Some Kidney Nutrition Tips for the PKD Patient

I would like to share some reminders given during a recent PKD nutrition webinar given by renal dietitian Kelly Welsh. I will summarized some of the important points below:

• Whole grain or wheat is a better source of carbohydrates. Use them whenever possible.
• Omega 3s (from salmon for example) may be beneficial. 
• Avoid coffee.
• Avoid energy drinks and sodas. They give you caffeine, lots of calories, and extra phosphorus. These may either speed up cyst growth or are just dump us with substances which are harmful in excess.
• Eat colorful vegetables and fruits.
• Under doctor's advice, calcium binders like TUMS may be useful to bind excess phosphates (phosphorus).
• For fever, take only paracetamol.
• Do not take any herbal supplement without doctor's approval  For example, do not take noni juice, ginseng-containing supplements.
• If potassium is normal and with the doctor's supervision, studies seem to show that loading up with potassium (for example from bananas, tomatos,etc.) may be beneficial in slowing the decline in kidney function.
• Soya products taken in moderation may also be beneficial due to its anti-oxidant effect (but those with polycystic liver should exercise caution).
• Limit the use of artificial sweeteners.

Those are just some important reminders from the PKD webinar. 

These webinars are really informative. You can access the other webinars at the PKD Webinars site of the PKD Fooundation.

You may also want kidney-friendly recipes courtesy of Kelly Walsh.