Short Answer: Cherries are good for CKD. Because they have antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that can protect your kidneys from damage, and they are low in phosphorus, which can harm your bones and blood vessels.
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a condition that affects your kidneys, which are organs that filter wastes and excess fluids from your blood.
In CKD, your kidneys gradually lose their function over time.
This can lead to various health problems, such as high blood pressure, anemia, weak bones, poor nutrition, nerve damage, and heart disease.
One of the key factors in managing CKD is diet.
What you consume can affect your blood sugar, blood pressure, electrolytes, and fluid balance, which can impact your CKD symptoms and overall health.
To effectively manage CKD, you should consume fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and avoid sodium-rich foods like processed meats, canned soups, and fast foods.
Now, cherries are a type of fruit that have a sweet or sour taste.
People usually eat them fresh, dried, frozen, or as juice.
Cherries are good for CKD because they contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, such as anthocyanins, vitamin C, and carotenoids.
These compounds can help protect your kidneys from oxidative stress and inflammation, which are common causes of kidney damage.
One cup (154 grams) of sweet, raw, pitted cherries can give you 18% of your daily vitamin C needs, 10% of your potassium needs, and 3 grams of fiber.
Vitamin C can help boost your immune system and prevent infections, which are common complications of CKD.
Potassium can help regulate your blood pressure and prevent fluid retention, which are important for kidney health.
Fiber can help lower your blood sugar and cholesterol levels, which can reduce the risk of diabetes and heart disease, two major causes of CKD.
Furthermore, cherries are a low-phosphorus food, and phosphorus is bad for CKD.
Because, high phosphorus levels can cause bone loss, itching, and calcification of blood vessels, which can worsen CKD and increase the risk of cardiovascular events.
You can eat one to two cups of cherries per day safely.
More than that can cause diarrhea, bloating, or gas, which can be uncomfortable and dehydrate you.
Also, you shouldn’t eat cherries if you have gout, a type of arthritis that causes painful inflammation of the joints.
Because, cherries contain purines, which can increase the levels of uric acid in your blood and trigger a gout attack.
You can buy fresh cherries in your local market or order them online.
Always choose cherries that are firm, plump, and shiny, and avoid those that are bruised, soft, or moldy.
Because, fresh cherries have the best flavor, texture, and nutritional value.
You can store them in the refrigerator for up to a week or in the freezer for up to a year.
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.