Alkaline Diet: a Novel Nutritional Strategy in Chronic Kidney Disease?

Abstract

Chronic kidney disease is defined as a glomerular filtration rate lower than 60 mL/min/1.73 m², which is regarded as a public health priority and part of the growing burden of noncommunicable diseases. Reduced kidney function is concomitant with high levels of inflammatory factors, abnormal lipid profile, and anemia, as well as bone abnormalities, calcium deposition outside the bones, endothelial dysfunction, and cardiomyopathy. Furthermore, metabolic acidosis is a common complication in chronic kidney disease that is associated with secondary hyperparathyroidism and faster kidney disease progression. Effective preventive approaches may slow progression of chronic kidney disease and reduce the risk of subsequent morbidity and mortality. It seems that correction of metabolic acidosis slows down the decline in glomerular filtration rate and is one of the noble approaches. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables instead of bicarbonate therapy is feasible and economical and appears to have a positive effect on kidney hemodynamic function.