Inflammation is the body’s attempt at self protection; the aim being to remove harmful stimuli, including damaged cells, irritants, or pathogens – and then begin the healing process.
Inflammation contributes to a number of diseases such as kidney disease, heart disease, stroke, and cancer.
Individuals who consume most of their protein from meat, especially red meat, have higher levels of inflammation than those who consume their protein from fish or plant based sources of protein. During the cooking process, high fat and high protein animal foods develop Advanced Glycation End products (AGEs) which contribute to inflammation and degenerative diseases like diabetes – the number one leading cause of kidney disease, and atherosclerosis.
The point is, try to make it a habit to keep your red meat consumption to about twice a week or less, and try to stick to leaner cuts like sirloin, flank, or tenderloin steaks. Importantly, make an effort to promote the intake of vegetable proteins, mainly legumes.
Note that, although a high protein intake has been shown to accelerate kidney damage in people who already have kidney disease, higher protein diets may not adversely affect kidney function in healthy people. Just consume the right kind of protein.
Signs of inflammation include:
Pain: caused by chemicals that stimulate nerve endings, being released; making the area much more sensitive.
Heat: due to the presence of more blood on the affected area, making it feel hot to the touch.
Redness: occur as capillaries fill up with more blood than usual.
Swelling: due to accumulation of fluid.
Immobility: caused by loss of function in affected area, caused by swelling.
With your support, The Iya Foundation, Inc is confident a feasible early detection, surveillance and treatment program can be established to slow, and possibly prevent the progression of kidney disease in the U.S, and particularly in the African Immigrant Community in the U.S.
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