After 40: Is vegetarianism really good for the kidneys?

After age 40, kidney function begins to decline due to the natural aging process, along with an increased risk of high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes. For the kidneys, good nutrition is important for long-term health.

Many studies have shown that a plant-based diet can reduce the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD). For example, a study published in the Journal of Renal Nutrition found that a vegetarian diet helps lower blood pressure and control blood sugar, two major factors that cause kidney damage, according to the UK health website Medical News Today .

A vegetarian diet with green vegetables and other plants is beneficial for the kidneys because it reduces glomerular filtration pressure.

PHOTO: AI

Vegetarian diets are often high in potassium, magnesium, fiber, and antioxidants, which reduce inflammation and improve blood vessel function. This benefits the kidneys by reducing glomerular filtration pressure.

In addition, being vegetarian also means reducing, or even eliminating meat for vegans, thereby reducing the amount of animal protein. Eating a lot of animal protein increases the amount of uric acid and phosphorus in the body, increasing the risk of kidney stones and gout. Therefore, reducing animal protein also helps reduce the risk of these two diseases.

In contrast, plant proteins such as soybeans, lentils, and chickpeas are often easier to digest, produce less nitrogen and less acid during metabolism, thereby reducing pressure on the kidneys. After the age of 40, when kidney function begins to decline, replacing some animal protein with plant protein is a useful choice to protect the kidneys in the long term.

Vegetarianism reduces the risk of kidney complications in diabetic patients

In addition, for people over 40, type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure are the two leading causes of kidney disease. Many scientific evidences show that vegetarianism helps improve these two factors.

Research published in the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology shows that a plant-based diet helps control blood sugar better, reducing the risk of kidney complications in diabetic patients. At the same time, plants are rich in fiber and naturally low in sodium, helping to lower blood pressure, reducing the burden on the kidneys. For people over 40, a reasonable vegetarian diet contributes to maintaining stable blood pressure and reducing the risk of developing kidney disease in the future.

Despite its many benefits, a vegetarian diet does come with certain risks if not properly balanced. A major concern with a vegetarian diet is the lack of high-quality protein. Protein is essential for maintaining muscle mass, especially in middle-aged and elderly people.

Additionally, vegetarians are more likely to be deficient in vitamin B12, iron, zinc, and omega-3s from fish. These nutrients are essential for overall health, including kidney health. Deficiencies can affect the immune system, blood production, and anti-inflammatory abilities, according to Medical News Today .

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/sau-40-tuoi-an-chay-co-thuc-su-tot-cho-than-185250919234940633.htm