About PKD

PKD Polycystic Kidney Disease alters our kidneys' inner structure, eventually filling with multiples of cysts. Cystic cells replace normal functioning kidney tissue. These kidney cells die and are not capable of being replaced. Some with polycystic kidneys experience a decrease in kidney functioning. Almost all have a rise in blood pressure and spill protein in their urine. Oftentimes blood pressure spikes or an infection can alert doctors to an underlying illness such as ADPKD. In some, cystic cells replace liver cells. This is PLD or Polycystic Liver Disease. Both conditions are inherited.

40% of people with Polycystic Kidneys never require dialysis or transplant. Many of us are striving to be included among these healthy individuals; through diet and lifestyle changes, some have succeeded. Among our personal choices are: which foods do we eat? Do we smoke? Do we exercise? Do we drink sufficient water? Do we limit salt? Do we eat whole fresh unprocessed foods? With guided attention from our personal physicians, we have found a positive influence on our state of well-being. Perhaps eventually, more individuals will experience having healthy PKD polycystic kidneys throughout a lifetime.

We have no control over whether we inherit PKD2, or the more common aggressive PKD1 gene (earlier onset of symptoms). We have no influence if born male or female. PKD males have a higher incidence of cardiac problems with an earlier progression to left ventricular heart failure. Females with liver cysts, have an increased chance of developing severe Polycystic Liver Disease or PLD. In both instances symptoms are hormonally related. With PKD'ers, it is our hearts, not our kidneys, that leads to our demise. A medical paper suggests that if we eat a low salt diet and maintain a high value for good cholesterol, these have a positive influence over the expression of PKD symptoms A 2010 alkaline clinical trial shows maintaining alkalinity can improve kidney functioning, even with chronic kidney disease. Preventing enlargement of the kidneys will lessen the effects of late-stage PKD kidney insufficiency.

How is ADPKD Passed Onto Children?

Each child of a parent with ADPKD has a 50% chance of inheriting the disease, because the gene for ADPKD is dominant. The prospects are similar to a flip of a coin. So, although 1 in every 2 children has a chance of inheriting ADPKD, sometimes both or neither will be affected. This form of inheritance is called Autosomal Dominant inheritance.

Definition of ADPKD

  • At least 2 cysts in one kidney or a single cyst in each kidney (less than 30).
  • At least 2 cysts in each kidney in individuals between 30-59.
  • At least 4 cysts in each kidney in individuals 60 years or older.

There are two genes known to be associated with ADKPD. PKD1 is found in approximately 85 percent of individuals who have ADPKD. This is the more aggressive gene; diminished kidney functioning can occur in the 40's. PKD2 is found in about 15 percent of individuals who have ADPKD. Symptoms do not usually appear until the 60's.

ADPKD autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease is inherited. Some extra renal manifestations are liver cysts, pancreatic cysts, epididymus cysts, aneurysms.

PKD Polycystic Kidney Disease a beacon of light in a fog of knowledge

PKD Health

Here are some things to try that might prevent or delay the onset of serious PKD symptoms. 40% never require dialysis or transplant. Many PKD'rs are striving to be included amongst these 40%. Additionally, no matter the stage of PKD, incorporating these suggestions has resulted in an improvement in ones overall sense of well-being. (They report just feeling better!)

  • Alkalinity

    Maintain alkalinity by eating an Alkaline Plant Based Whole Foods Diet with an abundance of locally grown in season produce geared toward kidney and liver health, i.e., alkaline fruits, vegetables, legumes, Self monitor nightly urinary pH. 6.0 is good. 7.5 is a better urinary pH.

  • Low Salt

    1200 mg sodium diet. Prepare food yourself from fresh local ingredients. Add little salt to cooking. If you must add salt limit it to no more than one-eighth teaspoon per day of Himalayan Pink salt. Some have successfully tried (1) one teaspoon of solé in a full glass of water.

  • Neutral Protein Diet

    0.6 grams protein/kilogram of body weight diet. To calculate neutral protein, take your weight in pounds, divided by 2.2. Multiply this by 0.6 to get your daily neutral protein allotment.

  • Water

    Hydrate with plenty of water, possibly 3 liters per day or twice your daily urinary output.

  • Avoid kidney toxins

    i.e., caffeine, methylparabens, aspirin, Tylenol, NSAIDs. kidney harmful foods. Limiting exposure to cyclic AMP triggers will diminish cyst growth. Some cyclic AMP triggers are caffeine, coffee, tea, chocolate.

  • Increase Kidney Blood Flow

    (renal perfusion) through rest, decreasing stress. with gentle exercise, limit any trauma to cystic organs. Take antibiotics when necessary.

  • Maintain Blood pressure

    Self monitor BP keeping it near 100/70 - 120/80. Should blood pressure rise or spike call your doctor.

  • Correct anemia

    Eat iron rich fruits, vegetables with vitamin C foods for in creased absorption: artichokes, garbanzo beans (soak diminish phytatic acid), lentils (soak diminish phytatic acid), morrel mushrooms, lemon grass, dried apricots, parsley. Do not consume milk, tea, coffee, or red wine, known iron inhibitors.

  • Diminish proteinuria

    and blood in urine. Self monitor between doctor's visits.

For Your Reference

Potassium Citrate improves PKD [1.4 MB PDF]
Alkalinity improves GFR [web page]
Modifiable factors in PKD [web page]
Water study [963 KB PDF]
Kidney Toxins [56 KB PDF]
Avoid [1.1 MB PDF]
Avoid Chemicals [802 KB PDF]
Renal Perfusion [web page]
BP Halt clinical trial [web page]
Solé Recipe [web page]
Modifiable factors to slow down CKD [web page]

PKD Polycystic Kidney Disease Living with PKD
We are  sharing our experiences with PLD Diet, an adjunct diet to consider  trying to complement a physician's prescribed medical therapy. Think  about testing this only with your doctor's prior knowledge, who can  adjust it, according to your own uniqueness by adding to your current  treatment.

Medical Disclaimer