The reason those who eat a plant-based diet appear to have better kidney function was originally thought to be due to their lower overall protein intake.19 However, we now know that it’s more likely due to the fact that the kidneys appear to handle plant protein very differently from animal protein.20 Within hours of consuming meat, your kidneys rev up into hyperfiltration mode. This is true of a variety of animal proteins—beef, chicken, and fish appear to have similar effects.21 But an equivalent amount of plant protein causes virtually no noticeable stress on the kidneys.
