Plant-Based Diets Help Prevent and Manage Kidney Disease

Plant-based diets help prevent and manage chronic kidney disease, according to a review published online in Current Opinion in Nephrology and Hypertension. Researchers reviewed the most recent body of literature behind dietary interventions for the treatment and prevention of kidney disease. Red and processed meat increase the risk for kidney disease and exacerbate progression of preexisting kidney disease. Use of plant-based foods in treatment showed comparable results to oral medications with added improvements to blood pressure, weight, and other health outcome measures. The authors note the evidence does not support perceived nutritional inadequacies behind plant-based diets and stress that healthful plant-based dietary interventions offer new and effective tools for treatment and prevention.