Short Answer: Beans are potentially good for CKD. Because they have protein and fiber which can benefit CKD patients, but they also contain potassium and phosphorus which can negatively affect CKD if consumed in excess.
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a condition that affects your kidneys.
In CKD, your body’s kidneys are damaged and cannot filter blood as they should.
This can lead to a build-up of wastes in your body, as well as other problems that can harm your health.
This can lead to various health problems, such as fluid retention, high blood pressure, anemia, bone weakness, and heart disease.
One of the key factors in managing CKD is diet.
What you consume can affect your blood pressure, electrolyte balance, and waste accumulation, which can impact your CKD symptoms and overall health.
To effectively manage CKD, you should consume low-sodium, low-potassium, and low-phosphorus rich foods like cauliflower, onions, and eggplant, and avoid high-potassium, high-phosphorus, and high-sodium rich foods like cola, bananas, and processed meats.
Now, beans are a nutritious food that people usually eat as part of meals or as a protein source in salads and other dishes.
Beans are potentially good for CKD because they contain protein and fiber.
However, they also contain potassium and phosphorus, which can be harmful in excess for CKD patients.
If the health condition has several types, this item is good for those with normal potassium and phosphorus levels.
100 grams of boiled Adzuki beans can give you approximately 7.5g of protein (15% of your daily needs) and 7.3g of dietary fiber (29% of your daily needs).
Protein can help maintain muscle mass in CKD patients but should be consumed in moderation to avoid excess waste build-up.
Dietary fiber can help improve digestive health Potassium in beans is not absorbed completely, which makes it easier on your body.
However, phosphorus from beans doesn’t absorb too well, so it may not be as concerning as once thought.
Furthermore, beans are a legume and legumes are good for CKD as they are typically low in fat and high in fiber.
Because, they can provide essential nutrients without overloading the kidneys with harmful substances.
You can eat a moderate amount of kidney-friendly beans per day safely.
More than that can cause hyperkalemia and hyperphosphatemia, which are high levels of potassium and phosphorus in the blood, potentially leading to heart issues and further kidney damage.
That’s why I suggest you limit your bean intake to avoid these complications.
Stick to a half-cup of cooked beans to minimize the side effects.
Also, you shouldn’t eat beans if you have/suffering from advanced stages of CKD to prevent worsening of kidney function.
Because they contain nutrients that can be difficult for damaged kidneys to process in large amounts.
You can buy fresh beans in your local market or can order them online.
Always choose dry beans that are intact and free from moisture.
Because they will have a longer shelf life and better quality.
You can store them in a cool, dry place away from sunlight in a food-safe storage container with a tight sealing lid for up to a year.
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Finally, remember, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, stress management, and essential medical care is key to managing/dealing with CKD effectively.
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.
