The Correct Diet Can Help Avoid Kidney Disease

[Pendragon]

The Correct Diet Can Help Avoid Kidney Disease
17 Apr 2013

Bad diet choices and habits like smoking and obesity are linked to an
increased risk for kidney disease, suggests a new study published in
the American Journal of Kidney Disease.

A group of investigators, led by Alex Chang, MD, of Johns Hopkins
University, discovered that people with regular kidneys whose diet
quality was bad - high in processed and red meats, sodium, and
sugar-sweetened beverages, and low in fruit, nuts, legumes, whole
grains, and low-fat dairy - were more likely to develop kidney
disease.

Just one percent of people without unhealthy diet or lifestyle choices
developed protein in their urine - an early sign of kidney damage. On
the other hand, 13% of participants who had at least three unhealthy
factors such as obesity, smoking, and poor diet developed protein in
their urine.

Obese people, i.e. those with a body mass index (BMI) of at least 30,
were twice as likely to develop kidney disease, the authors reported.
A poor diet independently influenced risk for chronic kidney disease
after adjusting for weight and other influential factors.

The investigators also pinpointed a link between those who currently
smoke and the development of chronic kidney disease. Smokers were
found to be 60% more likely to develop kidney disease.

In the first study conducted on this topic, researchers analyzed
kidney disease risk factors in healthy young people using longitudinal
data ranging over 15 years, including information on more than 2,300
black and white adults aged between 28 and 40 years from the Coronary
Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) Study.

Dr. Chang said:


"Unlike family history of kidney disease, diet, smoking, and obesity
are modifiable lifestyle factors that we can all control. By eating
well, quitting smoking, and maintaining a normal weight, people can
protect their kidneys and prevent future damage."


In total, those who ended up with kidney disease were more likely...
to be African American
to have high blood pressure
to have diabetes
to have a family history of kidney disease
have a higher intake of soft drinks, fast food, and red meat
...compared to those who did not have kidney disease.

Dr. Beth Piraino, National Kidney Foundation President explained:


"In the United States, 26 million adults are living with chronic
kidney disease. We need to shift the focus from managing chronic
kidney disease to preventing it in the first place. Using this study
as evidence, we can encourage changes in individual lifestyle choices
and behaviors, and ultimately prevent people from developing kidney
disease."


The National Kidney Foundation has the following guidelines to reduce
the risk of developing kidney disease:
Reduce sodium intake: Americans consume too much sodium (salt)
Limit red meat: Diets high in protein - especially those with animal
protein - may harm the kidneys. Red meat is also high in saturated
fat.
Avoid soda: Sugar-sweetened drinks, like sodas, are high in calories
and contain no nutritious value. Additionally, colas have phosphorus
additives which can damage kidneys.
Give up processed foods: Potato chips, crackers, cheese spreads,
instant potato mix, and deli meats are all examples of processed foods
that are high in phosphorus additives and sodium - both of which can
have a damaging effect on the kidneys.
Reduce sugar intake: Consuming too much sugar can result in diabetes
or obesity - both linked to kidney disease.
Kidney disease kills more than 90,000 Americans annually - more than
breast or prostate cancer.

A previous study from 2009 stated that obese people with
prehypertension are at an increased risk for kidney disease.

Written by Kelly Fitzgerald
Copyright: Medical News Today
Not to be reproduced without permission of Medical News Today


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References:
American Journal of Kidney Disease


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Kelly Fitzgerald. "The Correct Diet Can Help Avoid Kidney Disease."
Medical News Today. MediLexicon, Intl., 17 Apr. 2013. Web.
24 Apr. 2013. <http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/259203.php>
APA
Kelly Fitzgerald. (2013, April 17). "The Correct Diet Can Help Avoid
Kidney Disease." Medical News Today. Retrieved from
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/259203.php.
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