With diabetes and hypertension, many patients pay special attention to their diets, and some even simply follow a vegetarian diet, which is actually a misconception. Diabetes and hypertension should not be vegetarian? Diabetes and hypertension are common chronic diseases, and the incidence is increasing year by year, although there are good glucose-lowering drugs and antihypertensive drugs to control blood sugar and blood pressure, the majority of patients can control the disease by regular treatment, long-term to ensure that the normal quality of life is not affected. However, the complications of diabetes and hypertension are important diseases that threaten human health and can be life-threatening in serious cases. Diabetic nephropathy and hypertensive nephropathy are common complications of these two chronic diseases. As secondary nephropathy, its requirements in terms of diet and nutrition are similar to those of primary nephropathy, while the nutritional principles for diabetes and hypertension still have some influence, especially in terms of the types of protein. Many patients mistakenly believe that eating vegetarian is more conducive to the control of diabetes and hypertension, but in fact it is not. In plant protein, the content of non-essential amino acids is high and the bioavailability is small, so excessive intake will increase the burden on the kidneys. A vegetarian diet will, on the contrary, accelerate the occurrence of kidney disease complications. Therefore, diabetic hypertensive patients should not be vegetarian, but should eat animal protein appropriately and limit the excessive intake of plant protein. For example, milk, eggs, lean meat and other high-quality proteins are beneficial to prevent kidney complications. However, do not consume too much protein food, generally one egg and one glass of milk per day is enough for a day’s protein needs, and those with high blood lipids should eat eggs with yolk. Beans and soy products Beans and soy products are rich in protein and are the main source of protein for vegetarians, but beans and soy products can increase the burden on the kidneys, so patients with secondary kidney disease can choose in moderation according to their condition, there is no need to regard soy products as the enemy and absolutely prohibited. But the choice of soy products should be interchangeable with meat and eggs to prevent the total amount of protein exceeds the limit. When kidney function decreases, soy products should not be consumed. Vegetables and Fruits Generally, you can choose vegetables and fruits at will. Director Yang pointed out that since the kidney’s excretion of potassium is reduced in kidney disease, if there is high blood potassium, it is often dangerous or even life-threatening to the organism, so foods containing high potassium should be appropriately limited to less than 1500-2000 mg per day. Generally, vegetables like melons (pumpkin, winter melon, gourd), apples, pears, pineapples, watermelon and grapes are relatively low in potassium and can be consumed. While foods with high potassium content like rape, spinach, leek, tomato, kelp, banana, peach, etc. should be appropriately limited; but it does not mean that you absolutely cannot eat them, but you should eat selectively within the total amount, while avoiding concentrated juices and gravies; when low blood potassium occurs, you should eat more foods with high potassium content. Trace elements minerals Sodium: Hypertension itself needs to limit sodium intake, and the development of kidney disease to a certain stage can often appear water and sodium retention, manifested as swelling or reduced urine volume, and salt restriction can effectively prevent the progress of complications. However, if it is accompanied by vomiting and diarrhea, sodium should not be overly restricted, and even supplementation is needed. Calcium and phosphorus: When the kidney is damaged, the excretion of phosphorus will be reduced, leading to an increase in blood phosphorus. And the ability to synthesize vitamin D3 is reduced, which affects the absorption of calcium. The reduced blood calcium concentration predisposes to osteoporosis, so an ideal therapeutic diet should increase calcium levels and minimize phosphorus levels. The low protein diet itself reduces phosphorus intake and facilitates treatment. Fats and calories Fats: Late kidney disease is often combined with impaired lipid metabolism, and it is still necessary to adhere to a low fat intake. Olive oil and peanut oil are rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, which can also be used as a source of energy. You can choose some staple foods with high calorie content and low protein content, like potato, lotus root powder, vermicelli, taro, white potato, yam, pumpkin, rhizome powder and water chestnut powder, etc. The total dietary calories reach the standard range to ensure a balance between supply and demand. Director Yang also reminded that the soup of long-winged animals should be drunk less, seafood and hot pot should be eaten less, and spicy and stimulating food should not be eaten. A reasonable diet is very important for the treatment of secondary kidney disease, and has a positive effect on better treatment effect as well as quality of life.