Beets are an amazing superfood packed with numerous health benefits. Beets and beet juice contain antioxidants, nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that help support brain, bone, and digestive health. Beets are even known to promote weight loss, improve exercise ability, and reduce the risk of certain cancers.
Although we know that eating beets can promote wellness, can eating beets also harm your health, specifically your kidneys? Keep reading to learn the answer to the question: “Are beets and beet juice bad for your kidneys?”
All About Beets
Beetroots, or beets for short, are vibrant red root vegetables known for their earthy flavor, rich red color, and plentiful vitamins and minerals. Beets are low in calories and contain high amounts of fiber, folate, potassium, manganese, iron, and vitamin C. These aspects of beets make them a great addition to your diet, but maybe not if you have a history of kidney problems.
Betalain
Beets are known for their signature deep red color, which comes from a pigment known as betalain. Betalain is secreted through the kidneys and can temporarily cause urine to appear pink or red. This temporary change in urine color is entirely harmless and does not affect the kidneys whatsoever.
Oxalate
Along with all these unique features, beets are also rich in oxalates. Oxalate is a naturally occurring compound in many fruits and vegetables. Certain fruits and vegetables produce it and use it to help regulate calcium levels, which is essential for their growth.
For humans, however, consuming an excess amount of oxalate can cause certain people to develop kidney stones. If you are prone to kidney stones, especially calcium oxalate kidney stones, your doctor may recommend you reduce or limit the amount of oxalate-containing foods in your diet, including beets and beet juice.
Potassium
Beets contain a lot of potassium; in fact, one cup contains approximately 450mg, which is about 11% of the daily value for most people. Potassium is essential for the body to remain healthy and strong. It helps to regulate your heart, muscles, bones, and nerves, but for people with advanced kidney disease, excess potassium in the diet can actually be harmful. This is because the kidneys filter potassium out of the blood and get rid of the excess through the urine.
When people with kidney disease, especially those who require dialysis, consume too much potassium in their diet, it can lead to a condition known as hyperkalemia (too much potassium in the blood). Hyperkalemia can lead to life-threatening heart complications, muscle weakness, and even paralysis. Therefore, people with kidney disease may sometimes have to limit their intake of high-potassium foods, like beets and beet juice.
Are Beets and Beet Juice Bad For Your Kidneys?
For most people, beets and beet juice can be a great addition to a healthy diet and lifestyle. But, if you have a history of kidney stones or kidney disease, limiting the amount of beets and beet juice you consume regularly may be wise.
If you have questions about whether beets or beet juice could be bad for your kidneys, it is always best to consult a doctor.
Get the best advice about your kidney health – call 843.347.2450 to schedule an appointment today!