Clinical observations were made in five Buddhist monks with chronic renal failure on a low protein diet. The monks meditated 3-4 times a day and consumed only one meal with estimated protein intake 15-19 g a day. Renal function remained stable over 3 years' observation with satisfactory general condition and no evidence of protein energy malnutrition. All members of another group of patients who had a comparable degree of impairment of renal function and who consumed an estimated 25-30 g of protein a day developed uremia with severe renal failure and protein deficiency in <3 years.
Sitprija A, Suvanpha R. Low protein diet and chronic renal failure in Buddhist monks. Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1983; 287:469
COMMENT: Statistical analyses were not elegant in 1983, but one senses that these data support the role of protein restriction in maintenance of renal function in chronic renal failure with a suggested beneficial role for meditation. Anyway, could there be any harm in suggesting meditation? There is surely little downside. Is there any harm suggesting meditation for anyone? Yes, perhaps in those in whom one suspects psychosis or bipolar depression; and the introspection of meditation might be also contra-indicated in multiple personality disorder. One could theorize that the lower levels of catecholamines in meditators might conceivably reduce kidney workload.
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