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Tasty and nutrient-dense fresh berries or berry supplements serve as a great source of Vitamin C, fiber and antioxidants and may be an important part Chronic Kidney Disease and Dialysis patients' diets if agreed upon by their Dietitians. Beyond the daily boost, berries such as blueberries, cranberries, blackberries, raspberries and strawberries contain less than 150mg of Potassium per serving, but they have a number of excellent health benefits for patients. Hence people with Chronic Kidney Disease and Dialysis who are on a Potassium restricted diet may enjoy the fruits in moderation.
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Cranberries provide a wide variety of benefits including antioxidants for protection against high blood pressure, high cholesterol, as well as lots of vitamin C and other antioxidant properties that are beneficial in the fight against heart disease and stroke. Cranberries may lower blood pressure levels in those with Chronic Kidney Disease. A study also revealed that drinking cranberry juice had an average decrease in systolic (measure of arterial pressure during heart contractions) and diastolic (measure of arterial pressure between contractions) blood pressure of 3 mm Hg each. Researchers pointed out that this 3 mm Hg drop in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure is significant since most non-medicinal blood pressure lowering strategies often result in a decrease in systolic blood pressure, but not diastolic.
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According to research from Harvard University and the University of East Anglia, eating three servings of blueberries a week can cut the risk of heart attack by one third. This is because blueberries contain the super antioxidant dietary compounds called anthocyanins which boosts heart health.
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Raspberries carry an extract that could help Chronic Kidney Disease patients conducting Dialysis reduce inflammation in their joints. Scientists at the University of Rhode Island found that those who had consumed 120mg of raspberry extract for 30 days typically showed less inflammation and cartilage damage, as well as slower breakdown of their bones.
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Another study revealed that elements of blackberries improved balance, co-ordination and memory. Positive outcomes may be attributable to the fruit’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory Omega-3 fatty acids which encourage communication between brain neurons. A Tufts University study suggests that this can improve a patient's memory and mental sharpness which is often impacted by Dialysis Treatments.
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Bridget Benelam of the British Nutrition Foundation, notes three heaping tablespoons (80g) of berries provide one serving size in the general population. KidneyBuzz.com encourages you to request recommended serving sizes of berries from your Dietitian so that you can take advantage of the many positive benefits offered through berry consumption.
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