Proinflammatory Diet Associated with Increased Risk of Chronic Kidney Disease

Recent research indicates that consuming a diet with high inflammatory potential significantly elevates the risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD). A comprehensive systematic review published online on April 16, 2025, in the Journal of Health, Population and Nutrition, analyzed data from multiple studies to explore the link between dietary inflammatory indices and kidney health.

The study, led by Amirhossein Ataei Kachouei from Isfahan University of Medical Sciences in Iran, evaluated 13 cross-sectional studies using a random-effects model to pool data effectively. The findings revealed that participants with higher dietary inflammatory index scores had a 36% increased likelihood of suffering from CKD and a 58% higher chance of having a low estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), a key indicator of kidney function.

The research underscores the importance of dietary choices in maintaining kidney health, suggesting that a proinflammatory diet may contribute to the progression of kidney dysfunction. The authors emphasized the need for larger, prospective studies to confirm these associations and to examine various indicators of kidney health more thoroughly.

This evidence adds to a growing body of knowledge highlighting the impact of inflammation-promoting foods on chronic diseases, including kidney conditions. Individuals looking to safeguard their renal health are encouraged to adopt anti-inflammatory dietary patterns focused on fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.

For more information, read the full study: Association between dietary inflammatory index and risk of chronic kidney disease and low glomerular filtration rate; a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-04-proinflammatory-diet-higher-chronic-kidney.html