1 in 12 People Has Chronic Kidney Disease! These 5 Eating Habits Increase The Risk, Please Check Yourself!
Aug 31, 2024
In recent years, people have paid a lot of attention to the "four highs" (high blood sugar, high blood pressure, high blood lipids, and high uric acid), but perhaps the attention paid to chronic kidney disease is not as common as the actual prevalence of the disease.
01 Chronic kidney disease is more common than you think
The results of the sixth China Chronic Disease and Risk Factor Surveillance showed that in 2018-2019, an estimated 82 million adults in my country had chronic kidney disease, with a prevalence of 8.2%, which means that about one in 12 people suffer from chronic kidney disease [1].
Click to Cistanche for kidney disease
This nationally representative cross-sectional study included data from 184,876 adults from 31 provincial administrative regions in China. The criteria for chronic kidney disease were impaired renal function (eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73m2) or proteinuria (urine albumin to creatinine ratio ≥ 30 mg/g).
Among adults with chronic kidney disease, 73.3%, 25.0%, and 1.8% were in stage 1-2, stage 3, and stage 4-5, respectively.
However, in fact, only 10% of the sick people know that they are sick. Although the other people have abnormal indicators, they are not aware of it.
02 Closely related to other chronic diseases
Chronic kidney disease is actually closely related to many other diseases. Obesity, hypertension, insulin resistance, diabetes, hyperuricemia, etc. are all risk factors for chronic kidney disease.
1 Obesity Let's start with obesity, especially the "swimming ring" around the waist - central obesity, which is the number one public enemy of chronic kidney disease. Imagine that those rebellious fat cells in the body not only like to make small moves, causing inflammation and oxidation battles, but also directly impact innocent kidney cells, greatly reducing kidney function. In addition, obesity is also related to insulin resistance, which further increases the risk of chronic kidney disease.
2 Diabetes Diabetes can increase blood sugar, like constantly bombarding the glomeruli with sugar. Over time, the kidney's filtration system will collapse, leading to the so-called diabetic nephropathy. 3 Hypertension Hypertension is like a tireless pump that constantly puts pressure on the glomeruli. Such high-intensity work can only eventually tire the glomeruli, resulting in the breakdown of both structure and function. 4 High uric acid High uric acid will quietly create a "uric acid crystal palace" inside the kidneys through urate crystals. The sharp crystals will scratch our fragile kidneys. After suffering from chronic kidney disease, the outlet of uric acid will become narrower. If it cannot be discharged, it will further increase blood uric acid, entering a vicious cycle.
Because of these associations, the dietary factors that increase the risk of these chronic diseases also affect the risk of chronic kidney disease.
Let's first talk about which factors in the diet are related to the increased risk of chronic kidney disease for generally healthy adults, and how to eat to help prevent it. Then, we will introduce what people who already have chronic kidney disease should pay attention to in their diet.
03 Which eating habits are related to the increased risk of chronic kidney disease
The following dietary factors have been found to be associated with an increased risk of chronic kidney disease [2-3].
No.1 Eating too much animal protein
The impact of protein on the risk of chronic kidney disease should be discussed from two aspects: the total amount of protein and the type of protein.
Total protein
You may have heard that eating too much protein can cause the kidneys to overload and thus impair renal function. This is not accurate. In fact, for healthy people with normal renal function, there is currently no sufficient evidence to show that a high-protein diet (daily intake of ≥1.5g protein per kg body weight) will have an adverse effect on renal function [4].
However, the above conclusion is based on normal renal function. For people with impaired renal function, a high-protein diet can indeed aggravate the problem.
Protein type
If we look at different protein types separately, there is data showing that excessive intake of animal protein is associated with an increased risk of chronic kidney disease, but plant protein is not.
The reason may be that the intake of animal protein also brings about a higher intake of sulfate and phosphorus. These substances produce acidic metabolites during metabolism, which increases the filtration and excretion burden of the kidneys. The intake of plant protein is accompanied by lower sulfate and phosphorus but can bring a lot of dietary fiber and antioxidants.
In fact, it is not just about looking at these two types of protein, but the overall dietary pattern.
In a healthy diet, animal protein intake is moderate and plant-based foods are abundant. Such a diet is usually accompanied by more health benefits, such as reducing inflammation, improving blood sugar control and blood pressure levels, which help reduce the risk of various chronic diseases, including chronic kidney disease.
