Polycystic kidney disease is a hereditary condition whereby the patient is affected with the growths of multiple cysts upon the kidneys, resulting in an abnormal increase in kidney size. Symptoms include hypertension, abdominal tenderness, urination of blood and localized pain. Although polycystic kidney disease can be treated with medications like diuretics and blood pressure medications, adherence to a specialized diet might help reduce symptoms, restoring some measure of control over your life.
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Protein Recommendations
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According to researchers and doctors at the Cleveland Clinic, individuals suffering from polycystic kidney disease should avoid high-protein diets wherever possible. Although the research on the optimal protein intake for individuals diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease is inconclusive, at a bare minimum you should not knowingly engage in any diet that calls for above-average consumption of protein. Thus, keep your protein intake to less than 40 percent of your diet if you are afflicted with polycystic kidney disease.
Sodium Recommendations
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The supervising physicians at FreeMD.com further recommend limitation of sodium intake to combat polycystic kidney disease. In general, excessive intake of sodium places additional stress on the kidneys because they are responsible for maintaining proper fluid balance within the body. Thus, limit your daily intake of sodium to fewer than 2 g while dieting to combat polycystic kidney disease. To accomplish this, cut back on processed foods and canned goods, as these tend to contain excess salt.
Fluid Intake
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The Cleveland Clinic also recommends a high level of fluid intake to help your body manage polycystic kidney disease. This is due to the fact that a hormone called vasopressin becomes active during periods of dehydration. The presence of vasopressin has been linked to development of cysts, so keeping it limited with constant fluid intake can help keep polycystic kidney disease under control. Consume at least 100 oz. of water per day.
Caffeine Intake
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The Cleveland Clinic doctors also note that caffeine should be avoided if you are suffering from polycystic kidney disease. Caffeine interferes with a natural substances in the body called phosphodiesterase that helps to prevent the formation of cysts. Thus, while giving up your daily caffeine habit might be difficult, it is the easier choice by far when compared against inadvertently triggering the formation of additional cysts.
General Recommendations
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Beyond that, consume a diet rich in whole grains, vegetables and fruit, along with limiting consumption of trans and saturated fats wherever possible. A balanced meal should include a protein source, a fruit, a vegetable, a whole grain and some healthy unsaturated fats.
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