2012-06-01

Polycystic Kidney Disease and Its Diet


Polycystic kidney disease is one of the most common kidney diseases and without effective preventive measure, it develops to kidney failure within a short term. With Polycystic Kidney Disease, we need to follow some dietary principles, otherwise, PKD will be accelerated.


 Firstly, reduce protein intake
We need to reduce protein intake if we have Polycystic Kidney Disease. Proteins take longer for the kidney to process. Once it's done, the waste product produced is called urea. It is the kidney's basic function to help remove the urea from the body. Therefore larger the total amount of proteins produced by the liver, causes larger quantities of urea to be produced. The goal should be to reduce the total consumption of proteins. But, with PKD, we can eat less foods with high quality protein and this kind of food includes fish, lean meat and egg white.

Secondly, reduce salt intake
Too much of salt disturbs the balance of the minerals in the kidney, which increases the chances of high blood pressure among people suffering from the polycystic kidney disease. Therefore, reducing salt intake is necessary for PKD patients.(relationship between high blood pressure and Polycystic Kidney Disease)
 
Thirdly, reduce Potassium intake 
Our kidneys are in charge of excrete the excessive potassium, so when kidneys are damaged by Polycystic Kidney Disease, potassium should be made a part of the PKD diet though only in very limited quantities. According to medical research, potassium increases the body's resistance against this disease. Though it is important to remember that the total intake must be regulated, as an increase in the blood potassium levels can escalate the chances of heart related problems. Therefore, you must have foods that are rich in potassium such as sweet potatoes, papaya, prune, raisins, cantaloupe melon, oranges, mangoes, pears and honeydew are all have potassium.

Many foods should be avoided with Polycystic Kidney Disease, otherwise, PKD will be acclerate, as a result of which, we suffer from dialysis  earlier. Therefore, to slow down the progression of PKD (HOW TO SLOW DOWN THE PROGRESSION OF PKD), following these dietary principles is very necessary. 

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