However, a diet with excessive animal protein intake is usually not just a problem, but also accompanied by excessive energy, excessive fat, too little dietary fiber, etc., which overall leads to an increased risk of chronic diseases.
No.2 Too much salt
Long-term high-salt (sodium salt) diet is associated with an increased risk of chronic kidney disease.
I believe that everyone can understand this through the previous explanation. Excessive salt intake increases the risk of high blood pressure, and high blood pressure and chronic kidney disease promote each other.
Here is a preview. Next Tuesday, I will post an article to introduce some ways to reduce salt at home.
No.3 Too much fat
High-fat diet, especially animal fat and fried food intake, is associated with an increased risk of chronic kidney disease.
This may be mainly related to the excessive energy intake they bring. Long-term high-fat diet may lead to obesity and increase the risk of metabolic syndrome such as high blood pressure and diabetes, which are all known risk factors for chronic kidney disease.
No.4 Eating too much sugar
Studies have shown that high-sugar beverages in the Western diet, especially those containing a lot of fructose, may be associated with an increased risk of kidney disease.
This may also be caused by the association between obesity, insulin resistance and diabetes risk.
No.5 Eating too few fruits and vegetables
Insufficient intake of fruits and vegetables has also been found to be associated with an increased risk of chronic kidney disease.
Fruits and vegetables are rich in fiber, antioxidants and trace elements, which help reduce the level of inflammatory markers and reduce kidney damage. Insufficient intake may lead to a lack of these protective factors.
04 How should ordinary people eat to prevent it?
In fact, although the previous points have been split into several parts, they are still a question of overall dietary pattern.
From an overall perspective:
People who are closer to a healthy dietary pattern (i.e., more intake of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fish, low-fat dairy products, etc.) have a significantly lower risk of chronic kidney disease; people who are closer to a Western dietary pattern (i.e., more intake of red meat, processed meat, refined grains, desserts, high-fat dairy products, etc.) have a significantly higher risk of chronic kidney disease [2].
So for ordinary people to prevent it, they just need to follow a healthy dietary pattern. For example, the Mediterranean diet and the DASH diet have been proven to be helpful in preventing and improving a variety of chronic diseases. The common principles are high dietary fiber, limited saturated fat, sugar control, and salt control.
For more specific food choices, you can see the best diet pattern article that I update every year: The best diet ranking of 2024 is here! The first one is it! Choose it to prevent stupidity!
05 How should I eat if I already have chronic kidney disease?
So what should people who already have chronic kidney disease pay attention to in their diet?
In fact, among patients with chronic kidney disease in my country, the malnutrition rate is very high, reaching 22.5% to 58.5%. Being sick does not mean that you can't eat anything, and you need to arrange your diet reasonably.
Combined with the 2021 version of the "Clinical Practice Guidelines for Nutritional Treatment of Chronic Kidney Disease in China", I will give you a brief summary of some key points.
Listen to the opinions of professionals in a timely manner
First of all, chronic kidney disease is divided into different types. From the perspective of nutritional intervention, it is also necessary to make adjustments based on specific biochemical indicators, muscle mass, weight, etc.
Professional training is needed behind the scenes, so please be sure to see a doctor in time and follow the advice of doctors and nutritionists.
And you should also focus on monitoring protein intake and energy intake, and monitor the condition at least once every 3 months.
For the mildest type of patients, that is, patients with chronic kidney disease stage 1~2 and no diabetes, the following points should be taken seriously:
Total calories
Energy is also very important. It is recommended to ensure sufficient energy. The weight should remain relatively stable in the near future, with a change of no more than 5%. If you are overweight or obese, you should pay attention to losing weight.
Calorie intake is more suitable for 30~35kcal/kg ideal body weight. If you are obese, reduce calories to 1500kcal.
For elderly patients, daily calories can be reduced to 30kcal/kg body weight.
Protein
Protein should be controlled, and both quantity and quality should be paid attention to
Quantity
Patients should avoid daily protein intake exceeding 1.3g/kg body weight.
If it is a stage 1~2 patient with non-persistent large amounts of proteinuria, the recommended protein intake is 0.8g/kg body weight.
However, it is not recommended to take less than 0.6g/kg body weight per day. If there is a lot of proteinuria, it is recommended that the protein intake is 0.7g/kg body weight, and ketoacid treatment is added.
