Chronic kidney disease
When you Google chronic kidney disease (CKD), you’ll find numerous articles suggesting that CKD has many causes, including:
- High BP
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Heart disease
- Other cardiovascular diseases (CVDs)
However, none of them address the true root cause. Kidney disease is caused by the same dietary and lifestyle factors that contribute to these conditions, and it is often worsened by the medications prescribed to treat them. If, instead of relying on medication, you manage these conditions through diet and lifestyle changes, you are far less likely to develop kidney disease. Research clearly shows that animal protein and animal fat play a significant role in kidney health decline.
The protein myth and its impact on kidney health
The human body is highly efficient at conserving protein, recycling about 85% of it daily. This means that very little new protein is required each day. However, due to widespread misconceptions about protein intake, people tend to consume excessive amounts, particularly from animal sources.
When we consume more protein than our body needs, the excess must be converted into fat. This process involves removing nitrogen from the protein structure. Aside from nitrogen, proteins, fats, and carbohydrates are all composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. The nitrogen released during protein metabolism combines with hydrogen to form ammonia (NH₃), a highly toxic substance that must be quickly eliminated from the body. The liver converts ammonia into uric acid (C₅H₄N₄O₃), which is then filtered by the kidneys and excreted in urine.
Unlike animal protein, plant-based sources of protein and fat are not associated with kidney function decline. Alarmingly, data indicates that in the United States, fewer than 50% of adults have normal kidney function, and over 50% are likely to develop CKD in their lifetime.
The role of the kidneys
The kidneys perform a vital function: filtering toxins and waste from the blood. In addition, they help regulate electrolyte balance, fluid levels, and acid-base balance in the body. A healthy kidney filters about 6 liters of blood per hour, producing approximately 60 milliliters of urine.
When the kidneys fail, dialysis becomes necessary. Unfortunately, dialysis has become one of the fastest-growing industries today, with dialysis centers appearing in shopping centers everywhere. One major reason for this rise is our obsession with protein consumption, as highlighted by Dr. Janice Stanger in her video “The Dangerous Truth About Protein.” Another factor is our overreliance on medications. Every medication we take must be processed by the liver and kidneys, placing an additional burden on these organs.
Stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD)
The rate at which the kidneys filter blood is called the Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR). A decline in GFR is used to classify CKD into different stages:
Stage 1: GFR 90-100% (normal or high function)
Stage 2: GFR 60-89% (mild decline)
Stage 3: GFR 30-59% (moderate decline)
Stage 4: GFR 15-29% (severe decline) – Fluid accumulation begins, requiring restrictions on phosphorus, potassium, and sodium intake.
Stage 5: Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, swelling, and bloating. Urine production is minimal or nonexistent.
Since kidney damage results from toxic exposure to processed foods, animal products, alcohol, tobacco, and medications, the best approach is to eliminate these harmful substances and restore kidney function naturally. Regular kidney cleansing, such as weekly or biweekly water fasting, can also be beneficial.
Habits that harm kidney health
Certain lifestyle habits can negatively impact kidney function. These should be corrected early in life and especially after a CKD diagnosis.
1. Not drinking enough water
2. Delaying going to the bathroom
3. Too much salt in our diet
4. Eating a high animal protein diet
5. Lack of sleep
6. Using painkiller medications
7. Excessive caffeine intake
8. Alcohol consumption
9. Smoking
Kidney stones
Another common kidney-related issue is kidney stones. Most kidney stones are composed of calcium oxalate. Some people are genetically predisposed to kidney stones due to a condition called hyperoxaluria, which results in higher intestinal absorption of oxalates.
Foods rich in oxalates, such as spinach, Swiss chard, and beet greens, should be avoided by individuals with advanced-stage CKD (Stage 4). Additionally, consumption of almonds and cashews should be minimized.
Dietary misconceptions for kidney patients
Many doctors advise CKD patients to consume animal protein while avoiding foods high in potassium and phosphorus, such as green leafy vegetables and fruits. Additionally, they often recommend aggressive medication management for conditions like hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, and heart disease. However, this approach is flawed for two key reasons:
1.Fruits and vegetables help improve overall health and mitigate other diseases.
2.Medications can be more harmful to the kidneys than the small amounts of sodium, potassium, or phosphorus found in fresh, whole foods.
For more information please watch videos linked below on the subject.
Treating chronic kidney disease with food
Treating kidney failure with diet
Kidneys stones and spinach, chard and beetroot
Disclaimer
Views expressed above are the author’s own.
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