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Is A Vegetarian Diet Good for Kidneys?

Updated: Nov 19


Diets rich in protein from plant sources have been shown to slow progression of CKD. These diets have also been found to reduce many common complications of kidney disease:

  • Found to reduce protein loss in urine

  • Reduce uremic toxin


A 2021 study found that patients on a vegetarian diet actually gained 3.37 points in kidney function, while patients on a mediterranean diet had a 1.27 point decline in kidney function.[1] There was also a 9% improvement in urea levels in the vegetarian group. This is important because lower urea levels are associated with improved kidney function. A 2022 study found a 32% lower risk of kidney disease in vegetarians compared to omnivores.[2]


Another common complication of kidney disease is high levels of phosphorus in the blood. This is important because high levels of phosphorus can result in calcium-phosphate compounds depositing throughout the body; this results in hardening of the arteries and arteriosclerosis, leading to high blood pressure, and can lead to heart-related complications. What’s interesting is that plant-based diets have been found to lower phosphorus levels. Phosphorus from plant based sources have been found to be 60% less absorbed compared to animal based sources.


Soybeans are a good example because their phosphorus level is quite high and yet despite these high levels, results from 12 studies found that those who added soybeans into their diet actually had lower levels of phosphorus compared to those not consuming phosphorus.[3] They also found those consuming soybeans had higher kidney function.


Risks of Vegetarian Diets - Blood Testing for Complications

Vegetarian diets may not be good for all types of kidney disease and not all stages. A vegetarian diet may actually worsen some of the common nutritional deficiencies and other complications that are seen in kidney disease. It is important to be carefully monitored by a health professional for these complications and deficiencies so that they can be prevented through modifications to diet and through supplementation if needed. At our clinic we take a comprehensive health history and perform an extensive blood testing to check these before implementing a vegetarian diet. Afterwards we continue to monitor your levels to ensure your targets are being met.



References

[1] Dinu M, Colombini B, Pagliai G, Giangrandi I, Cesari F, Gori A, Giusti B, Marcucci R, Sofi F. Effects of vegetarian versus Mediterranean diet on kidney function: Findings from the CARDIVEG study. Eur J Clin Invest. 2021 Sep;51(9):e13576. doi: 10.1111/eci.13576. Epub 2021 May 6. PMID: 33955547; PMCID: PMC8459224.

[2] Vegetarian Diet Was Associated With a Lower Risk of Chronic Kidney Disease in Diabetic Patients. Front. Nutr., 26 April 2022

Sec. Clinical Nutrition Volume 9 - 2022 | https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2022.843357

[3] Jing Z, Wei-Jie Y. Effects of soy protein containing isoflavones in patients with chronic kidney disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Nutr. 2016 Feb;35(1):117-124. doi: 10.1016/j.clnu.2015.03.012. Epub 2015 Apr 1. PMID: 25882339.

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