Polycystic Kidney Disease, or PCKD, is a genetic disease in which many fluid-filled pouches or cysts form on the kidneys. During the early stage of the disease, the cysts may cause the kidneys to swell, leading to impairment of kidney function. How to supply nutrition in the early stage of PCKD?
Eat a low-sodium diet
Normal, kidneys can remove excessive fluid from the body. If cysts disrupt this function, fluid will accumulate in the body, resulting in high blood pressure and swelling. Sodium is an essential mineral that helps maintain the balance of fluid through retaining fluid. A high-sodium diet may cause the body to retain more fluid and worse hypertension. So, patients are recommended to have low sodium (<2400mg/d) by avoiding foods such as canned foods, table salt, seafood and cured meat.
Have a low-fat and high-fiber meal
Eat a low-fat and high-fiber diet to help reduce high blood pressure, which can impair the kidneys. Daily meals had better contain plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Maintain a healthy weight can help prevent PCKD complications.
Avoid excessive protein
Too much protein will make the kidneys work too hard, so patients are suggested to eat less protein (0.8 grams/kilogram ideal body weight) to slow down progressive loss of renal function and also prevents collection of toxins in the body. Avoid eating protein-rich foods such as bananas, oranges, potatoes, tomatoes, cream, cheese, turkey, etc.
Besides, patients with PCKD need to reduce stress, as stress can causes an elevation of adrenaline and blood pressure and may cause cysts to grow at a faster rate. Meanwhile, avoid inflammation, alcohol and smoking.
If people with PCKD can receive prompt treatment in the early stage, they can effectively stop the progression of the disease. You can send an e-mail to pkddoctor@hotmail.com.
