Diet for Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)
Table of Contents
Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD), commonly known as polycystic kidney, is a congenital genetic disorder. It leads to the formation of multiple cysts in the kidneys, potentially causing gradual damage to kidney function. Currently, there is no complete cure for this disease, but medication can reduce cardiovascular risk, control hypertension, and decrease the incidence of uremia. While diet cannot cure ADPKD, adjusting dietary habits can alleviate symptoms, slow disease progression, reduce the risk of progressing to uremia, and ensure that kidney patients maintain good nutritional status.
Key points for the dietary recommendations for polycystic kidney disease are as follows:
1. Limit Sodium Intake
Similar to other kidney diseases, restricting sodium intake is a crucial dietary aspect in slowing the progression of ADPKD. Studies show a correlation between 24-hour urine sodium excretion and the rate of decline in kidney function (eGFR).
High sodium intake may lead to fluid retention, increase the risk of cyst enlargement, elevate blood pressure, and add to the cardiac burden. Daily sodium intake is recommended to be controlled below 2300 milligrams.
2. Water Intake
Patients have no specific restrictions on water intake. Judging whether water intake is sufficient can be done by observing the color of urine and urine volume. In normal circumstances, urine is light yellow, while darker colors may indicate the need to increase water intake. It is advisable to distribute water intake throughout the day, avoiding excessive intake at once to reduce fluid accumulation and lower the risk of cyst enlargement. Additionally, adjust water intake based on environmental and activity factors.
3. Caffeine Intake
Caffeine may exacerbate hypertension and symptoms of polycystic kidney disease. Tea, carbonated beverages, and energy drinks also contain caffeine. It is recommended to keep caffeine intake within a lower range to minimize potential adverse effects.
4. Protein Intake and Quality
According to the latest ADPKD guidelines, daily protein intake is suggested to be 0.75-1.0 grams per kilogram of body weight. To maintain kidney health, prioritize foods that are low in fat, low in cholesterol, and rich in high-quality protein, such as fish, chicken breast, legumes, and soy products. Simultaneously, reduce intake of red meat and high-fat foods.
Additionally, it is recommended to increase the intake of plant-based protein, such as soy protein, which helps lower blood pressure and, consequently, reduces the rate of kidney damage.
5. Control Phosphorus Intake
Elevated phosphorus levels may increase the risk of heart disease or stroke. Therefore, it is advisable to limit daily phosphorus intake to approximately 800 milligrams to ease the burden on the kidneys.
Many processed foods and beverages contain phosphorus as an additive, and almost all of this phosphorus is readily absorbed by the body. Carbonated drinks, sodas, beer, chocolate, and malt beverages often have high phosphorus content. When purchasing food, carefully examine food labels, paying attention to ingredients with the term “phos,” such as “phosphoric acid,” “Monocalcium phosphate,” “Phosphoric acid,” “Sodium Phosphate,” etc.
When enjoying hot pot, choose fresh meat slices, seafood, mushrooms, and vegetables while minimizing the intake of high-phosphorus hot pot ingredients and fresh or frozen meats containing sodium phosphate solution. Additionally, consume the hot pot broth in moderation after boiling the ingredients, as boiling can dissolve phosphates from the food into the broth, increasing its phosphorus content.
