The definition of plant-based diets varies, but the term typically means a diet high in grains, vegetarian protein sources, fruits, and vegetables. Plant-based diets are sometimes vegan or simply lower in animal products than the typical diet of most people, especially meats and cow's milk dairy sources.
To eat a more plant-based diet, you'll need to experiment more with plant-based protein sources. Read on to learn more about the potential benefits of incorporating plant-based protein into your diet if you have CKD, which sources of plant proteins to look for, and other factors to consider.
Potential benefits of a plant-based diet for people with CKD
A growing amount of research suggests that diets high in plant foods and low in animal products may positively impact kidney function. In one study of 900 participants, plant-based diets were associated with a 12% lower risk of decline in glomerular filtration rate (the test that says how well your kidneys are filtering) compared with meat-based diets.
A recent study with 2,539 participants with CKD examined the effects of a plant-based diet on all-cause mortality (death from any cause) and the progression of kidney disease. Researchers found that eating a healthy plant-based diet was associated with a reduced risk of dying from any cause.
Interestingly, though, the researchers found that eating an unhealthy plant-based diet was associated with an increased risk of CKD progression and all-cause mortality. An unhealthy plant-based diet is much like an unhealthy animal protein diet: high in refined grains, fruit juices, sugary drinks, sweets, and desserts and low in plant foods that contain fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
In addition to these specific kidney benefits, healthy plant-based diets also:
- Lower the risk of diabetes and diabetes complications
- Help control blood pressure
- Lower cholesterol levels
- May help you maintain your weight
- Increase your intake of nutrients, including fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins
Plant-based protein choices
All of the below foods are good sources of plant-based protein:
- Beans
- Lentils
- Unsalted nuts, seeds, and nut butters
- Edamame (young green soybeans)
- Tempeh
- Tofu
- Soy milk
- Whole grains high in protein, like quinoa
If you've never tried some of these options, try a new recipe or two to learn how to prepare them deliciously. Tempeh and tofu are typically found in the grocery store's refrigerator section, while edamame is normally available in the freezer section, either in the shell or unshelled. Plant-based proteins, especially in simpler, unprocessed forms, tend to cost less than animal proteins, so experimenting with plant proteins may help with your budget.
How to choose and prepare plant-based proteins
Use the same principles when choosing plant-based proteins that you would use to select animal protein choices that fit into your CKD diet.
- Read the food labels to choose options lower in sodium.
- Aim for less processed options, such as low or no sodium added canned beans, lentils, or tofu. These will be lower in sodium than processed vegetarian burgers, tofu hot dogs, or prepared products from the freezer section, though some prepared protein sources may work in your diet sometimes, too.
- Prepare plant-based protein dishes from scratch whenever possible to limit added sodium and enjoy foods closer to their whole form.
- Take care to use small amounts of high-sodium sauces, like soy sauce, teriyaki, or salad dressing. Instead, add flavor with a squeeze of lemon or lime, hot sauce, or low-sodium seasoning blends.
- Prepare plant-based proteins in healthy ways. Use olive oil to saute vegetables and plant proteins. Limit fried plant and animal foods.
- Limit plant-based cheeses or butter, as they tend to be high in sodium just like cow's milk-based cheeses
How to increase plants in your diet gradually
If you're not ready for a complete change to a plant-based diet, try adding more plants to your regular diet in place of some animal foods.
- Try one or two meatless dinners per week. Try beans or lentils instead of ground meat in a rice or pasta dish, or add edamame or cubed tofu to a stir fry instead of chicken or beef.
- If you're not ready to have a meatless meal, decrease the amount of meat on your plate while adding in some plant-based protein to the dish.
- Add an extra serving of vegetables to your lunch and dinner .
- Try plant-based milk in place of cow's milk, like macadamia, almond, soy, rice, or oat milk.
- Snack on fresh fruit and a small serving of nuts in place of a meat or cheese stick.
- Instead of eggs or meat for breakfast, try oatmeal with chopped fruit and a spoonful of nuts and seeds or dried coconut on top for crunch.
- Consider incorporating some principles of the DASH diet or Mediterranean diet, since both options incorporate more plants than a typical American diet.
Use caution
Consider the following key nutrients if switching to a more plant-based diet. If you currently have dietary restrictions prescribed by your medical team, check in with your healthcare team or registered dietitian before significantly changing your diet.
Protein
If you're eating various plants throughout the day, plant-based protein sources are nutritionally adequate and should provide high enough quality protein to meet protein needs for various stages of CKD. Some healthcare providers may want to ensure you're still eating enough protein if you switch to all plant-based protein sources, so check in with your own team to make sure your new diet is ok for you.
Potassium
Many plant-based foods, including some processed vegetarian proteins, fruits, and vegetables, are high in potassium. Potassium intake could be dangerous to increase suddenly in the later stages of CKD. Use extra caution if you've been instructed to limit your potassium intake.
Phosphorus
Keep in mind that plant-based foods contain less bioavailable phosphorus than animal-based foods, so you'll absorb less of the phosphorus in a plant-based protein source or food. Eating plant-based protein sources may help you control your phosphorus levels, but check with a dietitian if you need help to fit this into your plan or restrictions.
