Vegetables are better than drugs for the kidneys, according to brand new research to be presented at the American Heart Association blood pressure meeting.
Our kidneys play an extremely vital role in our health.
They remove waste products and excess fluid from our bodies through our urine.
According to the National Kidney Foundation: “The production of urine involves highly complex steps of excretion and re-absorption. This process is necessary to maintain a stable balance of body chemicals.”
When you have kidney disease, one of the first things your doctor will recommend is a medication regimen.
While it is important to listen to your doctor, a new study shows that eating fruits and vegetables daily may even be better than the leading medications.
In fact, you may even save as much as 50 percent on drug costs alone.
According to the University of Texas study, it all starts with better nutrition.
Certain foods can actually help you manage your blood pressure, which is important for kidney health.
The five-year study showed that a healthy change in diet lowered systolic blood pressure of participants who had kidney disease better than those who opted for traditional medications.
U.S. News reports that the researchers gathered a small amount of people with kidney disease in order to compare a healthy diet to drugs.
The study participants showed significant improvement in the first year, and average drug costs lowered every year after, saving them an average of $153,000 across the time period of the study.
“It is remarkable what fruits and vegetables can do, along with a little exercise,” said Lona Sandon, program director in the department of clinical nutrition at the School of Health Professions at UT Southwestern, in Dallas.
“Blood pressure meds come with many side effects that may leave people feeling sluggish, or other problems,” Sandon explained. “The side effects of fruits and vegetables and exercise is better health.”
The bottom line: “When people have access to healthy foods, they can change their health,” said Sandon. “And especially when they eat the recommended amounts that were provided to them in the study.”
The study results showing that vegetables are better than drugs for the kidneys was published in U.S. News.
Note: None of the information in our website is intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any illness or disease. The content on our website is for educational purposes only.
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REFERENCES:
1. “Veggies Work Better Than Drugs for Kidneys.” Mercola.com. Mercola.com, n.d. Web. 21 Feb. 2017.
2. “Fruits, Veggies Powerful Rx for Kidney Disease: Study.” U.S. News & World Report. U.S. News & World Report, n.d. Web. 21 Feb. 2017.
3. “How Your Kidneys Work.” The National Kidney Foundation. The National Kidney Foundation, 22 July 2016. Web. 21 Feb. 2017.
