A growing body of evidence suggests that adopting a diet rich in plants and mindful of environmental sustainability can significantly reduce the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD). The condition affects roughly 1 in 7 adults in the United States – approximately 35 million people – many of whom remain undiagnosed. A recent study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal provides the strongest prospective evidence to date connecting the EAT-Lancet Planetary Health diet to a lower incidence of CKD.
The EAT-Lancet Diet: Healthy for People and the Planet
The EAT-Lancet diet, developed by a global commission of scientists, isn’t just another dietary fad. It’s a framework designed to optimize both human health and minimize environmental impact. The core principle is simple: prioritize plant-based foods. This includes:
- Vegetables: A cornerstone of the diet, providing essential vitamins and minerals.
- Fruits: Delivering natural sugars, fiber, and antioxidants.
- Whole Grains: Offering sustained energy and complex carbohydrates.
- Legumes (Beans): A protein-rich, affordable staple.
- Nuts: Providing healthy fats and additional nutrients.
The diet allows for moderate consumption of fish, poultry, eggs, and dairy, but drastically reduces red meat, added sugars, refined grains, and saturated fats. Previous research supports the benefits of plant-based diets like the Mediterranean and DASH diets in lowering CKD risk, but the EAT-Lancet approach uniquely integrates planetary health considerations.
Study Shows a Clear Connection
Researchers analyzed data from nearly 180,000 adults in the UK Biobank, tracking their dietary habits and health outcomes over an average of 12 years. About 2.7% of participants developed CKD during the study period. Those in the top quartile – meaning they most closely followed the EAT-Lancet diet – had a 10 to 24% lower relative risk of developing the disease compared to those in the bottom quartile.
Notably, the benefit was stronger for individuals living in areas with limited green space. This suggests that people in urban environments, who may have fewer opportunities for outdoor activity and cleaner air, could derive even greater protection from this dietary approach.
Why Does This Work? The Science Behind It
The study identified specific biological markers – metabolomic and proteomic signatures – that help explain the diet’s protective effect. These include pathways involving reduced inflammation and improved lipid metabolism. Plant-based diets have also been linked to lower diabetes risk, a major driver of CKD. The heart-kidney connection is strong, too: what benefits cardiovascular health tends to benefit the kidneys, as roughly a quarter of the heart’s output flows directly to these vital organs.
The Bigger Picture: Sustainability and Health
Meat production has a substantial environmental footprint, contributing nearly 20% of greenhouse gas emissions and driving water depletion and pollution. The EAT-Lancet diet acknowledges this reality, encouraging a shift toward more sustainable food systems. This isn’t just about personal health; it’s about the long-term viability of our planet.
While the current US Dietary Guidelines still recommend red meat as a “high-quality protein,” the growing evidence for plant-forward diets is becoming increasingly compelling.
Limitations and Future Research
The UK Biobank study population was primarily white and middle-aged to older, meaning further research is needed across diverse groups. The reliance on self-reported dietary data also introduces some limitations. However, the observational findings align with a growing consensus: prioritizing fruits, vegetables, and whole foods while minimizing red meat and processed sugars is a powerful strategy for preventing chronic kidney disease.
Dietary choices that are good for the planet can also be good for the kidneys.
The study underscores that diet isn’t just a matter of personal preference; it’s a critical factor in public health and environmental sustainability.