Quality
In addition to protein intake, the quality of dietary protein also causes renal progression in patients with diabetic kidney disease (DKD) stage 3-5.
For example, a large amount of red meat intake in the diet is associated with an increased risk, and it is dose-dependent. If fish, eggs, and dairy products are increased, the risk of renal failure can be reduced.
By increasing the proportion of soy protein, such as 35% animal protein, 35% bean protein, and 30% vegetable protein, the patient's urine protein level can be significantly reduced.
Some studies have also shown that adding a high proportion of plant protein to the dietary protein structure can reduce the mortality rate of diabetic patients with chronic kidney disease stage 3-5.
Pay attention to salt control
Generally speaking, the daily sodium intake in the diet should not exceed 2g, which is 5g in salt.
If you are a patient with persistent hyperkalemia, you should limit your potassium intake in the diet.
If you also have diabetes, be careful that it is not recommended to control salt too low, such as less than 3g per day. Some studies have shown that a strict low-sodium diet may reduce insulin sensitivity, reduce sugar metabolism, and may cause a series of hormonal and nervous system effects.
Remember to eat more fruits and vegetables
In general, patients in stage 1-2 should eat more fruits and vegetables in moderation to reduce the production of net acid. Compared with taking sodium bicarbonate, rich fruits and vegetables can also help reduce kidney damage in patients.
How Does Cistanche Treat Kidney Disease?
Cistanche is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine used for centuries to treat various health conditions, including kidney disease. It is derived from the dried stems of Cistanche deserticola, a plant native to the deserts of China and Mongolia. The main active components of cistanche are phenylethanoid glycosides, echinacoside, and acteoside, which have been found to have beneficial effects on kidney health.
Kidney disease, also known as renal disease, refers to a condition in which the kidneys are not functioning properly. This can result in a buildup of waste products and toxins in the body, leading to various symptoms and complications. Cistanche may help treat kidney disease ase through several mechanisms.
Firstly, cistanche has been found to have diuretic properties, meaning it can increase urine production and help eliminate waste products from the body. This can help relieve the burden on the kidneys and prevent the buildup of toxins. By promoting diuresis, cistanche may also help Reduce high blood pressure, a common complication of kidney disease.
Moreover, cistanche has been shown to have antioxidant effects. Oxidative stress, caused by an imbalance between the production of free radicals and the body's antioxidant defenses, plays a key role in the progression of kidney disease. ies help neutralize free radicals and reduce Oxidative stress, thereby protecting the kidneys from damage. The phenylethanoid glycosides found in cistanche have been particularly effective in scavenging free radicals and inhibiting lipid peroxidation.
Additionally, cistanche has been found to have anti-inflammatory effects. Inflammation is another key factor in the development and progression of kidney disease. Cistanche's anti-inflammatory properties help reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and inhibit the activation of inflammation mandatory pathways, thus alleviating inflammation in the kidneys.
Furthermore, cistanche has been shown to have immunomodulatory effects. In kidney disease, the immune system can be dysregulated, leading to excessive inflammation and tissue damage. Cistanche helps regulate the immune response by modulating the production and activity of immune cells, such as T cells and macrophages. This immune regulation helps reduce inflammation and prevent further damage to the kidneys.
Moreover, cistanche has been found to improve renal function by promoting the regeneration of renal tubes with cells. Renal tubular epithelial cells play a crucial role in the filtration and reabsorption of waste products and electrolytes. In kidney disease, these cells can be damaged, leading to damaged renal function. Cistanche's ability to promote the regeneration of these cells helps restore proper renal function and improve overall kidney health.
In addition to these direct effects on the kidneys, cistanche has been found to have beneficial effects on other organs and systems in the body. This holistic approach to health is particularly important in kidney disease, as the condition often affects multiple organs and systems. che has been shown to have protective effects on the liver, heart, and blood vessels, which are commonly affected by kidney disease. By promoting the health of these organs, cistanche helps improve overall kidney function and prevent further complications.
In conclusion, cistanche is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine used for centuries to treat kidney disease. Its active components have diuretic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and regenerative effects, which help improve renal function and protect the kidneys from further damage. , cistanche has beneficial effects on other organs and systems, making it a holistic approach to treating kidney disease.
