Study Shows the Benefits of Plant Proteins for Kidney Health

Understanding Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

Before diving into the details of the study, it's essential to understand what Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is. CKD involves gradual loss of kidney function over time. As it progresses, waste can build up in your body, leading to other health problems.

UK Biobank Study

A recent study from the UK Biobank delved deep into dietary habits and their impact on kidney health. Here's what they found:

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1. Study Basics: The study followed 117,809 individuals who didn't have a history of CKD and met certain health criteria. The main focus? Observing the relationship between plant protein intake and the risk of developing CKD.
2. The Duration: This study wasn’t just a quick look. It spanned a median time of 9.9 years, giving researchers a comprehensive view of long-term effects.
3. Key Finding: The more plant protein participants ate, the lower their risk of CKD seemed to be. Specifically, those consuming the highest amounts of plant protein were less likely to develop CKD compared to those consuming the least.
4. The Numbers Speak: For the statistically-minded, this means that for every 0.1 g/kg/day increase in plant protein intake, there was a 4% decrease in the risk of CKD.

Caveats to Consider: As with all studies, there were some limitations. For instance, dietary assessments might not have been entirely complete. Plus, the study's findings are particularly relevant to the UK Biobank's specific group of participants.

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Diet plays a crucial role in our overall health, including the health of our kidneys. While more research is needed, this study highlights the potential kidney-protective benefits of consuming plant proteins. Foods like lentils, beans, tofu, and nuts could be not only delicious additions to our meals but also potential allies in keeping our kidneys healthy.

Steps for Improved Kidney Health

• Balancing Your Diet: Consider incorporating more plant-based proteins into your meals. This doesn’t mean you need to cut out animal proteins entirely but try to add variety with plant sources.
• Stay Informed: Research around diet and health is ongoing. Stay updated on new findings to make informed choices for your well-being.‍
• Consult Professionals: Always talk to a nutritionist or doctor before making significant changes to your diet, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions.

In the end, this study reminds us of the profound impact our dietary choices can have on our long-term health. By integrating more plant proteins and maintaining a balanced diet, we might just be giving our kidneys the support they need.

Related Articles

Plant Based Diet Slows Advance of Chronic Kidney Disease

The Benefits of a Plant Based Diet for CDK Patients

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Reference

Association of Plant Protein Intake With Risk of Incident CKD: A UK Biobank Study

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‍About the Author

Rich Foreman brings over 30 years of technology leadership to his role of CEO and Co-Founder of KidneySoft.  As founding CTO, Rich led the team that developed the CordicoShield / CordicoFire Wellness App. Cordico was honored with the Sacramento Innovation Award in 2021. After achieving a 7 digit ARR, Cordico was acquired by Lexipol in 2020. Rich has a BS in Industrial Engineering from the University of Washington, an MPA from Troy State University and was an officer in the U.S. Navy. Rich co-authored his book, "Tap into the Mobile Economy." Rich's blog was listed in Top 20 Marketing Mobile Blogs of 2014. He has been featured on KCRA3, NEWS10, 1170 Tech AM PowerDrive, Business Radio Money 105.5, SiliconIndia, the Sacramento Business Journal, and the Sacramento Bee. Rich is also the Founding Director of the Sacramento Chapter of Startup Grind and served a term as Utility Commissioner for the City of Folsom. Rich is a regular contributor to TechWire.net and StartupSac. Rich was the Co-founder of Apptology which was named Small Business of the Year in 2014 by the Sacramento Asian Pacific Chamber. He was also the Founding Chief Technology Officer at Cordico. Cordico was acquired by Lexipol in 2020.  Rich also served 4 years as a Naval Officer in the Civil Engineer Corps.

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Patient Education Disclaimer

This material is for informational purposes only. It does not replace the advice or counsel of a doctor or health care professional. KidneyLuv makes every effort to provide information that is accurate and timely, but makes no guarantee in this regard. You should consult with, and rely only on the advice of, your physician or health care professional.

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