Dietary Restrictions to Prolong the Life of a Kidney Transplant

[Falkenhayn]

It has been found that if patients substitute soya or some vegetable source for the animal proteins they normally eat and severely restrict the amount of salt they normally consume they can significantly slow the decline of renal transplants. From personal experience I can say that such a diet really takes the pleasure out of eating, but given that dialysis, in my experience, at least, is such a horrible way to live, I am trying to discipline myself to follow it. Has anyone else tried this diet and gotten any good results with it?

[Hidden]

I wish I could do that, but too much vegetables for me make my potassium go up. I am one of the odd ones that also has such horrible low blood pressure that they keep telling me to eat more salt. I have heard that this really works for people, though.

[Kbressler]

I don’t know of any long term significant nutritional studies that indicate changing to a soy based diet of protein is impactful. I have had my brothers kidney for 32 years and have been on no special diet ever. I have chosen moderation over extreme dieting and it has served me well. I have nothing against substitution of proteins do what is best for you. A reduction in salt consumption is the gold standard for blood pressure control along with anti hypertensives so that is a must.

[Falkenhayn in reply to Kbressler]

There are a few encouraging studies, for example:

World J Nephrol. 2016 May 6;5(3):233-57. doi: 10.5527/wjn.v5.i3.233.

Soy-based renoprotection.

McGraw NJ1, Krul ES1, Grunz-Borgmann E1, Parrish AR1.

Abstract

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a significant public health problem as risk factors such as advanced age, obesity, hypertension and diabetes rise in the global population. Currently there are no effective pharmacologic treatments for this disease. The role of diet is important for slowing the progression of CKD and managing symptoms in later stages of renal insufficiency. While low protein diets are generally recommended, maintaining adequate levels of intake is critical for health. There is an increasing appreciation that the source of protein may also be important. Soybean protein has been the most extensively studied plant-based protein in subjects with kidney disease and has demonstrated renal protective properties in a number of clinical studies. Soy protein consumption has been shown to slow the decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate and significantly improve proteinuria in diabetic and non-diabetic patients with nephropathy. Soy's beneficial effects on renal function may also result from its impact on certain physiological risk factors for CKD such as dyslipidemia, hypertension and hyperglycemia. Soy intake is also associated with improvements in antioxidant status and systemic inflammation in early and late stage CKD patients. Studies conducted in animal models have helped to identify the underlying molecular mechanisms that may play a role in the positive effects of soy protein on renal parameters in polycystic kidney disease, metabolically-induced kidney dysfunction and age-associated progressive nephropathy. Despite the established relationship between soy and renoprotection, further studies are needed for a clear understanding of the role of the cellular and molecular target(s) of soy protein in maintaining renal function.

[Dara3351]

While I was waiting for a kidney to become available I went on a plant based diet. No meat or dairy. My kidneys became stable. I have since done a food sensitivity test. I found out that I am sensitive to asparagus, egg whites, ginger, garlic, chicken, crab, and pineapple. Eliminating these foods from my diet I no longer have been having any vomiting episodes. I also now do you not eat foods high in oxalates because I don’t feel like having kidney stones or gallstones. I learned a long time ago I don’t eat just to eat, I eat to nourish my body and make wise food choices.

[Kbressler]

I want you to know that I respect everyone’s opinion about what they do with their body. I will say that I have spent my life since transplant practicing a regime of moderation. That is moderation in all aspects of my life. Over indulging is not a viable option but quality of life is and again that is me. I again maintain that extremes in diet must be avoided. What has been successful for me is moderation. At 69 years old and transplanted for over 32 years I am happy with my outcomes and expect to live this life to the fullest. Each of us has options and we all make our own decisions. Those decisions effect our long term survival.

[gardengirl97301]

I’m a firm believer in plant based eating.

[Dara3351]

Prior to my transplant my nephrologist urged me to eat no meat or dairy. I hired a dietitian who was fabulous! My diet was based on my lab results! Plant based was easy for me! I stopped eating red meat years ago. Chicken and fish were ok but I ate them occasionally but learned to eat jackfruit, seitan, tofu, chickpeas, tempeh and other vegetarian/ vegan substitutes. One of my favorite meals was a baked potato and a great salad! I even was introduced to carrot hot dogs! The texture was similar to a real hotdog! Who knew? It’s a adjustment! From junk food to healthy eating!