The Emerging Benefits of a Plant-Forward Approach to the Chronic Kidney Disease Diet

The traditional 'renal' diet has been overly restrictive, excluding foods that have healthful benefits (beyond treatment of renal disease) in the treatment of diabetes, heart disease and the prevention of cancer, to name a few comorbidities. The overly restrictive nature of the renal diet lends to high levels of patient dissatisfaction and difficulties in long-term adherence.

There is emerging research indicating the benefit of plant-based foods in the treatment of chronic kidney disease and this will alter how we approach this population in provision of MNT. This session incorporates a review of the growing literature and how to integrate plant-based protein into the renal diet and potentially delay the progression of kidney disease.

CPE Level: Level 2
CPEU: 1.0

Performance Indicators

• 4.1.2 Interprets and integrates evidence-based research and literature in decision making.
• 6.2.5 Applies research/evidence-based findings to improve practice, service delivery, and health and nutrition of customers.
• 9.4.5 Implements an individualized teaching plan in order to promote, maintain and enhance nutritional health and learning.

Learning Objectives

• Recognize CKD (Chronic Kidney Disease) is an increasing major public health dilemma with both clinical, societal and psychosocial implications that can be alleviated through MNT (Medical Nutrition Therapy)
• Evaluate, interpret and integrate the currently available evidence on inclusion of plant-based foods in the CKD diet
• Implement plant-based protein in the renal diet to make the greatest dietary impact in slowing the progression of CKD while optimizing biochemical parameters and quality of life

Speakers

• Annamarie Rodriguez
• Kam Kalantar-Zadeh