The Right Diet Can Slow PKD

The diet plays a very important role in the treatment for PKD patients. So what is the right diet can slow PKD? Now, please follow me to read this article to find the answer.

Follow a Low-Protein Diet

When your liver breaks down protein, it produces a waste product called urea, which your kidneys are responsible for getting rid of. That means excess protein in the diet puts a strain on the kidneys.

Eat less meat, cheese, and even a little less of the higher protein beans and legumes like chickpeas and lentils. Use vegetables and grains for your main dishes and if you need extra calories, add healthy fats like avocados and olive oil.

Give Soy a Try

In general, eating less protein can help your kidneys, but there's one protein you may want to get a little more of. The results of a study published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology in 1999 showed that dietary soy protein can slow the progression of PKD in rats. Rats fed soy as their main protein source had lower kidney weights and fewer cysts compared to those fed casein.

Keep in mind, though, that you'll be better off with traditional fermented soy products like tofu, miso, and tempeh. Non-fermented soy products like soy milk and soy-based protein bars have been shown to cause health problems of their own.
Keep Your Electrolytes Balanced.

For most people, this translates to "cut back on salt." Electrolytes are vital minerals in the body, such as calcium, sodium, potassium, and magnesium. The body relies on the kidneys to keep these in balance.

To start reducing salt in your diet, use garlic powder, onion powder or other herbs and spices in place of salt. Try to use less of sauces like ketchup and soy sauce.

Avoid highly processed foods like meats, soups, and vegetables that come in cans. Even low-sodium varieties of these have more salt that something you'd make at home.

Steer Clear of Foods High in Oxalic Acid

If you have PKD, oxalic acid is something you'll want to avoid. Oxalic acid is a chemical compound found in certain vegetables. The body has no known use for it and when the kidneys and liver are functioning well they flush it out of your system with no problem. Some major sources are spinach, rhubarb, beets, eggplants, and cocoa.

So, you have a good excuse to avoid eating your spinach, but you really should cut back on chocolate, too.

Add Flax Oil to Your Meals

Flax seed oil has also been show to help ease the symptoms of PKD. Flax oil is an excellent source of a group of fatty acids (omega-3-fatty acids) that are thought to have anti-hypertensive, lipid-lowering and anti-inflammatory effects. All of these benefits can help with polycystic kidney disease.


Through above the article, I am sure you have a clear understanding for PKD diet. If you still have any questions, feel free to talk to our experts or send e-mail to pkdclinic@hotmail.com.