A recent clinical study showed that following a diet rich in fruits and vegetables may help limit complications associated with chronic kidney disease and reduce the need for hospitalization and dialysis, compared to standard medical care.
The scientific website Medical Xpress reported on Thursday that the study conducted by researchers from the US-based Baylor Scott & White Health organization included 108 adults with stage 3 chronic kidney disease and metabolic acidosis, and followed their condition over a period of ten years.
Comparison between the three groups
Researchers divided the participants into three equal groups; the first group followed a diet rich in fruits and vegetables with the aim of reducing the acid load from food by 50 percent, the second group took sodium bicarbonate to achieve a similar reduction, while the third group received standard care.
The results showed 14 hospital admissions in the fruits and vegetables group, compared to 64 cases in the standard care group, and the number of emergency department visits was 20 visits in the first group, compared to 88 visits in the third group.
Treatment results and dialysis
Regarding the need for dialysis, four patients in the fruits and vegetables group required this procedure, compared to 16 patients in the standard care group, and the sodium bicarbonate group did not show a clear improvement compared to the standard care group in these results.
Researchers pointed out the need for additional studies to confirm the results, emphasizing the importance of medical supervision when modifying the diet of kidney patients, especially since some of them need to adjust potassium levels, and that following a specific diet does not replace prescribed medications.
The study results are scheduled to be presented during the annual meeting of the American Society of Nephrology "Kidney Week 2026", which will be held in the US city of Denver between October 22 and 25.
Source: Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA)
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