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 (CKD) patients' diet if agreed upon by their Dietitian. Beyond the daily boost, berries such as blueberries, cranberries, blackberries, raspberries and strawberries contain less than 150mg of Potassium per serving. Hence people with CKD 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 Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) patients. A 2012 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.
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.
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Raspberries carry an extract that could help people with CKD 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 2009 Tufts University study suggests that this can improve CKD patients' ability to soak up new information.
Bridget Benelam of the British Nutrition Foundation, notes three heaped tablespoons (80g) of berries provide one serving size in the general population. KidneyBuzz.com encourages those with CKD to request recommended serving sizes of berries from their Dietitian so that they can take advantage of the many positive benefits offered through berry consumption.
*Note: Do not forget to order your No BP/No Stick Medical Alert Bracelet!
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EPSTEIN, ANGELA. "Heart Problems, Eye Strain, High Blood Pressure - Whatever You Ailments, It's Been a BERRY Good Year." Dailymail.co.uk. Mail Online.
Wright, Carolanne. "The next Big Health Marvel: Mulberry Tames Cancer, Inflammation, Alzheimer's and More." Naturalnews.com. NaturalNews.
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