Polycystic Kidney Disease Diet Plan

Polycystic kidney disease also known as PKD is a genetic disease inherited from one or both parents. Polycystic kidney disease begins with cysts on the kidneys. Many times the patient may have thousands of these cysts on the kidneys. These cysts will enlarge the kidneys and the patient will have decreased kidney function. The cysts may also affect other organs such as your heart or lungs. About ninety percent of patients with this disease have autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease rather than autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease.

There is really no cure for this disease. The best thing you can do is go on a polycystic kidney disease diet. While this won’t cure you of PKD, it will help to prolong the effects of this disease. There are many symptoms of kidney disease. These include, but are not limited to, several urinary tract infections, blood in the urine, high blood pressure, kidney stones and aneurysms.

Other than the polycystic kidney disease diet, the only treatments for PKD are dialysis or a kidney transplant. As with most diseases, early detection is key. Many times, a patient may go for decades without any symptoms of this disease, although it may show up in children as well. The majority of patients with PKD will eventually experience end stage renal failure. The only thing to do at this point is dialysis or a transplant.

Because of the severity of this disease, the polycystic kidney disease diet is so important. For this kidney disease diet, you will want to eliminate animal proteins such as red meat. You will be better off to eat occasional broths, poultry fish and low-fat cheeses. You’ll want to keep those portions at less than three ounces per day. Also, when on the polycystic kidney disease diet you will want to incorporate high fiber foods such as whole grains and fruits and vegetables high in fiber. You will also need to include low-fat fruits and vegetables that are high in antioxidants to help fight infections.

While PKD is a scary disease, you are not without options. Stick to the polycystic kidney disease diet, get plenty of exercise, and follow the directions of your doctor. Keep the rest of your body healthy and you will help to reduce the negative effects that PKD will have on your body.

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