Anti-Inflammatory Foods for Dialysis Patients

Inflammation can be a major problem for patients with chronic kidney disease, whether from malnutrition or a failed kidney transplant. Regardless of the cause, any inflammation in patients with dialysis should be taken seriously. Anti-inflammatory diet for kidney disease is one of the easiest and best ways to prevent and treat inflammation in dialysis patients. Here are some anti-inflammatory foods that you should incorporate into your diet if you are on dialysis or have chronic kidney disease.

Lean Proteins

As malnutrition is one of the causes of inflammation in patients with chronic kidney disease, getting enough calories and protein is essential for an anti-inflammatory diet. Focus on eating high-quality, lean proteins, such as chicken breast, fish, lean red meat, or egg whites. Avoid or limit processed meats, such as sausages and deli meat. Eating enough protein helps prevent muscle wasting, which occurs when the body needs to break down muscles to get energy from protein. All the dialysis-friendly complete meals on MagicKitchen.com come with a high-quality source of protein, making proper nutrition easy.

Omega-3 Fats

Fish is not only an excellent source of protein, but it is also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which contain anti-inflammatory properties. Try to eat fatty fish, such as mackerel, salmon, and tuna, at least twice a week. You can also take fish oil supplements if you prefer. Omega-3 effectively lowers inflammation in the body, which is why it is part of an anti-inflammatory diet for dialysis patients. Some nuts and seeds, such as walnuts, flaxseeds, and chia seeds, are also good plant-based sources of omega-3. 

Antioxidants

Lastly, a diet rich in antioxidants can help prevent inflammation and the progression of many chronic diseases. Antioxidants help neutralize free radicals in the body, which can accumulate and cause damage to DNA and cells. This damage causes stress, which leads to inflammation. Antioxidants are found in many fruits and vegetables, but they are especially high in berries, red bell peppers, garlic, cauliflower, and sources of omega-3, such as fatty fish and olive oil. Be careful not to eat any antioxidant-rich foods that are high in potassium, phosphorus, or sodium.

If you're looking for healthy meals for dialysis, look no further than our dialysis diet menu.