Chronic kidney disease causes inflammation in the body. This inflammation can increase your risk of diseases such as heart disease, stroke and cancer. With an injury such as a bruise or cut, inflammation occurs as the body heals, but long-term damage can happen when the body is in a constant state of inflammation. If you have chronic kidney disease, is important to focus on reducing your body’s inflammation through your diet.[1]

The best way to reduce inflammation is to eat more antioxidant-rich foods. Rather than taking antioxidant supplements, it is better to reduce inflammation through diet. Eating more antioxidant-rich foods can reduce inflammation and the physical damage it can cause.[2]

Antioxidants are naturally found in many plant foods and help prevent cell damage by cleaning up waste products. Antioxidants are released from the foods we eat and travel through the bloodstream and into your body’s cells and help to stop or delay damage to the cells.[3]

Many antioxidant-rich foods are linked to a decreased risk of inflammatory diseases, such as:

• Beans, lentils, and peas
• Spices
• Dark-colored fruits and vegetables
• Whole, unprocessed grains such as oatmeal, quinoa, and brown rice
• Nuts and seeds

Eat these anti-inflammatory foods to help fight inflammation, stabilize your blood sugar levels, lower blood pressure and cholesterol, and keep your heart and kidneys healthy.[4]

[1] Rebholz CM, Crews DC, Grams ME, et al. DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) Diet and Risk of Subsequent Kidney Disease. Am J Kidney Dis. 2016;68(6):853-861.
[2] Lin J, Hu F, Curhan G. Associations of diet with albuminuria and kidney function decline, Clinical J Am Soc Nephrol. 2010; 5(5): 836-43
[3] www.dpcedcenter.org/research-shows-eating-more-fruits-and-vegetables-cuts-kidney-patients’-medicine-expense-half
[4] Krishnamurthy VM, Wei G, Baird BC, et al. High dietary fiber intake is associated with decreased inflammation and all-cause mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease. Kidney Int. 2011;81(3):300-6