Harvard Medical School said, "inflammation [is] a key driver of heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic conditions." Inflammation is an immune response that protects the body against infective and foreign substances, such as bacteria, viruses and injuries. Harvard University reported, "Inflammation is an essential part of the body’s healing system. Without it, injuries would fester and simple infections could be deadly." However, too much inflammation is not a good thing especially for Chronic Kidney Disease and Dialysis patients because it can cause heart attacks, strokes, peripheral artery disease (fatty deposits and calcium building up in the walls of the arteries), dementia, rheumatoid arthritis, hay fever, and even an increased rate of death.

There are two types of inflammation: acute, which occurs for a short period of time, and chronic, which occurs over a long time and may never go away. Chronic Kidney Disease and Dialysis patients should know that "Inflammation doesn’t happen on its own," according to Harvard University. It is the body’s response to a host of irritations like poor nutrition due to poor appetite, Dialysis vascular access infection, Gum Disease, poor dental health, foot ulcers, Anemia (low red blood cell count), Uremia (extra waste in the blood), a transplanted kidney that no longer works, smoking, lack of exercise, high-fat food, high calorie meals, highly processed foods, Insomnia, and infections that linger.

Symptoms of inflammation can sometimes be recognized when they resemble flu-like symptoms including:

Redness
Fever
Chills
Swollen joints, warm to the touch
Fatigue
Muscle stiffness
Loss of appetite
Headaches
Weakness

Clearly, correcting either acute or chronic inflammation can greatly improve a patient's life and health outcomes. Chronic Kidney Disease and Dialysis patients can limit harmful inflammation by eating the following high-quality foods which are rich in protein and antioxidants:

Fish high in omega-3 fatty acids
Poultry (chicken breast)
Lean red meat
Low cholesterol egg products
Eggs or egg whites
Soy products (sodium, potassium and phosphorus vary greatly – read labels or check with your dietitian)
Olive oil
Red bell peppers
Cabbage
Cauliflower
Garlic
Onions
Apples
Cranberries
Blueberries
Raspberries
Strawberries
Cherries
Red grapes

Some additional considerations to combat chronic inflammation include adequate Dialysis to remove toxins from the blood, correction of anemia and vitamin D deficiency, and increased exercise. MV One Plus, is a daily supplement option for Chronic Kidney Disease and Dialysis patients to reduce harmful inflammation. Click here to read more about MV One Plus.

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