About Kidney Disease

Dee Overly asked:


All Type-2 diabetics are in a very high risk group for kidney problems and kidney disease. Because diabetics release abnormal amounts of proteins in their urine called albumin, it is very important to eat healthy foods that reduce this protein.

Studies have been conducted over the last year that supports the theory that soy foods, rich in soy proteins, may help lower albumin released in the urine. Based upon the information known regarding soy proteins, it seems that the kidneys have a much harder time filtering waste from animal proteins. Because the kidneys do not need to work as hard to filter soy proteins, fewer albumins are produced.

Study Comparing Soy and Dairy Protein

One study involved a group of men from the ages of 63 to 73 who were Type-2 diabetics for at least 5 years. None of these men were on any medication that would interfere with the study and all of these men were checked for other conditions that could adversely change albumin levels. The men were then grouped and fed diets of soy protein and dairy protein.

Fasting blood and urine samples were collected throughout the seven-month study and results showed that the soy protein diet reduced albumin in the urine when compared with the dairy protein. The study also showed dramatic increases in HDL or good cholesterol and a decrease in cardiovascular risk factors and LDL cholesterol. Monitored patients also saw a reduced level of glucose levels.

Diabetics Often Avoid All Proteins

Some professionals in the medical field suggest that diabetics should avoid proteins all together due to the risk of kidney disease. However, more have started recommending a soy diet. It seems that links between soy proteins and the prevention of diabetic kidney disease are being brought to the forefront.

Many websites on diabetes and physicians feel that diets rich in soy proteins may prevent the on-set of diabetes. This is great news for the approximately one-third of diabetics who go on to find themselves dealing with this dreaded kidney disease.

How Much Soy for Diabetics is Safe and Beneficial

Many diabetics and those at risk for kidney disease wonder how much soy is needed to benefit them. Currently, the FDA recommends that all Americans consume approximately 25 grams of soy protein per day. Those who are on a diabetic diet or who follow stricter eating guidelines may want to base their soy diet on other means and not just the FDA.

There are not currently a lot of studies to answer the question of how much soy intake is suitable for diabetic diets. The non-profit organization, HCF Nutritional Research Foundation, recommends approximately one to two servings of high soy protein daily. They also recommend that individuals that choose to use soy protein in their diabetic diet choose soy foods low in fat or fat free. Good choices for low or fat free soy foods include tofu, soymilk, soy burgers, soy cheese, and tempeh.

Terri