In a new study, a group of scientists from all over the world worked together to learn more about a type of healthy fat called omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) and its effect on chronic kidney disease (CKD).
They gathered data from 19 different studies that took place in 12 countries and involved over 25,000 people.
The scientists wanted to know if higher levels of n-3 PUFAs, which come from both plants and seafood, could lower the risk of developing CKD.
To do this, they analyzed the data using a special method called a meta-analysis. This allowed them to pool the results from all the studies together and see if there was a pattern.
CKD is a condition where the kidneys don’t work as well as they should. Over time, it can lead to serious health problems like kidney failure.
Many people with CKD don’t even know they have it because there are often no symptoms in the early stages. That’s why it’s important to find ways to prevent it from happening in the first place.
The scientists found that people with higher levels of seafood-derived n-3 PUFAs had a lower risk of developing CKD compared to those with lower levels.
However, they did not find the same association for plant-derived n-3 PUFAs. This means that eating more seafood could be helpful in preventing CKD.
But why is seafood so beneficial for kidney health? Well, fish like salmon, tuna, and sardines are rich in a specific type of n-3 PUFA called eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
These fatty acids have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and may help improve blood flow to the kidneys. This can reduce the risk of kidney damage and improve overall kidney function.
The scientists also looked at other factors like age, kidney function, and health conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes.
They found that the benefits of seafood-derived n-3 PUFAs were consistent across all these different groups of people.
This is great news because it means that anyone can benefit from adding more seafood to their diet, regardless of their health status.
It’s important to note that while this study provides strong evidence for the benefits of seafood-derived n-3 PUFAs, it’s not a magic bullet.
Eating a balanced diet with a variety of foods is always the best way to stay healthy.
And if you have CKD or any other health condition, it’s important to talk to your doctor before making any major dietary changes.
In conclusion, this study suggests that adding more seafood to your diet may be a healthy choice, especially if you’re looking to prevent CKD.
Not only is it delicious, but it may also help keep your kidneys healthy for years to come. So next time you’re planning a meal, consider adding some fish to the menu!
How to get omega-3 from seafood
If you’re looking to add more omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) to your diet from seafood, here are a few tips:
Choose fatty fish: Fatty fish like salmon, tuna, sardines, herring, and mackerel are some of the best sources of n-3 PUFAs.
These fish are rich in EPA and DHA, which are the specific types of n-3 PUFAs that have been shown to be beneficial for kidney health.
Go for wild-caught over farmed: While both wild-caught and farmed fish can be good sources of n-3 PUFAs, wild-caught fish tend to have higher levels because they eat a more natural diet.
Farmed fish may also be fed a diet that’s high in omega-6 fatty acids, which can offset the benefits of n-3 PUFAs.
Try canned fish: Canned salmon and sardines are a convenient and affordable way to get more n-3 PUFAs in your diet. Look for brands that are packed in water or olive oil rather than vegetable oil, which can be high in omega-6 fatty acids.
Be mindful of mercury: While seafood is a great source of n-3 PUFAs, some types of fish can be high in mercury, which can be harmful in large amounts.
Pregnant women and young children should be especially careful about their intake of mercury. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has a list of fish that are low in mercury and safe to eat in moderation.
Consider supplements: If you’re not a fan of seafood or have dietary restrictions that make it difficult to get enough n-3 PUFAs from food alone, you may want to consider taking a supplement.
However, it’s important to talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement regimen to make sure it’s safe for you.
The research is published in The BMJ and was conducted by Kwok Leung Ong et al.
If you care about kidney health, please read studies about how to protect your kidneys from diabetes, and drinking coffee could help reduce the risk of kidney injury.
For more information about kidney health, please see recent studies about foods that may prevent the recurrence of kidney stones, and eating nuts linked to a lower risk of chronic kidney disease and death.
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