There is a belief that a low-protein diet slows the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Roughly 60%-70% of the protein comes from a high biological value (HBV) protein diet, but patients often have difficulty following the diet. On the other hand, a 30% HBV diet trial showed a significant increase in serum bicarbonate and that patients preferred the diet. Therefore, HBV protein was restricted to approximately 50% of total protein, where bread and cereal foods were allowed freely, and fruits and vegetables (F&V) were encouraged.
Patients who followed the diet showed a slowdown of progression and occasional regression of their renal function. Both observations and scientific literature indicated that this could be due to a reduction in the acid content of the diet. When foods are metabolized, most proteins produce acid, and most F&V produce alkali. Thus, it is postulated that…
