Five Plus Nuts and Beans for Kidneys Study Explores Impact of Diet on Kidney Health
African Americans with high blood pressure are at high risk for complications, including in particular, kidney disease. People with hypertension also often have low levels of key nutrients as a result of eating few fresh fruits and vegetables, but research studies suggest that these nutrients can lower blood pressure and protect the kidneys. However, it is often hard for people living in low-income urban environments to eat healthy meals that are high in fruits and vegetables and low in fats and processed foods, even when they want to improve their diets.
BACKGROUND
The Center for Health Equity’s “Five Plus Nuts and Beans for Kidneys” study seeks to find out how eating meals rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, beans, and lean meats can lower blood pressure and protect the kidneys. This study tests whether dietary advice from a nutritional coach plus $30 per week worth of healthful foods will reduce urinary albumin excretion (protein in the urine) among low-income African Americans with hypertension and early chronic kidney disease. The study will also examine whether reductions in blood pressure can also be linked to improvements in diet. Results will help the Center for Health Equity offer informed decisions on educational approaches and policy initiatives. A total of 150 patients will be enrolled to participate for a 12 month period; the study time frame extends from 2016-2021.
Twitter post from Deidra Crews of the Five, Plus Nuts and Beans for Kidney team, showing research in action. August, 2019
The study is being conducted in partnership with Klein’s ShopRite stores of Maryland (a local grocer). During the 12-month study period, participants will either receive $30 worth of groceries or a $30 gift card to ShopRite, every week for the first four months of the study.
PROGRESS MADE TO DATE
Over the last year, the study has made excellent progress. 96 of the planned 150 study participants have been recruited, including patients from East Baltimore Medical Center, the Johns Hopkins Outpatient Center and Johns Hopkins Community Physicians at Remington. Additional patients are now being recruited from the Bayview Nephrology Clinic. Eighteen people have completed the full 12 months in the study and have expressed that they enjoyed being a part of it.
On the staffing side of the study, two new research assistants have joined the team, Rohin Aggarwal and Tahiyat Sheikh. Tahiyat’s sister, Taharat Sheikh interned with us this summer, alongside of fellow student Rebecca Brody, to create a poster session graphic that illustrated the grocery purchases of participants in the “usual care” cohort of the study.
Dr. Deidra Crews, one of the lead investigators, gave a presentation at the Health Disparities Research Institute of the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD) on August 14, 2019. NIMHD is the National Institutes of Health entity funding the study. Finally, on September 23, 2019, the Community Advisory Board of the CHE met to discuss how best to spread the word about the findings of the study when it is completed.
This study is another example of how Johns Hopkins University is exploring strategies to bring health management out of the doctor’s office and into the home. Stay tuned for more progress updates as the study continues!
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