A Mediterranean diet rich in vegetables, fruit, legumes, olive oil and fish seems to keep kidneys healthy. A community-based study examined the diets of 900 volunteers who were followed for almost 7 years.
Those whose eating patterns most closely resembled a Mediterranean diet were 50 percent less likely to develop chronic kidney disease. A Mediterranean-style diet is also beneficial for preventing diabetes, protecting the brain and reducing the risk of heart disease.
One of the most challenging aspects of the diet for many Americans is to forego desserts except for very rare occasions. Sugar and refined flour have no place in a Mediterranean diet.
There is information on how to follow a Mediterranean diet (along with delicious recipes, such as the one for Lentil Nut Loaf with Red Pepper Sauce) in our book, The People’s Pharmacy Quick & Handy Home Remedies.
[Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, online Oct 29, 2014]
