Plant-based Diets for Kidney Health

Introduction

In recent years, more research has shown how beneficial plant-based diets are for treating and preventing lifestyle disorders. Simultaneously, information is already available about the management of chronic renal disease and the main problems associated with this eating pattern. Patients' nutrient-quality diets may be improved by increasing the share of plant-based foods while consuming less total and animal protein. This could lessen the need for or supplement nephroprotective medications, improve complications related to kidney disease, and positively impact patient survival and disease progression.

What Is a Plant-Based Diet?

A plant-based diet means consuming fewer animal products, such as dairy, eggs, fish, meat, and chicken, and a diet high in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes (beans, peas, and lentils), unsalted nuts, and healthy oils. To optimize the health benefits of a plant-based diet, it is important to avoid processed foods such as various canned goods and soups, refined grains (such as white pasta, breads, and cookies, as well as highly processed or high-sugar cereals), snack foods like potato chips, cookies, and beverages with added sugar. Avoid foods like pizza, meat or cheese soups, and mayonnaise, including animal products.

Diets based primarily on plants have gained a lot of popularity recently. They help reduce the risk of heart disease and other health issues since they are high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. According to studies, they could prevent the progression of renal illness.

Several well-known and well-liked plant-based diets are:

• The Mediterranean Diet: This cuisine is common in several Mediterranean nations, including Spain and Italy. In addition to moderate amounts of fish, cheese, olive oil, yogurt, and minimal red meat, it mostly consists of cereals, grains, vegetables, legumes, fruits, and nuts.

• DASH Diet: People with high blood pressure are frequently advised to follow this diet. Eating fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, poultry, low-fat dairy products, and nuts are all part of it. It also restricts meals heavy in saturated fat, cholesterol, trans fats, sweets, sugary drinks, and red meat.

• The Mind Diet: This diet is a combination of the DASH and Mediterranean diets, with an emphasis on brain health. The major ingredients are whole grains, fish, beans, poultry, berries, almonds, and olive oil.

What Are the Advantages of a Plant Based Diet for Kidney Health?

Recently, studies have shown that plant-based diets have many beneficial effects.

• Maintaining a Healthy Weight: Meals derived from plants often have fewer calories than animal meals. So they tend to help maintain the weight.

• Decreases the Cholesterol and Blood Pressure: Lower cholesterol and blood pressure can help lower the chance of developing heart disease. One may be more susceptible to heart disease if they have renal illness. In reality, heart disease develops in more than 50 percent of patients with renal illness. One of the many functions of healthy kidneys is blood pressure regulation. However, high blood pressure might result if the kidneys cannot perform this function properly. High blood pressure can exacerbate renal damage and eventually lead to heart disease. A plant-based diet also lowers "bad" cholesterol and aids in weight control, two more ways it benefits the heart.

• Decreases the Chance of Developing Diabetes: Reduce the likelihood of developing diabetes. It has been demonstrated that eating a healthy, plant-based diet improves insulin utilization. The hormone insulin regulates the amount of sugar, often known as "glucose," in the blood. Diabetes may result from elevated blood sugar levels. Furthermore, renal disease might worsen if they have diabetes. In patients already suffering from diabetes, it has been demonstrated that plant-based diets can help control blood sugar levels.

• Boost the Levels of Antioxidants: Compounds called antioxidants are present in food and aid in preventing cell damage. Fruits and vegetables, which are plant-based foods, are a great source. Antioxidants include vitamins C and E.

• Prevents Further Damage to Kidneys: According to some research, eating a plant-based diet can help prevent or delay the progression of kidney disease by reducing the risk of heart disease, diabetes, "bad" cholesterol, and weight gain. Acid accumulation in the blood can occur with renal illness. Kidney illness may get worse due to this acid load. One is to reduce the acid load and lessen the strain on the kidneys by consuming fewer foods derived from animals. Phytates are in minimally processed plant-based diets, including whole grains and fresh vegetables. Individuals' bodies do not absorb as much phosphorus from highly processed meals or dairy-based foods like cheese and milk because phytates can bind phosphorus. Thus, phosphorus accumulation in the blood during renal disease can damage bones and blood vessels.

How to Start a Plant-Based Diet?

Implementing one tiny adjustment at a time is crucial when making any change. The following advice can get going:

• Think about limiting oneself to just one plant-based meal per day.

• Examine the typical diet and identify the items one can replace with plant-based substitutes. Investigate every meal option, such as whether it is animal-based or plant-based, its beneficial effects, and processing and packing details.

• If in doubt, choose a fruit or vegetable instead of a more processed meal or snack.

What Are the Nutrients to Consider in Case of Renal Failure?

One may need to watch what kind of protein, potassium, phosphorus, and salt one eats if they have renal disease. Plant-based eating is a good idea when introducing certain nutrients into the diet. Plant minerals and protein could not be absorbed as completely as from animals or highly processed diets. One should not restrict certain plant-based foods at all, or at all, as a result.

Discuss which nutrients one should limit on a plant-based diet with the doctor and dietician. The most accurate technique to determine how much of these nutrients one should eat will still be through periodic blood testing.

• Protein: Create a meal plan with the appropriate amount of protein from beans, nuts, seeds, and nut butter by working with a registered dietitian. When consuming animal protein, go toward fish and skinless chicken over red meat. Egg whites should be cooked in good plant fats. Avoid packaged and processed meats, such as sausage, bacon, and hot dogs, as they are sometimes heavy in salt and bad fats.

• Potassium: Fiber and potassium are found in whole plant diets. These foods' fiber restricts the body's absorption of potassium. Collaborate with a registered dietitian to create a meal plan that includes lots of whole plant foods.

• Phosphorus: One can maintain their intake of complete plant-based foods because very little of their phosphorus is absorbed. Use dairy products in moderation if one needs to consume them (one ounce of cheese, one-half cup (4 ounces) of yogurt, or one cup of milk). Foods that are heavily processed and packaged should be avoided or limited as they contain easily absorbed additional phosphorus.

• Sodium: The naturally occurring sodium in plant-based diets does not affect blood pressure or fluid balance. Eat less or avoid packaged, highly processed foods and snacks since they may alter the fluid balance and raise the blood pressure.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there is not a single diet that works for everyone who has renal failure or illness. Over time, what one may and cannot consume will vary according to kidney function levels and other health issues such as diabetes or heart disease. It is necessary to visit a nutritionist or physician to determine whether a plant-based diet is the best choice. The medical team can refer one to a dietician specializing in renal illness.