People with diabetes are at greater risk of chronic kidney disease. A new study shows, however, that a healthful diet can cut that risk significantly.
The 6,213 participants in the six-year-long trial all had type 2 diabetes, but none had kidney disease at the start. Their diets were assessed through the modified Alternate Healthy Eating Index, a standardized way of scoring an internationally validated food frequency questionnaire. The researchers were especially interested in sodium, protein and alcohol intake, as well as fruits and vegetables.
Compared to people who scored lowest on the dietary index, the healthy eaters were 25% less likely to develop kidney disease and 40% less likely to die during the study. The researchers found that sodium intake made no difference on the risk for developing kidney problems. Those who consumed more animal protein and fewer high-carb foods were somewhat less likely to end up with chronic kidney disease. Moderate alcohol intake was also protective, along with fruits and leafy green vegetables.
If you wonder how to prepare veggies and fruits so they are delicious as well as healthful, check out our book, Recipes & Remedies from The People’s Pharmacy.
