Having been diagnosed with parenchymal kidney disease 5 years ago, the prospect of dialysis within a year motivated me to read and explore options in high gear. I settled on a raw fruit/vegetable ONLY diet, and have been delighted with the outcome. No further kidney deterioration has occurred since making this shift. Proteinuria has decreased to slightly more than trace and creatinine clearance levels are constant. (my kidneys are operating at about 50%) What is confusing for me is the lack of interest by nephrologists (I've written dozens) I acknowledge that such a restricted diet is difficult to follow, but surely patients who continue to have some renal functioning would want to know of this option. It seems shocking that the nephrology community is not interesting in studying the benefits of raw only and is not communicating to patients this option. I invite discussion. Why?... no money for drug companies? no research grants?... maybe some vegetable growers organizations whould fund some research. thanks michael
Just out of curiousity how are you supplying the essential amino acids; I've read they are much better absorbed through dietary measures as opposed to supplements. Have you had any "muscle wasting"?
My former Neph, Dr. Jorge Presser, now recently retired is personally a vegetarian, macrobiotic I believe. He never preached the benefits of protein (meat) restriction. I have read of this benefit in pre- esrd. If you can't find a Neph with similar interests I can try to put you in touch with him. Maybe try his name in Medline search for articles. Also Omega-3 shows benefits in pre-esrd.
Prior to starting dialysis I was for several years on a low protein diet. Limiting (but not restricting) protein has been shown to be beneficial. However, one must be very carefull to properly combine foods to gain all the amino acids. Many people think that they are limiting protein by not eating meat, but a vegetarian diet can also contain large amounts of protein. All protein contains nitrogenous waste and creates urea, and that is bad for the kidneys, and in fact vegetable sources have higher concentrations! In fact, now that I'm on diaysis I'm told that I have to limit vegetable sources of protein because of the high phosphorus and nitrogen. You need to work with a VERY EXPERIENCED renal dietician.
