoms can include

• Fatigue
• Swelling in legs and ankles
• Poor appetite
• Nausea
• Difficulty concentrating

As kidney disease progresses, your doctor will recommend dietary changes to protect your kidneys. This includes limiting sodium, potassium and phosphorus. You may also need to restrict fluids and protein.

The Benefits of Salmon for Kidney Health

Salmon is considered one of the best fish choices on a kidney diet. Here’s why

• High-quality protein. Salmon provides protein needed to maintain muscle mass and prevent malnutrition, without stressing damaged kidneys. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommends choosing fish, poultry or eggs for your protein source.

• Omega-3 fatty acids Salmon is one of the richest sources of anti-inflammatory omega-3s like EPA and DHA. These healthy fats protect your heart and blood vessels.

• Low sodium. Fresh salmon is naturally low in sodium. This makes it easier to limit sodium intake for blood pressure control.

• Nutrient density. Salmon provides vitamins D, B12 and selenium along with iron, calcium and zinc. These nutrients benefit your overall health.

• Phosphorus management. Salmon contains moderate amounts of phosphorus. By managing portion sizes, you can keep phosphorus in check.

So salmon checks a lot of boxes for a kidney-friendly superfood! Now let’s look at how canned salmon compares.

Canned Salmon Nutrition

Canned salmon is a quick, budget-friendly way to enjoy salmon. Here is how 3 ounces of canned salmon compares to fresh, cooked salmon:

| Canned Salmon (3 oz) | Fresh Salmon (3 oz)
|-|-|-|
Calories | 171 | 175
Protein | 22 g | 22 g
Fat | 8 g | 9 g
Omega-3s | 1.4 g | 1.7 g
Sodium | 328 mg | 62 mg
Potassium | 519 mg | 534 mg
Phosphorus | 221 mg | 241 mg

As you can see, canned salmon provides comparable protein, healthy fats and minerals to fresh salmon. However, watch out for the sodium content! Canned salmon contains around 300 mg more sodium per serving compared to fresh.

Buying Low-Sodium Canned Salmon

To make canned salmon kidney-friendly, choose low sodium options:

• Look for “low sodium” or “no salt added” on the label
• Opt for salmon canned in water instead of oil or sauces
• Rinse canned salmon before eating to remove some sodium
• Compare brands and choose the lowest sodium option

Canned salmon with around 150-200 mg sodium per serving is ideal. Draining and rinsing can reduce the sodium by up to 40%.

Some good low sodium canned salmon options include:

• Safe Catch Elite Wild Alaskan Pink Salmon
• Wild Planet Wild Pink Salmon
• Trader Joe’s Canned Wild Alaskan Pink Salmon

Avoid flavored tuna or tuna packed in oil, which has more sodium and fat.

Enjoying Canned Salmon on a Kidney Diet

Here are some healthy ways to enjoy canned salmon on a renal diet:

• Make salmon salad with Greek yogurt instead of mayo. Add lemon, dill and pepper.
• Mix into pasta, rice or quinoa dishes instead of meat.
• Top salads, baked potatoes or avocado toast.
• Make salmon cakes with whole wheat bread crumbs, egg, onion and parsley.
• Stuff into tomatoes or bell peppers.
• Whip up salmon dip from Greek yogurt, lemon and fresh herbs.

Focus on fresh flavors from lemon, herbs, mustard and crunchy vegetables to offset the canned taste. Always opt for healthy fats like olive oil instead of creamy, salty sauces.

Use caution with prepared seafood salads, sandwiches and spreads which can contain added sodium. Check labels and rinse first. Make your own creations instead.

Canned Salmon Serving Sizes

To keep phosphorus in check, limit canned salmon to a 2-3 ounce serving. This provides 20-25 grams of protein. If your phosphorus levels are elevated, have just 1-2 servings of salmon per week.

Also drink plenty of water and take phosphate binders as prescribed with meals to help control phosphorus absorption.

Mercury and Canned Salmon

Some types of fish can contain high levels of mercury. The FDA recommends eating no more than 12 ounces (2 average meals) of canned light tuna per week.

Canned salmon has very low mercury levels, so you can safely enjoy it more frequently. Choose wild caught Alaskan or Pacific salmon which tends to be lowest in mercury.

Is Canned Salmon Good for Kidney Disease?

Canned salmon can be a healthy addition to the kidney diet in moderation. To reap the benefits of salmon while controlling sodium, phosphorus and mercury:

• Choose low sodium options and rinse before eating
• Limit to 2-3 ounces per serving
• Enjoy just 1-2 servings per week if phosphorus is high
• Pick wild caught salmon for less mercury
• Balance with fresh fish, poultry, eggs and plant proteins

Pair with non-starchy veggies, healthy grains, fruits and good fats. With smart choices, canned salmon can be a convenient way to get high-quality protein and omega-3s when you have kidney disease.

Other Tips for Eating Fish with Kidney Disease

Here are some other quick tips for choosing the best fish and seafood when you have reduced kidney function:

• Vary your choices among salmon, tuna, cod, halibut, tilapia, trout and shellfish like shrimp.

• Grill, bake or poach fish instead of frying in oil.

• Fresh or frozen fish is ideal. If using canned fish, rinse first.

• Avoid raw fish and undercooked shellfish due to infection risk.

• Limit anchovies, sardines and fish packed in oil due to high phosphorus.

• Check local advisories about contaminated fish in your area.

Seafood is highly nutritious when you choose wisely. Aim for two servings of fish per week as part of a kidney-friendly diet. With smart preparation, canned salmon can be one of those choices.

Salmon is one of the best fish choices for kidney health, thanks to its stellar nutrition profile. While fresh salmon is ideal, canned salmon can also be a good option in moderation. To maximize benefits and minimize risks, opt for low sodium varieties, limit portions, and balance with other healthy protein sources. Paired with non-starchy veggies, fruits, and whole grains, canned salmon can be safely enjoyed as part of an overall balanced kidney diet.