Introduction: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is multifactorial condition that poses a progressive global health issue and economic burden. It is strongly associated with metabolic comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus, obesity, and cardiovascular disease. Despite its high prevalence, there is a lack of consensus surrounding its treatment and management.
Dietary interventions, especially whole food plant-based diets (WFPBDs), have emerged as promising methods for both prevention and management. WFPBDs act as a scientifically supported approach to enhance the body's intrinsic healing ability.
Objective: To critically analyse whether a WFPBDs could be used as a potential therapeutic treatment strategy or to slow the progression of CKD.
Materials and Methods: A systematic review was conducted using the databases PubMed, EBSCO and Scopus. Studies were selected based on predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria in conjunction with a PICO framework. Narrative review articles were evaluated using the SANRA tool, case report were assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) checklist and the clinical trials were appraised using the UCSF evidence-based medicine scale scale. Findings were tabulated to identify emerging themes.
Results: Twenty-three studies demonstrated that a WFPBD has favourable outcomes in improving cardiovascular and metabolic markers, reducing common CKD comorbidities (e.g., diabetes, obesity, hypertension, dyslipidaemia), and improving quality of life. Their naturally high fibre content helps modulate the gut microbiota and contributes to reduced uremic toxin build-up. Potassium restriction does not appear to be necessary while following a WFPBD. Conclusion: WFPBDs offer therapeutic potential in both the prevention and management of CKD. They may reduce the need for dialysis and pharmacological treatments while aligning with global health and sustainability goals.
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