PKD DIET

Cacao

Avoid Cacao

Chocolate, cacao, cocoa are poor choices for individuals with PKD. Many PKD'rs have reported the association (when eating chocolate—even sugarless dark chocolate) of cacao raising blood pressure very high 140/90 for 3 days. Chocolate seems to increase kidney pain and for PKD'rs, even trace amounts of caffeine can increase symptoms. Cacao is derived from the roasted seeds of the plant theobroma cacao. Its components are methylxanthine alkaloids theobromine and Caffeine. Cacao flavanoids are known as nutraceuticals. With its vascular component, for PKD'rs, chocolate does indeed raise PKD blood pressure. Even dry cacao powder contains caffeine. Caffeine is present in cacao.

Cacao when made into chocolate exhibits an aphrodisiac effect. Its reputation runs the gamut from nectar of the gods to Montezuma's revenge. For PKD'rs cacao is bad news. Cacao contains caffeine. Caffeine inhibits the breakdown of cyclic AMP. An increase in cAMP results in more circulating cAMP, increasing cyst growth creating more cysts—increasing organ size and symptoms. Some have experienced ill effects that accompany drinking dark chocolate potions: rise in blood pressure, kidney pain, kidney stones, with an increase in cystic organ size. Polyphenols are in chocolate. Especially the dark flavonoid pigments are said to help with others with diminished brain functioning. Dark chocolate has antioxidants that milk chocolate doesn't. In fact milk interferes with the absorption of antioxidants. Studies show that dark chocolate eaten with milk does not have the same properties as dark chocolate eaten alone. Chocolate is derived from cacao, and contains many substances that act as stimulants, such as theobromine and caffeine. Both substances can increase blood pressure.

Blood Pressure Rise Associated With Eating Chocolate

Chocolate is derived from cacao which has methylxanthine alkaloids: theobromine and caffeine. Both of the two substances does indeed raise PKD blood pressure. Accompanied with the poor feelings such as dizziness, headache, nausea and vomiting. Polycystic Kidney Disease patients would suffer high risk of being attacked by further kidney damage. Additionally the caffeine in chocolate enhances the action of cAMP.

Due to many beneficial medical articles about chocolate, a few have tried to re-visit chocolate. The results are still the same. With PKD, cacao increases symptoms, raises blood pressure, severe migraine headaches occur 3 days after eating chocolate, this is followed by an increase in cyst growth and organ expansion. Cacao is also high in oxalates that can lead to kidney stone formation. PKD'rs already have an increased chance for kidney stone development.

Cacao contains caffeine, even raw chocolate nibs. Raw chocolate nibs also contain theobromine. Caffeine inhibits the breakdown of cyclic AMP. An increase in a href="http://www.PKDiet.com/diet_cAMP.php">cAMP results in more circulating cAMP. Circulating cAMP increases cyst growth creating more cysts, increasing organ size and increasing symptoms. Because of its addictive qualities, chocolate can by far the hardest food to avoid. With ADPKD with severe PLD with severe liver cyst formation eating chocolate can give a migraine headache not immediately but three days later and the headache can lasts for three full days.

The dreaded carcinogen aflatoxin has been found in cacao products. Aflatoxin coupled with eating greater than 5% protein diet has resulted in an increase in liver cancer especially among third world countries.

Raw Cacao Unhealthy For Raw Foodies

For years I have debated via email the effects of eating raw cacao. Oh, it gives off a wonderful smell and makes a delightful mulch but eating it everyday has some long term harmful effects other than those associated with caffeine.

We are  sharing our experiences with PKD/PLD Diet, an adjunct diet envisioning it complementing a physician's prescribed medical therapy. Consider testing this with your doctor's prior knowledge, who can  adjust it according to your own uniqueness by adding it to your current  treatment.

Medical Disclaimer