Researchers at the Johns Hopkins University claim that losing weight and giving up phosphorus-enriched foods can reduce the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Previous studies have shown that in this matter it is important not only how much fat you carry, but also where exactly.

Distribution of fat around the abdomen is associated with a risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and now chronic kidney disease.

Staff at Johns Hopkins University found that a decrease in waist circumference and phosphorus intake leads to a decrease in albuminuria (the presence of protein in the urine). Albuminuria is one of the first indicators of chronic kidney disease. The results of the new study were published in a specialized publication American Journal of Kidney Diseases.

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 26 million adult Americans suffer from chronic kidney disease. The CDC claims that in 2006, CKD caused 45,000 deaths in the country. This is a "silent" disease, about the existence of which many people do not suspect until the moment when it reaches the last stages.

Without treatment, chronic kidney disease leads to a loss of the filtering ability of the kidneys, blood products accumulate in the blood, bone damage occurs, blood pressure rises, anemia and nerve cell damage develop.

Steps that anyone can take.

One of the main achievements of this study is that it demonstrates to people preventive measures that can delay the onset of symptoms of chronic kidney disease. Dr. Joseph Vassalotti, Senior Medical Officer at the US National Kidney Foundation, says: "Other studies suggested that, after diagnosing CKD, weight loss may slow the progression of the disease, but this is the first study in the world that has identified new ways to fight chronic kidney disease - waist and reduced consumption of phosphorus ».

For his work, Dr. Alex Cheng analyzed data from 481 patients who participated in the PREMIER study. This was a multicentre study, during which the effect of lifestyle changes on blood pressure was tested. In it, people with prehypertension or borderline hypertension were observed after changes in diet, exercise, and weight loss.

Participants in the analysis of Dr. Cheng were selected due to normal renal function and the presence of adequate results of a 24-hour urinalysis. The scientists found out that after 6 months of the study, participants lost an average of 4.2 cm of the waist, and the albuminuria level decreased by an average of 25%. In addition, the researchers noted a decrease in intake of phosphorus in the group by 314 mg / day, which corresponded to a decrease in the amount of protein in the urine by 11%.

What about phosphorus?.

Scientists recall that, in addition to natural animals and plant products with phosphorus, the United States sells a lot of processed products, in which manufacturers add phosphorus compounds to enhance flavor and extend shelf life.

It is phosphorus in the composition of processed products that makes up 30% of all phosphorus consumed by the average American. It should be remembered that phosphorus from animal products is absorbed by the body much better than phosphorus in plant food - the latter is more difficult for us to convert.

The study shows that limiting phosphorus in the diet is a simple way to reduce the risk of chronic kidney disease. But this is not so easy to do. The US National Kidney Foundation calls for the avoidance of all ingredients starting with "phosphate", but nobody labels phosphorus in natural products - they should be read in the literature.

Dr. Vassalotti says: "There is a good rule regarding products: if it is in the package, then it probably contains additives with phosphorus.

Approximately 90% of phosphorus from synthetic additives is absorbed by our body ".

The National Kidney Foundation also offers a short list of foods that contain a lot of phosphorus:.

• Cola.

• Sweet waters.

• Dairy products, including cheese, milk, yoghurt, ice cream.

• Meat delicacies.

• Animal organs (by-products).

• Oysters.

• Sardines.

• Dried beans, lentils, peas.

• Cocoa, chocolate drinks and desserts.

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