Reducing dietary acid through increased intake of fruits and vegetables or sodium bicarbonate supplementation slows chronic kidney disease progression, lowers systolic blood pressure, and improves cardiovascular health.
November 2024 – The American Journal of Medicine
Key takeaways
- Reducing dietary acid may improve kidney function, helping to slow the progression of chronic kidney disease: Chronic kidney disease is linked to higher dietary acid loads, which can stress the kidneys. Lowering this acid burden through diet adjustments helps maintain kidney function, slowing disease progression and preserving overall health as we age
- Lowering dietary acid load can reduce systolic blood pressure, supporting better cardiovascular health: A high dietary acid load is associated with increased blood pressure, a risk factor for cardiovascular issues. Reducing acid levels through dietary changes can lead to lower systolic blood pressure, promoting heart health and contributing to a longer, healthier life
- Increased fruit and vegetable intake offers protective benefits for long-term health and ageing: Fruits and vegetables help neutralise dietary acid, reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. Regular consumption supports metabolic balance and cellular health, providing critical protection against age-related diseases and improving longevity
- Supplementing with sodium bicarbonate can counteract excess dietary acid, improving metabolic efficiency: This approach supports cellular function and reduces the risk of chronic conditions, enhancing healthspan and promoting healthy ageing.
Read the article at: Chen, Yuefeng, et al. “Effects of Dietary Acid Reduction on Kidney and Cardiovascular Health.” The American Journal of Medicine, vol. 137, no. 9, 2024, doi:10.1016/j.amjmed.2024.07.010.