{"id":61,"date":"2023-05-03T15:49:53","date_gmt":"2023-05-03T15:49:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kidneychef.com\/plant-based-eating-what-it-is-and-how-it-applies-to-ckd\/"},"modified":"2023-05-12T23:23:29","modified_gmt":"2023-05-12T23:23:29","slug":"plant-based-eating-what-it-is-and-how-it-applies-to-ckd","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kidneychef.com\/plant-based-eating-what-it-is-and-how-it-applies-to-ckd\/","title":{"rendered":"Plant Based Eating: What It Is And How It Applies To CKD"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

Marika Wamback, BSc. R.D.
\n<\/span>Registered Dietitian |<\/span><\/p>\n

\\\"Plant<\/p>\n

Plant Based Eating: What It Is and How It Applies To CKD<\/h2>\n

Plant based eating has been growing in popularity.\u00a0 There is an increasing amount of plant based foods available for consumers.\u00a0 As the awareness of plant based foods grows, so does the confusion and questions about what a plant based diet really is.\u00a0 Although there is no definition of \u2018plant based eating\u2019, it has been described as a diet comprised mostly of plant based foods with small amounts of animal proteins, or substituting all animal proteins with plant based proteins.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0A vegetarian diet is a loose term that encompasses different kinds of vegetarian diets.\u00a0 Typically, if you follow a vegetarian diet, you may choose to include eggs and dairy (lacto ovo), or you may choose to include fish (pescatarian).\u00a0 If you choose to follow a vegan diet, you avoid consuming any animal products.<\/span><\/p>\n

How Does A Plant Based Diet Fit Into Your CKD Diet?<\/h2>\n

The renal diet<\/span> is a plant based diet (whereas stage 5, ESRD, is more protein based due to protein needs for dialysis).\u00a0 Why? Fruits, vegetables, and grains are all foods that are plants. If you are on a renal diet, you are encouraged to fill \u00bd of your plate with vegetables\/fruits, \u00bc of the plate starch, and \u00bc of the plate protein.\u00a0 Snacks are allotted, if needed, and they usually contain a plant (fruit, vegetable or grain) and a protein. That means that 75% of your plate at all meals is plant based. <\/span><\/p>\n

The foods you are allowed from each food group are dictated by your level of kidney function.\u00a0 This is determined by routine lab work. Working closely with your renal team can help you identify which foods fit your dietary needs the best. The following information reviews common nutrition needs of CKD patients that may be addressed by your renal team.<\/span><\/p>\n

Protein<\/span><\/h3>\n

Meeting protein<\/a> needs with CKD management is important no matter the stage of CKD.\u00a0 Plant based proteins can be used in place of animal proteins with consultation from your renal dietitian.\u00a0 Plant based proteins such as beans, nuts, lentils, and tofu can be nutritious choices when used appropriately and with the proper portion size.\u00a0 For example, three-quarters of a cup (175 ml) of lentils or beans can be substituted in place of 75 grams (or 2.5 ounces) of cooked animal protein.<\/span><\/p>\n

Phosphorus<\/span><\/h3>\n

Phosphorus<\/a> is a mineral found in animal and plant based proteins but not in other plants like fruits and vegetables<\/span>.\u00a0 <\/b>Recent research suggests that the phosphorus in plant proteins may not be absorbed like phosphorus from animal proteins, thus lowering the risk for hyperphosphatemia.\u00a0 Prolonged hyperphosphatemia can be a serious risk for cardiovascular disease. If you are on a phosphorus restriction, consult with your renal dietitian about how to safely consume plant proteins in your renal diet.<\/span><\/p>\n

Potassium<\/span><\/h3>\n

Legumes, nuts, seeds, and many fruits and vegetables all contain various amounts of potassium<\/a>.\u00a0 To keep your potassium in a healthy range, consume fruits, vegetables, grains, and plant proteins recommended by your renal dietitian.<\/span><\/p>\n

Sodium<\/span><\/h3>\n

Sodium<\/a> is a natural preservative that is used to prevent food spoilage.\u00a0 Too much sodium can affect the cardiovascular system and kidneys by increasing blood pressure, thus increasing the workload on these systems.\u00a0 Read product labels and ingredient lists to check for added sodium. To manage your CKD, it is recommended to keep your sodium intake to no more than 1500 mg\/day, no matter the source of sodium.<\/span><\/p>\n

Fibre<\/span><\/h3>\n

Fruits, vegetables, and many plant based proteins provide fibre which is essential for regular bowel function, lowering cholesterol, hunger satiety, and maintaining healthy gut bacteria for digestion and nutrient absorption.\u00a0 The recommended fibre intake for adults is between 25-35 grams\/day.<\/span><\/p>\n

Prepackaged\/Prepared Plant Based Foods<\/span><\/h3>\n

A growing number of prepackaged and prepared plant based foods are available at the grocery store.\u00a0 These items may not be as healthy as they portray themselves to be depending on how processed they are.\u00a0 Processing can decrease their quality of nutrition, protein and fibre content, and they may contain increased amounts of added sodium, phosphates, and other additives<\/a>.\u00a0 Read their Nutrition Facts Labels and their ingredient lists to be sure they are a nutritious choice for you.<\/span><\/p>\n

With some planning and consultation with your renal team, your renal dietitian can help you optimize your choices, advise you on cooking methods, and suggest recipes\/cookbooks for a delicious, nutritious, and balanced plant based renal diet.<\/span><\/p>\n

Disclaimer<\/h4>\n

The content of this article is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. KidneyChef urges you to seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding any medical condition. KidneyChef advises you to never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the Website.<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or local emergency service immediately. KidneyChef does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on the website. KidneyChef does not guarantee the accuracy of information on the Website and reliance on any information provided by KidneyChef is solely at your own risk.<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n