Is jaggery safe for kidney patients? Know from experts its effect on creatinine level

Jaggery for kidney patients: Can the consumption of jaggery increase or decrease the creatinine level of the body? Let's know from the doctor how safe and beneficial the consumption of jaggery is for kidney patients.

Jaggery for kidney patients: It is often difficult for kidney patients to live a normal life. It becomes difficult for the bodies of those who have any kidney disease to filter out the waste products that come out after digestion of the food eaten. In such people, the kidney is not able to do its filtration work properly, and the toxins start circulating in the blood instead of getting out of the body. In such a situation, the patient is often asked to consume things that are soft, easily digestible and do not put more pressure on the work of the kidney. In such a situation, is the consumption of jaggery safe for kidney patients? Know about this from Ms. Satavisha Basu, Senior Dietician, Narayana Hospital, Howrah.

Is jaggery safe for kidney patients?

Consumption of jaggery is not considered safe for kidney patients. Actually, kidney patients should avoid consuming jaggery for these two reasons. The first reason is the high amount of potassium in jaggery, which is not good for kidney patients. The second reason is its sodium, which can affect the functioning of the kidney, and you can also see its effect on the kidney. 100 g of jaggery contains 1050 mg of potassium, which is actually not beneficial for kidney patients.

Actually, when your kidneys are healthy, then the extra potassium of the body is removed through urine. However, in people whose kidneys are not functioning properly, potassium gets released into the blood through urine, which can lead to hyperkalemia. Therefore, kidney patients should avoid its consumption.

Can eating jaggery increase creatinine levels?

The high amount of sugar in jaggery can increase blood sugar levels, which can lead to high Creatinine levels. Not only this, but excessive sugar intake can put extra pressure on the kidneys and as a result, the kidneys' filtration work can be affected. Apart from this, its potassium level can also affect the creatinine level because when the kidneys' work is affected, creatinine, which is a waste product released during muscle breakdown and protein digestion, starts accumulating in the body instead of getting out of the body through urine, so the creatinine level increases.

Why should kidney patients not eat jaggery?

There are some other reasons that people do not pay attention to, and due to this, people suffering from kidney disease should avoid eating jaggery. For example, the high amount of sugar in jaggery can also affect the health of kidney patients. Jaggery contains about 65-85% sucrose, which can increase blood sugar levels and impair kidney function. If a diabetes patient is sugar sensitive, then the condition can be even worse.

Jaggery is high in calories. Understand that 145 grams contains 545 kilocalories, and if consumed in excess, it can lead to weight gain. Weight gain can be a worrying situation for some kidney patients. Apart from this, jaggery contains a high amount of potassium. High blood pressure may interfere with medicines for kidney problems. Which can cause harm to kidney patients.

It is very important to consult a nephrologist or dietician. It is important to consult a dietitian to determine the safe intake based on individual health conditions. If the expert allows, consume jaggery in moderation, ideally 50-70 grams per day for non-diabetic kidney patients. Do not consume more than this. Also, monitor your blood sugar and potassium levels regularly to ensure that the consumption of jaggery does not worsen your condition.

FAQs

What should kidney patients eat?

• Kidney patients should reduce the intake of foods rich in protein, phosphorus, potassium and sodium and consume more liquids like water or juice.

Which fruits and vegetables can kidney patients eat?

• Kidney patients should eat fruits like apples, oranges and berries. Apart from this, vegetables like cauliflower, onion and cabbage can be eaten, which are low in potassium and do not put pressure on the functioning of the kidney.

Which grains are safe for kidney patients?

• Whole grain cereals like quinoa and brown rice are considered safe for kidney patients. They do not cause any harm to the kidneys nor put pressure on their functioning.

PC:OMH