A plant-powered path to kidney and diabetic health
Jack*, a determined 76-year-old grappling with health challenges, sought assistance from a whole food plant-based (WFPB) dietitian. Jack faced membranous nephropathy (a kidney disorder), Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), uraemia (a kidney-related illness that led him to hospitalisation), and diabetic retinopathy (eye damage due to diabetes).
Seeking solution, Jack embarked on a significant dietary shift, adopting a WFPB lifestyle. Despite past attempts at a sporadic "vegan" diet, he lacked guidance on integrating this nutritional approach into his life.
Driven by a commitment to Jack's wellbeing, his dietitian crafted a tailored nutrition plan. This involved eliminating dietary obstacles and introducing a crucial B12 supplement to support the transition to a WFPB diet.
Despite his doctor's initial scepticism, Jack embraced the change wholeheartedly. With resources like Doctors For Nutrition's 'Going Plant-based' factsheet and practical information on plant-based sources of iron and calcium, he was equipped to navigate this nutritional transformation.
In subsequent months, Jack's vitality underwent a remarkable transformation. Once challenged by illness, his kidneys had normalised without needing medication. Embracing a holistic approach, Jack became a living testament to the harmonious blend of diet and exercise. At age 76, he is engaged in invigorating workouts—alternating days of using his dumbbells at work with using his home fitness centre, which boasts a treadmill, rowing machine, and inversion table. He is overjoyed that he can still run.
Jack attributed his wellbeing to the transformative power of his new diet, proudly proclaiming, "Your diet and my exercise regime all contribute to my wellbeing. I feel the greatest contributor is my diet." In response to sceptics, he confidently cited the saying, "As strong as a bull,” with a cheeky reminder of how bulls eat.
Jack's journey extends beyond overcoming health challenges; it's a testament to resilience, determination, and the extraordinary transformation achievable through nourishing the body with the power of plants. His story inspires anyone navigating health crossroads, emphasising that change, at any age, is not just possible - it can be extraordinary.
If you would like to speak with the clinician involved in this story, please contact us, and we can provide you with their contact information.
*Name changed for privacy purposes
