A new study has found that losing weight could be an important step kidney disease patients can take to protect their health.
The study in the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology suggests that weight loss can reduce current kidney damage and may prevent additional kidney decline in obese patients.
Researchers analyzed 13 previously published, relevant studies that assessed the impact of diet, exercise and surgical procedures on kidney function.
According to the National Kidney Foundation, more than 20 million Americans one in nine adults has chronic kidney disease, and most dont even know it. More than 20 million others are at increased risk.
Meanwhile, more than a third of U.S. adults are considered either obese or overweight. Weight loss has been proven to improve a number of health problems. For example, it can help control diabetes, lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels and reduce the effects of heart disease.
For those trying to lose or control their weight, health practitioners have also recommended the alkaline diet.
It is based on citrus fruits, vegetables, tubers, nuts and legumes and it helps boost bone health into old age.