Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a condition that causes cysts to build up in the kidneys and causes chronic kidney disease (CKD). In turn, PKD leads to kidney failure in more than 50% of those who have it. While there is currently no specific diet that has shown to improve PKD, making a few dietary changes can help prevent disease progression and preserve kidney function.*

What changes can I make to my diet?

Eating a healthy and balanced diet plays an important role in optimal kidney function, but there are certain dietary changes that people with PKD should heed to help prevent progression to kidney failure. Renal dietitians, who specialize in kidney disease, recommend the following nutritional guidelines.

Limit protein

When you have severely limited kidney function, a low-protein diet may be ordered by your nephrologist. Studies on people with chronic kidney failure have shown that eating large amounts of protein may accelerate a further decline in kidney function. A study by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), however, found this to be most beneficial in those experiencing kidney failure. Therefore, modest restriction may be appropriate in those with moderate to advanced kidney failure.

Cut back on salt

Limiting your sodium intake can prevent high blood pressure, or hypertension, and is something everyone should consider cutting back on. If you have high blood pressure, you have a higher risk of heart attack and stroke. For people with PKD, high blood pressure can also cause your kidney disease to worsen.

“The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases advise[s] those with chronic kidney disease limit their sodium intake to less than 2,300 milligrams a day and avoid any packaged foods that get more than 20% of their Daily Nutritional Value from sodium,” according to Healthgrades. 

Reduce phosphorus and potassium

Phosphorus can build up in the blood of those with PKD. At normal levels, phosphorus protects the bones, but when levels are too high, it can do the—by leaching calcium from bones and weakening them. Food and drinks with low phosphorus levels include corn and rice cereals and light-colored soft drinks, whereas those with high levels include bran cereals and dark-colored soft drinks. 

If you have PKD, potassium can also build up in your blood. Potassium helps your nerves and muscles function properly, including your heart muscles, but too much potassium can lead to irregular heartbeat or heart attack. Some good examples of low-potassium food sources include apples, carrots, and white rice.

Your doctor can use a blood test to check your phosphorus and potassium.

Stay hydrated

Hydrating throughout the day may help to reduce the buildup of the hormone vasopressin in the body, which catalyzes the growth of PKD cysts. Choosing water may also help you to reduce your consumption of drinks that contain sugar or caffeine. Caffeine is a diuretic and causes water to be flushed more quickly out of your system, which increases your risk of dehydration.

Focus on heart-healthy options

Heart health is crucial when you have PKD because the heart has to work harder to get blood to the kidneys. Therefore, heart-healthy foods, like fish, beans, lean meats, leafy green vegetables, and low-fat dairy, should be prioritized. Limit saturated and trans fats, which can lead to heart disease. 

Avoid excessive alcohol consumption

Occasional and minimal intake of alcohol has not been shown to damage the kidneys or the liver. On the other hand, drinking three or more ounces of alcohol every day for many years has been associated with a rise in blood pressure, which can speed up the progression of PKD.

It is strongly recommended that any of the dietary changes above be made in consultation with your care team.

*PKD Foundation. (2020, Nov. 6). Nutrition. https://pkdcure.org/living-with-pkd/nutrition/