Mediterranean
diet may help protect kidney health
Adhering to a Mediterranean-style diet may significantly reduce the risk of developing chronic kidney disease, according to a study appearing in an upcoming issue of the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology (CJASN).
Chronic kidney disease is a growing epidemic, and while
there has been significant progress in protecting against kidney disease and
its progression through aggressive treatment of risk factors such as
hypertension and diabetes, many people still experience declining kidney
function as they age.
Minesh Khatri, MD (Columbia University Medical Center) and his colleagues wondered whether an improved diet might provide additional benefits.
"Many studies have found a favorable association
between the Mediterranean diet and a variety of health outcomes, including
those related to cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, and
cancer, among others," said Dr. Khatri.
"There is increasing evidence
that poor diet is associated with kidney disease, but it is unknown whether the
benefits of a Mediterranean diet could extend to kidney health as well."
The Mediterranean diet includes higher consumption of fruits, vegetables, fish,
legumes, and heart-healthy fats, while minimizing red meats, processed foods, and
sweets.
The researchers examined the associations of varying
degrees of the Mediterranean diet on long-term kidney function in an
observational, community-based, prospective study. In their analysis of 900
participants who were followed for nearly 7 years, every one-point higher in a
Mediterranean diet score, indicating better adherence to the diet, was
associated with a 17% lower likelihood of developing chronic kidney disease.
Dietary patterns that closely resembled the Mediterranean diet (with a score of
≥5) were linked with a 50% lower risk of developing chronic kidney disease and
a 42% lower risk of experiencing rapid kidney function decline.
In an accompanying editorial, Julie Lin, MD, MPH, FASN
(Brigham and Women's Hospital) noted that a Mediterranean-style diet is only
one component of an overall healthy lifestyle, which also needs to incorporate
regular physical activity.
"Although a seemingly simple goal, achieving
this is challenging. We need to begin by embracing the reality that there is no
magic pill or miracle food, only vigilance and discipline with diet and regular
exercise, and the rare indulgence in cake for very special occasions," she
wrote.
Story Source:
The above story is based on materials provided by American Society of Nephrology (ASN). Note: Materials may be edited for
content and length.
Journal Reference:
M. Khatri, Y. P. Moon, N. Scarmeas, Y. Gu, H. Gardener,
K. Cheung, C. B. Wright, R. L. Sacco, T. L. Nickolas, M. S. V. Elkind. The Association between a
Mediterranean-Style Diet and Kidney Function in the Northern Manhattan Study
Cohort. Clinical
Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, 2014; 9 (11): 1868 DOI: 10.2215/CJN.01080114
Cite This Page:
American Society of Nephrology (ASN). "Mediterranean
diet may help protect kidney health." Science Daily,
30 October 2014.
<www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/10/141030213656.htm>.