The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) is partnering with The Monday Campaigns’ global public health initiatives, which include Meatless Monday, to encourage Americans to make healthier changes to their diets. Studies suggest that incorporating meatless options into an overall balanced diet may help slow the progression of kidney disease.  The links between kidney disease, high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes are often overlooked; but diabetes and high blood pressure are the top risk factors for developing kidney disease accounting for two-thirds of all cases.  Kidney disease can also lead to high blood pressure and heart disease, which is the number one cause of death in kidney patients. Resources on how to incorporate plant-based options into a kidney-friendly diet and recipes are available through the National Kidney Foundation at www.kidney.org/plant-based-diets. For more information, visit www.kidney.org