Short Answer: Mangoes are good for kidney health because they contain potassium and magnesium that help lower blood pressure; but they are bad for kidney health because they contain high amounts of potassium and sugar that can cause irregular heartbeat or diarrhea in people with CKD.
Mangoes are a delicious and nutritious tropical fruit that can provide many health benefits.
However, they may not be the best choice for people with chronic kidney disease (CKD), as they contain high amounts of potassium and sugar.
CKD is a condition that affects your kidneys, which are responsible for filtering waste and excess fluids from your blood.
In CKD, your kidneys lose their ability to function properly, which can lead to various health problems, such as anemia, bone disease, cardiovascular disease, and kidney failure.
One of the key factors in managing CKD is diet.
What you consume can affect your blood pressure, which can impact your kidney function and overall health.
To effectively manage CKD, you should consume foods rich in potassium and magnesium like bananas, avocados, spinach, and yogurt.
These nutrients can help lower blood pressure and prevent muscle cramps.
Now, mangoes are a type of fruit that have a high potassium content.
Potassium is an essential mineral that helps regulate fluid balance and nerve signals in your body.
However, too much potassium can cause irregular heartbeat and muscle weakness in people with CKD.
According to the National Kidney Foundation1, people with CKD should limit their potassium intake to 2,000 milligrams per day or less.
One cup (165 grams) of fresh mango provides about 1,100 milligrams of potassium2, which is more than half of the recommended daily limit.
Mangoes also contain natural sugars like fructose and glucose.
These sugars can raise your blood sugar levels and increase the risk of diabetes complications in people with CKD.
According to Healthline2, one cup (165 grams) of fresh mango provides about 22 grams of sugar, which is more than 10% of the recommended daily limit for added sugars.
Furthermore, mangoes are a type of fruit that have a high vitamin C content.
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps protect your cells from damage and supports your immune system.
However, too much vitamin C can cause diarrhea and stomach cramps in people with CKD.
According to Mayo Clinic, people with CKD should limit their vitamin C intake to 2 grams per day or less.
One cup (165 grams) of fresh mango provides about 67% of the recommended daily limit for vitamin C.
You can eat up to one cup (165 grams) of fresh mango per day safely if you have CKD.
More than that can cause high potassium levels or diarrhea.
That’s why I suggest you limit your mango intake to one cup (165 grams) per day safely if you have CKD.
Stick to this amount to minimize high potassium levels or diarrhea.
Also, you shouldn’t eat dried mango or mango juice if you have CKD because they contain more potassium and sugar than fresh mangoes.
You can buy fresh mangoes in your local market or order them online from various sources.
Always choose organic or locally grown mangoes for better quality and safety.
You can store them in the refrigerator for up to five days or freeze them for up to three months.
Finally, remember that maintaining a healthy lifestyle is key to managing CKD effectively.
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This includes following a balanced diet plan that meets your nutritional needs; taking medications as prescribed by your doctor; monitoring your blood pressure and kidney function regularly; avoiding smoking and alcohol; exercising moderately; managing stress; and getting enough sleep.
I always recommend my patients with CKD to follow a kidney-friendly diet plan that improves their overall well-being and quality of life.
