Diet is just like double-edged sword, so a proper and healthy diet plays a significant role in protecting renal functions and shrink cysts on the kidneys. Here, our nephrologist work in Shijiazhuang Hetaiheng Hospital, China provide some diet suggestion for patients for you reference, any questions, please talk with our online doctors or leave a message below.

1. A low-sodium diet

High-sodium diet is the number one taboo for PKD patients with high blood pressure. For PKD patients, their kidney can not function properly. Under such a condition, if they ingesT too much sodium at one time, sodium level in blood will increase, which can trigger high blood pressure directly. Therefore, a low-sodium diet is necessary. Salt is the most common source for sodium, so in daily life, PKD patients should avoid eating too much salt.

2. Have less potassium.

If patients have obvious hyperkalaemia, the intake of fruits that are high in potassium such as orange and banana should be limited.

3. Have less protein.

The protein in diets should be controlled within 0.7-1.0g/kg/d. And in stage 3 chronic kidney disease, the daily protein intake should be 0.6g/kg so as to reduce burdens to the kidneys. Because when the liver breaks down protein, it will produce a waste product called urea which needs to be discharged out of the body through the filtration of the kidneys and too much intake of protein will add extra burdens to the kidneys.

4. Avoid drinking alcohol

For PKD patients, they need to stay far away from alcohol, because some substance in alcohol can stimulate kidney cyst and cause its quick enlargement. In PKD, elevation of blood pressure is due to decline of kidney function. Kidney cysts enlarge, leading to further deterioration of kidney condition. Under such a condition, blood pressure may become much higher. Therefore, PKD patients should give up the bad habit of drinking alcohol.

Besides proper diets, it is recommended that PKD patients can do some mild and gentle activities such as walking, jogging, tai chi, etc. during which more attention should be paid to avoid over-tiredness and physical traumas.