DASH Diet
The DASH diet can benefit early-stage chronic kidney disease by reducing blood pressure and slowing disease progression, though modifications may be needed for advanced stages. The diet's emphasis on blood pressure control is crucial since hypertension is both a cause and consequence of kidney disease. However, potassium and phosphorus intake may need monitoring in later stages of CKD, requiring individualized modifications to the standard DASH approach.
View all 69 DASH Diet recipes
Confidence: Moderate
Key foods: Skinless chicken and turkey breast, egg whites, cauliflower and cabbage, apples and berries, white rice and pasta (lower phosphorus grains), olive oil, fresh herbs like parsley and basil, low-sodium vegetable broth
How does DASH Diet assist with Chronic Kidney Disease: By significantly lowering blood pressure, the DASH diet reduces glomerular hyperfiltration and proteinuria, which are key drivers of kidney damage progression. The anti-inflammatory properties of the diet's antioxidant-rich foods help reduce oxidative stress on kidney tissues. The moderate protein intake (compared to typical Western diets) reduces the metabolic burden on nephrons while still meeting nutritional needs.