Managing IgA Nephropathy with an Anti-inflammatory Diet

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Understanding IgA Nephropathy
• Anti-inflammatory diet principles
• Essential Components of an Anti-inflammatory Diet
• Example Meal Plan
• Conclusion
• References

Introduction

IgA Nephropathy, is an auto-immune form of kidney disease. Anti-inflammatory diets are used to help reduce inflammation in the body through the foods that we eat. This article reviews the anti-inflammatory diet principles and IgAN. 

Understanding IgA Nephropathy

IgA Nephropathy (IgAN) is a rare auto-immune kidney disease. When you have IgAN, your body overproduces the anti-body IgA, and it clumps together, causing damage to the kidney’s filtering system ⁽¹⁾. This leads to protein and blood leaking into your urine, causing foam or cola-colored urine. You may also experience swelling in your feet and ankles. Over time, this can lead to scarring of the kidney and damage. 

IgAN is an autoimmune disease, and anti-inflammatory eating patterns are designed to avoid or limit one’s immune response to the foods one eats. Following an anti-inflammatory eating pattern is a preventative way to limit one’s response to foods and is considered healthy for all individuals. These eating patterns have also been shown to lower blood pressure and help maintain weight.

Anti-inflammatory diet principles

An anti-inflammatory eating pattern reduces the body’s need to turn on the immune system. Processed and fried foods and sugar-sweetened beverages have been shown to increase inflammation ⁽²⁾. The foundation of this eating pattern is choosing foods that are in their natural whole form and rich in antioxidants. Examples of anti-inflammatory eating patterns are the Mediterranean diet and the DASH diet.

Essential Components of an Anti-inflammatory Diet

When following these eating patterns, most food choices should be anti-inflammatory naturally. 

• Vegetables and Fruit
• Whole Grains – oats, quinoa, brown rice
• Nuts and seeds
• Legumes and bean
• Healthy Fats – avocados, walnuts, olive oil
• Fatty Fish -salmon, tuna

Foods that should be limited or avoided:

• Fried Foods
• Processed Meats- deli meat, hot dogs, breakfast meats
• Refined carbohydrates- cakes, pastries, white bread
• Sugar-sweetened beverages
• Saturated fats and fatty cuts of meat

Example Meal Plan

• Breakfast: Smoothie with berries, coconut milk, and flaxseed (3).
• Lunch: Quinoa salad with mixed vegetables, chickpeas, and pine nuts.
• Dinner: Baked salmon with steamed broccoli and brown rice.
• Snacks: Apple slices with almond butter, a handful of walnuts.

Conclusion

IgAN is an immune-related form of kidney disease. Following an anti-inflammatory eating pattern is both overall healthy and may help keep your body’s immune system in check. Every person’s health needs are different, so it is important to confirm with your doctor or dietitian what is best for you. Join us at the IgAN Foundation for continued support in your kidney journey. 

References

1. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). IgA nephropathy. Retrieved August 2, 2024, from https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/kidney-disease/iga-nephropathy
2. Harvard Health Publishing. (2023, October). Foods that fight inflammation. Harvard Health Blog. Retrieved August 2, 2024, from https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/foods-that-fight-inflammation
3. CukeBook. Very berry peaches and cream smoothie. Retrieved August 2, 2024, from https://www.cukebook.org/recipes/very-berry-peaches-cream-smoothie/