A systematic review and meta-analysis of studies of chronic kidney disease [CKD] patients, over a ten year period, offers help and hope for those living with this condition.

According to an article in the Journal of Renal Nutrition, in November of 2025, researchers examined twenty nine studies of the outcomes of CKD adult patients consuming plant based diets for 10 years. The studies determined consuming a diet of mostly plant foods can result in reduced blood pressure.

The association of reduced blood pressure and a plant based diet is good news for those with CKD. The kidneys are a massive filtration system using their delicate blood vessels. Elevated blood pressure increases the stress/pressure on the fragile walls of those blood vessels, which can damage them over time. Reducing that pressure can result in a better quality of life.

Eating more plant foods than animal products can add important potassium to the diet which helps to release extra fluids from the body, lowering the blood volume, which reduces the pressure against the walls of all blood vessels. Eating fewer animal products, should reduce the body’s cholesterol levels, which leads to less plaque lining blood vessel walls, meaning less hardening of the arteries, keeping them elastic and allowing improved blood flow.

When a patient is told s/he has chronic kidney disease, it can feel as if they have lost some control over an important aspect of their health. This article offers hope and concrete suggestions for slowing the process that has led to their condition. Once again, Mother Nature provides a colorful array of plant foods that provide a path to better health. Think sweet potatoes, beets, dark green leafy vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, the beans [legumes], and do include tender/flaky salmon.

Remember, before making any dietary changes, always first check with your kidney, renal, specialist. Enjoy and be well.

Dateline: Town of Colonie, Albany County, The Capital Region of New York State.