The DASH diet may fight kidney stones
New research suggests the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) will reduce risk of stroke and heart disease, as well as kidney stones. DASH eating plan is high in fruits, vegetables, nuts and legumes, dairy products, whole grains, low in red and processed meats and sweet drinks. 

This diet has been proven to lower blood pressure in just 14 days, even without lowering sodium intake. The best response came in people whose blood pressure was only moderately high, including those with prehypertension.

For people with more severe hypertension who may not be able to eliminate medication, the DASH diet can help improve response to medication and help lower blood pressure. This diet can help lower cholesterol, with weight loss and exercise, can reduce insulin resistance. Benefits of this diet are also seen in teens with hypertension - DASH eating plan is truly a healthy diet for everyone.

Patients with kidney disease - vegetarian diet eases kidney disease 
Phosphorus levels plummet in kidney disease patients who stick to a vegetarian diet, according to a study appearing in the Clinical Journal of the American Society Nephrology (CJASN). Results suggest eating vegetables rather than meat can help kidney disease patients avoid accumulating toxic levels of this mineral in their bodies. People suffering from kidney disease aren't able to rid the body of phosphorus - found in proteins and a common food additive - high levels of the mineral can lead to heart disease and death. Researchers at Indiana University School of Medicine found patients with chronic kidney disease who took up vegetarian diets showed significantly lower phosphorus levels than their meat eating counterparts - despite equivalent protein and phosphorus concentrations in the two diets. While the research is yet to be confirmed by longer studies, it is good news for sufferers of CKD, especially as phosphorus contents are not listed on most food labels.

Your renal doctor can refer you to a renal dietician who will design a specific diet for your needs. Refer Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA) for the name of a renal dietician, or call them 1800 812 942.

Latest on stem cell research
In response to a Kidney Blog query, Dr Sharon Ricardo Australian Stem Cell Centre advises "Currently the only proven treatments offered involving stem cells are for the treatment of some blood and auto immune diseases. Treatments involve either bone marrow or cord blood, such as a bone marrow transplant for leukaemia. Other stem cell based therapies are still in research phase or in clinical trials. Clinical trials are essential to ensure treatment is proven, safe and effective, before widespread use in patients. Many treatments offered by overseas organisations do not appear to have undergone any clinical trial process and therefore we cannot know if they are safe or if they even work."  ASCC's Patient Information Handbook.

Queries to info@stemcellcentre.edu.au  KHA funded Dr Sharon Ricardo's research via our Bootle Grant - Medical Research Program.

DIALYSIS CHAIR SWAP PROGRAM

Australian Holiday Dialysis Konnections Chair Exchange Program  Spread the word! 
Our 'dialysis chair swap' program is set up to help you to take a break - interstate travel for a special occasion, or well earned holiday, when on dialysis. Steps to list your wish for a 'chair swap' are easy. Contact Teresa on 08 8334 7509 or email info@kidney.org.au. To register you must provide signed confirmation from your dialysis unit staff that your health is stable and you can travel.

You may also be asked to complete a detailed request from the Dialysis Unit you are may swap with. Refer to Australian Dialysis Unit Guide (the DUG) to confirm the location of Dialysis Units and Dialysis and Travel when considering holiday options on dialysis.

Send your completed letter of Registration to:
Australian Holiday Dialysis Konnections, Kidney Health Australia, GPO Box 9993, Adelaide 5001