Short Answer: ACV is bad for CKD. Because it has acetic acid and phosphorus, and they can worsen your acid-base balance and increase your potassium levels.
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a condition that affects your kidneys, which are the organs that filter wastes and excess fluids from your blood.
In CKD, your kidneys gradually lose their ability to perform this vital function.
This can lead to various health problems, such as high blood pressure, anemia, weak bones, poor nutritional health, nerve damage, and heart disease.
One of the key factors in managing CKD is diet.
What you consume can affect your electrolyte levels, which can impact your kidney function and overall health.
To effectively manage CKD, you should consume potassium, phosphorus, and sodium low foods like apples, cabbage, carrots, green beans, grapes, and strawberries, and avoid potassium, phosphorus, and sodium high foods like bananas, oranges, potatoes, spinach, tomatoes, and processed foods.
Now, apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a type of vinegar made from fermenting apples or apple cider.
People usually drink it diluted with water or use it as a dressing or marinade for salads and other dishes.
ACV is bad for CKD because it contains acetic acid, which can lower the pH of your blood and urine.
This can worsen your acid-base balance, which is already impaired in CKD.
Acetic acid can also increase your potassium levels, which can be dangerous for your heart and nerves.
Furthermore, ACV is a source of phosphorus, which can build up in your blood and cause bone and heart problems.
That’s why I suggest you limit your ACV intake to avoid these complications.
Stick to no more than one tablespoon per day, diluted with water or mixed with food.
More than that can cause burning, tooth erosion, and antibacterial resistance.
Also, you shouldn’t drink ACV if you have high potassium levels, acidosis, or ulcers to prevent worsening these conditions.
Because ACV can lower your blood sugar and blood pressure, you should also monitor these levels closely and adjust your medications accordingly.
You can buy ACV online or offline.
To buy it online, there are many brands and marketplaces to choose from.
But as a nutritionist, I recommend Bragg Organic Raw Apple Cider Vinegar from Amazon.com.
Because it is organic, unfiltered, and contains the mother, which is a substance that may have some probiotic and antioxidant benefits.
Finally, remember, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, stress management, and essential medical care is key to managing CKD effectively.
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I always recommend my CKD patients to follow a CKD-friendly diet to improve their overall well-being and enjoy a longer and healthier life.
