The foods and drinks you give your body could be affecting your kidneys’ ability to keep you safe and healthy. drinking excessive amounts of soda Y alcohol could do real harm while eating foods high in potassium Y protein can help protect these vital organs. Now, New evidence suggests that after a Mediterranean diet—one with plenty of extra virgin olive oil— could help preserve kidney function, especially for those who have dealt with heart problems in the past.
The study, published earlier this month in the journal Clinical Nutrition, also known as the official journal of ESPEN (European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism), examined a group of more than 1,000 patients with coronary heart disease (specifically those who suffered a coronary event six months ago or more). The researchers assigned half of these participants to follow a Mediterranean diet rich in extra virgin olive oil and the other half follow a diet low in fat and rich in complex carbohydrates.
“Our main findings are that long-term consumption of a Mediterranean diet, a [that is] rich in monounsaturated fats from olive oil, compared to a low-fat diet, slows and preserves kidney function in those with coronary heart disease,” says study co-author Elena Yubero Serrano, PhD. Eat this, not that!
In fact, the study found that both diets were linked to better kidney function, although the positive effect was significantly more pronounced with the high-EVOO Mediterranean diet.
Related: The 15 best recipes of the Mediterranean diet
Maintaining kidney health is key for people with coronary heart disease because the kidneys don’t just remove waste and excess fluid. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, part of the National Institutes of Health of the US Department of Health and Human Services, also play a key role in your heart health: Kidney damage can contribute to high blood pressure. So it might be worth taking care of your kidneys, if you’re worried about your heart.
“If you’re new to the Mediterranean diet and lifestyle, start small,” Julie Andrews, MS, RDN, CD, FAND, Owner of The Healthy Epicurean, suggests. “Set goals like trying to eat more fruits and vegetables and cutting back on processed meat. Then aim to eat more omega-3-rich fish and shellfish.”
“Then switch your grains to 100% whole grains and shoot for more beans,” adds Andrews. “Setting small goals, one or two at a time, can help you implement and maintain a healthier lifestyle over time.”
On the other hand, for foods you should probably cut back on, check out these Popular Foods That May Cause Lasting Damage to Your Kidneys, Science Says.
