Short Answer: Beets are potentially good for CKD. Because they have nitrates that can help lower blood pressure, but they also contain potassium, which needs to be managed carefully.
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a condition that affects your kidneys.
In CKD, your kidneys are unable to filter blood properly, leading to a buildup of waste products and fluid in the body.
This can lead to various health problems, such as high blood pressure, anemia, weak bones, poor nutritional health, and nerve damage.
One of the key factors in managing CKD is diet.
What you consume can affect your electrolyte balance and waste accumulation, which can impact your CKD symptoms and overall health.
To effectively manage CKD, you should consume low-potassium, low-phosphorus, and low-sodium foods like cauliflower, blueberries, and sea bass and avoid high-potassium foods like bananas, oranges, and potatoes.
Now, beets are a root vegetable that is nutrient-dense.
People usually eat them cooked or raw, and they are also consumed as juice.
Beets are potentially good for CKD because they contain nitrates which may help lower blood pressure.
However, they also contain potassium, which people with CKD may need to limit.
A half-cup serving of cooked beets can give you approximately 7% of the Daily Value (DV) for potassium.
Potassium can positively affect CKD by helping maintain normal heart rhythm but can negatively affect it if levels become too high, leading to dangerous heart conditions.
Furthermore, beets are a vegetable, and vegetables are generally good for CKD.
Because, they provide essential nutrients without overloading the kidneys with harmful waste products.
You can eat a moderate amount of beets per day safely.
More than that can cause high potassium levels, which can be dangerous for people with CKD2.
That’s why I suggest you limit your beet intake to avoid hyperkalemia.
Stick to a half-cup serving to minimize the risk of elevated potassium levels.
Also, you shouldn’t eat beets if you have advanced CKD to prevent hyperkalemia.
Because high potassium levels can lead to heart problems.
You can buy fresh beets in your local market or can order them online.
Always choose firm, smooth, and brightly colored beets.
Because they are likely to be fresher and of better quality.
You can store them in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.
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.