The Benefits of a Plant Based Diet for CDK Patients

In this video, Dr. Qasim Butt explains why a plant based diet is beneficial to Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) patients. The transcript of the video can be seen below.

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Video Transcript

Time out! Time out! Time out! Did you say, no meat? No beef? No pork? Not even a chicken nugget, man?   

Nowadays more and more people are talking about plant-based diets. But can eating foods more like this be better for your overall health and your kidneys?

What’s up San Antonio and the world? I'm Dr. Qasim Butt and I'm a kidney doctor and I'm here to break down health in a simple way. Now do me a favor, hit that like share and subscribe button.  It'll really help me out.

So nowadays, more and more people are talking about plant-based diets not only from a general health perspective but directly impacting the kidneys themselves.   Let me break down the science for you. You see we have two kidneys, each that we consider like a filter that cleans; cleans your blood but these filters are actually made up of tiny microscopic filters called nephrons and when you get kidney disease, the damage actually occurs at the sight of these nephrons.

The modern Western American diet is rich in animal protein and refined sugars; what they call a meat and sweet diet.  This diet is largely acid producing which is thought to cause  oxidative stress and low-grade inflammation in your body that can damage these microscopic kidney cells. 

The benefits of eating a more plant-based diet include that it's naturally alkalizing; meaning that it neutralizes acid and decreases  inflammation more; fiber which improves gut health and the healthy bacteria that we want in your gut and it has more vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants also there's less a chance of having kidney stones and lesser risk of having high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, heart disease and certain type of cancer.

Evidence is mounting that because of all these attributes, a plant-based diet can not only prevent kidney disease but also slow it down if you already have kidney disease. Now I myself still do eat meat but you don't have to be a complete vegetarian or vegan to realize some of these benefits.  You can start by eating less meat, particularly red meat, less processed food and less sugary foods. 

Then in their place substitute fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts, legumes, whole grains and healthy oils like olive oil.  If you are someone that does a plant-based diet or you just curious to start please let me know your experience in the comment section below.  Also if you have any questions feel free to comment.  But please like and share this video so we can get the news out about different types of diets and remember it's your kidneys, your health.

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‍About the Speaker

Dr. Qasim Butt is a highly skilled and well rounded physician that serves the San Antonio area. He not only practices clinical nephrology, but is also a certified interventional nephrologist able to handle all issues related to dialysis access (fistulas, graft, catheters, etc.).

He is board certified by the ABIM in both internal medicine and nephrology. He is also a skilled interventional nephrologist and is certified by the American Society of Diagnostic and Interventional Nephrology. He received his training at LSU Health Science Center (Shreveport, LA), completing a residency in internal medicine and a fellowship in nephrology.

Dr. Butt goes above and beyond his clinical responsibilities, as a physician leader serving the community. He has had numerous leadership roles, including current Chief of Medicine of Metropolitan Methodist Hospital and Treasurer of Board at the Texas Kidney Foundation. In 2019 had been nominated for the Grace Ann Durr Award by Methodist Healthcare System. Also, in 2020 he received the Texas Rising Stars Doctors Award by Texas Monthly Magazine.

He enjoys mentoring young aspiring physicians, allowing them to shadow him and giving real life practical advice that will help them on their journey to a career in medicine. He also is a mentor for several years with Big Brothers Big Sisters, trying to improve the life of an adolescent from an underprivileged background.

Dr. Butt is also very passionate about not only raising awareness of kidney disease, but also the epidemic of poor health in our nation. He has worked with the Texas Kidney Foundation for many years, volunteering for health screenings, fundraising walks and engages in public speaking events to the general public about kidney disease. He also has a professional Facebook (@qasimbuttmd) and YouTube Channel (Your Kidneys Your Health) where he does fun, entertaining videos that breakdown health related topics in a simple way.

Dr. Butt is a nephrologist that takes his time addressing patient concerns. He enjoys discussing lifestyle modifications, fitness and diet. He thoroughly explains kidney disease and encourages patients to bring family members to the office, as well. He consistently receives high satisfaction ratings from his patients on numerous online surveys.

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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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