Short Answer: Beetroot is good for CKD. Because it has nitrates, antioxidants, and other beneficial plant compounds that can lower blood pressure, reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, and support various body functions.
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a condition that affects your kidneys, which are responsible for filtering waste and excess fluid from your blood.
In CKD, your body cannot remove these substances effectively, and they build up in your blood.
This can lead to various health problems, such as high blood pressure, anemia, bone disease, heart disease, and kidney failure.
One of the key factors in managing CKD is diet.
What you consume can affect your blood pressure, blood sugar, electrolyte balance, and kidney function, which can impact your CKD symptoms and overall health.
To effectively manage CKD, you should consume protein, potassium, phosphorus, and sodium in moderation, and follow the recommendations of your doctor or dietitian.
You should also consume fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and avoid processed foods, added sugars, and saturated fats.
Now, beetroot is a root vegetable that has a deep red or purple color.
People usually eat it raw, cooked, or pickled, or drink its juice.
Beetroot is good for CKD because it contains nitrates, antioxidants, and other beneficial plant compounds.
Nitrates can lower blood pressure by relaxing and widening your blood vessels, which can improve blood flow and reduce the strain on your kidneys.
Antioxidants can protect your cells from oxidative stress and inflammation, which can damage your kidneys.
Other plant compounds in beetroot can modulate your immune system and regulate your blood sugar levels.
One cup (136 grams) of boiled beetroot can give you 6% of your daily protein needs, 11% of your daily potassium needs, 6% of your daily phosphorus needs, and 5% of your daily sodium needs.
It can also provide you with 27% of your daily folate needs, 6% of your daily vitamin C needs, and 16% of your daily manganese needs.
Nitrates can positively affect CKD by lowering blood pressure and improving blood flow.
Antioxidants can positively affect CKD by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.
Folate can positively affect CKD by preventing anemia and supporting DNA synthesis.
Vitamin C can positively affect CKD by boosting your immune system and aiding wound healing.
Manganese can positively affect CKD by supporting bone health and metabolism.
Furthermore, beetroot is a low-calorie and high-fiber food, and these types of foods are good for CKD.
Because, they can help you maintain a healthy weight, prevent constipation, lower cholesterol, and control blood sugar.
You can eat one to two cups of beetroot per day safely.
More than that can cause your urine or stool to turn red, which is harmless but can be alarming.
It can also increase your nitrate intake too much, which can interfere with your thyroid function and cause methemoglobinemia, a condition that reduces the oxygen-carrying capacity of your blood.
Also, you shouldn’t eat beetroot if you have high potassium levels or kidney stones to prevent hyperkalemia and kidney damage.
Because, beetroot contains moderate amounts of potassium, which can accumulate in your blood if your kidneys are not working well, and oxalates, which can form crystals in your urine and cause kidney stones.
You can buy fresh beetroot in your local market or can order it online.
Always choose firm, smooth, and unblemished beetroots that have fresh and green leaves attached.
Because, they indicate that the beetroot is fresh and has not lost its nutrients.
You can store them in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
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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 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.
