Do not die from kidney disease.

Animal products—especially those high in cholesterol—have been linked to causing kidney disease. This is because plugs of fat and cholesterol tend to “clog up the works” in kidneys, disallowing kidneys from functioning at their full capacity and forcing them into a state known as “hyperfiltration,” where they have to work twice as hard to accomplish half as much.

While cholesterol-lowering statin drugs can slow the progress of kidney disease, eating healthier will create a much bigger positive impact.

A higher dietary acid load is associated with a significantly higher chance of protein leaking into the urine—a known symptom of kidney disease. This is because when there is excess acid in your diet, your kidneys produce a base (ammonia) to neutralize the acid. However, high concentrations of ammonia can be toxic, thereby triggering kidney disease.

Luckily, plant-based foods alkalinize the kidneys, so eating more plant-based foods is a good way to prevent high dietary acid levels! The alkalizing effect of plant-based foods also plays a role in the prevention and treatment of kidney stones.

Excess phosphorus in the body is linked to causing kidney failure.

1. Decrease your consumption of animal protein, animal fat, and cholesterol.
   All these dietary components are found in animal products. Replace these components with plant products high in protein instead!
   Furthermore, meats contain nitrosamines and nitrosamides, carcinogens that are linked to causing kidney cancer.

2. Only take cholesterol-lowering statin drugs as a last resort.

3. Reduce your dietary acid load.
   Acid-inducing foods include meats, eggs, and cheese, while base-inducing foods include fruits and vegetables.
   You can check your dietary acid load through your urine. You can either pee on pH paper strips, or you can use purple cabbage! Simply boil purple cabbage until the water is deep purple, then strain out the solids. Pour this liquid into your toilet after peeing. If the liquid in the toilet bowl is purple or pink, your urine is too acidic. If it turns blue, your urine is neutral or basic.

4. Prevent excess phosphorus intake.
   Phosphorus is found in high concentrations in animal-based foods as well as in drinks and foods with additives, such as Coca-Cola or chicken meat.