Kidney friendly foods

Lifestyle and nutritional choices have an impact on kidney function, which is crucial in the prevention and progression of chronic renal disease (CKD). In primary prevention, the Mediterranean diet has been shown to be useful in protecting kidney function. There is presently no scientific data to identify whether dietary pattern is more beneficial in the management of CKD in secondary cardiovascular disease prevention.

According to a study published in the journal Clinical Nutrition, for people with type 2 diabetes and coronary artery disease (CAD), a Mediterranean diet may be a better alternative than a low-fat diet for preserving kidney function.

The Mediterranean diet frequently tops lists of diets for people who have diabetes since it has been associated with significant health advantages in numerous studies. In order to follow this eating pattern, you must consume low amounts of sugar and other refined carbs, red and processed meats, and animal fat while ingesting a lot of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, beans and other legumes, and olive oil. 

There are also versions of the Mediterranean diet, such as the "green" Mediterranean diet, which places a particular focus on green leafy vegetables and green tea. A "green" Mediterranean diet has been associated to reduced liver fat, better metabolic health, and a slower rate of senescence of the brain, according to studies.


Clinical trails:

In the newest trial, 1,002 people with coronary artery disease — some of whom also had diabetes — were randomly allocated to either a Mediterranean or a low-fat diet and given instructions on how to do so. The Mediterranean diet was made up of 35% fat, 22% monounsaturated fat (found in olive oil and most nuts), and less than 50% carbohydrate. 

The low-fat diet had 28% fat, 12% monounsaturated fat, and more than 55% carbohydrate. Participants' kidney function was assessed both at the start of the trial and after a five-year follow-up period, in the form of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).

Clinical trail follow up:

Over the course of the follow-up period, individuals in both diet groups saw a general deterioration in renal function. The Mediterranean diet group, however, saw a slower deterioration in kidney function among people with type 2 diabetes. 

In contrast, those who did not have type 2 diabetes tended to lose kidney function in both diet groups almost equally. When it comes to decreased loss in kidney function, participants with type 2 diabetes who began with modestly impaired kidney function benefited most from following a Mediterranean diet when compared to people who followed a low-fat diet.


Conclusion

As seen by a slower fall in eGFR in CHD patients with T2DM, a Mediterranean diet high in EVOO may protect kidney function over time when compared to a low-fat diet. The positive impact of eating a Mediterranean-style diet on maintaining renal function may be especially advantageous for patients with modestly impaired eGFR. These results support the therapeutic advantages of the Mediterranean diet in terms of preventing secondary cardiovascular disease.