Is consuming kidney beneficial for renal health?

Consuming Kidney Is Not Beneficial for Renal Health

Eating kidney is not recommended for improving kidney health and may potentially worsen kidney function in those with or at risk for kidney disease. 1

Why Kidney Consumption Is Not Beneficial for Kidney Health

Protein Content and Kidney Function

• Animal organ meats like kidney are high in protein, and high protein intake (>0.8 g/kg/day) has been associated with:
  • Increased albuminuria
  • More rapid kidney function loss
  • Higher cardiovascular mortality 1
• The National Kidney Foundation and American Diabetes Association recommend maintaining protein intake at 0.8 g/kg body weight per day for people with non-dialysis dependent chronic kidney disease (CKD) 1

Animal Protein vs. Plant Protein

• Western diets high in animal protein negatively affect kidney disease progression 1
• Animal-derived proteins produce higher acid loads compared to plant proteins, which can contribute to metabolic acidosis and accelerate kidney function decline 2
• Plant-based proteins have been shown to be less detrimental to kidney function compared to animal proteins 3

Phosphorus Content

• Kidney meat contains high levels of phosphorus
• Animal-derived phosphorus has higher bioavailability (more readily absorbed) than plant phosphorus 3
• High phosphorus intake is associated with faster CKD progression and increased mortality 1
• Most patients with CKD consume excess phosphorus (59-70% above recommended goals) 4

Sodium Content

• Processed organ meats often contain high sodium levels
• Dietary sodium restriction to <2,300 mg/day is recommended for CKD patients to manage blood pressure and reduce cardiovascular risk 1
• High sodium intake contributes to sodium retention, hypertension, and kidney function decline as renal function worsens 1

What Diet IS Recommended for Kidney Health

Recommended Dietary Pattern

• Plant-dominant, Mediterranean-style diet is recommended for kidney health 2
• Focus on:
  • Vegetables and fruits
  • Whole grains and fiber
  • Legumes and plant-based proteins
  • Unsaturated fats and nuts 2

Specific Recommendations

1. Protein intake: Maintain at 0.8 g/kg body weight per day for non-dialysis CKD patients 1
2. Sodium intake: Restrict to <2 g sodium per day (<5 g salt/day) 1, 2
3. Phosphorus management: Choose plant sources of phosphorus over animal sources 3
4. Increase fiber intake: Higher fiber diets strengthen intestinal barrier and reduce inflammation, which is linked to faster kidney disease progression 1

Foods to Avoid

• Red and processed meats (including organ meats like kidney)
• Refined carbohydrates
• Sweetened beverages
• Ultra-processed foods 2, 5

Common Pitfalls in Kidney Nutrition

1. Misconception about "like supports like": The idea that eating an organ helps the corresponding organ in your body is not supported by scientific evidence
2. Focusing only on nutrients rather than dietary quality: Overall dietary pattern matters more than individual nutrients 5
3. Overrestriction of certain foods: Excessive restriction of plant foods to prevent hyperkalemia may deprive patients of beneficial effects of plant-based diets 3
4. Knowledge vs. adherence gap: Studies show that even when patients know about dietary restrictions, adherence remains poor, suggesting the need for better counseling approaches 4

In conclusion, rather than consuming kidney to support kidney health, focus on a balanced, plant-dominant diet with moderate protein intake, limited sodium, and adequate fiber to promote optimal kidney function.