Words in brown are links
Incidence of PKD
In 10% to 15% of patients with ADPKD, there is no positive family history for the disease. Reasons for such cases include de novo mutations (5% of cases), mild disease from PKD2 mutations and non-truncating PKD1 mutations, mosaicism, or unavailability of parental medical records.
PKD Treatment
By maintaining the integrity of ones own personal DNA, this can squelch the second hit mechanism that causes an increase in cyst numbers and symptoms. Here are some things to try that might prevent or delay the onset of serious PKD symptoms. According to some recent medical articles, diet might be key to preventing symptoms from occurring. We await clinical trials to verify this. 40% of individuals with PKD never require dialysis or transplant. Many PKD'rs are striving to be included amongst these 40%. They have tried instituting the list below. No matter the stage of PKD, as long as your doctor is in agreement, incorporating these suggestions has resulted in an improvement in ones overall sense of well-being. (Many have reported they simply feel better!)
Keep Your Kidneys Healthy
Diet
PKD Treatments
PKD Research
Monitor alkalinity
Monitor protein
Monitor Blood Pressure
Monitor Water Intake
Maintain kidney health early
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Lifestyle Changes Are Encouraged
Diet
Self monitor Blood Pressure
Self monitor urinary pH.
Self monitor proteinuria
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Self Monitor Alkalinity
Self monitor nightly urinary pH. 6.0 is good. 7.5 is a better urinary pH. 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. -
Diet
An alkaline diet that is low in salt, neutral in protein and with high water intake is best for PKD health. -
↓ 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.
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Neutral Protein Diet
Self monitor proteinuria. Eat a neutral protein diet or 0.6 grams protein/kilogram of body weight; this is neutral protein. To calculate your neutral protein, take your weight in pounds, divided by 2.2. Multiply this by 0.6 to get your daily neutral protein allotment. Here is a neutral chart and a protein chart of some common foods. Neutral protein is eating sufficient protein so what goes in, comes out. There is no excess.
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↑ Water
Hydrate with plenty of water, possibly 3 liters per day or twice your daily urinary output. Minimize the use of diuretics unless absolutely necessary and prescribed by your physician. Certain diuretics can diminish kidney functioning; can increase kidney stone formation; and can dehydrate one.
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Low Fat Diet
A low fat diet seems to help decreases symptoms from PKD.
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Food Restriction Helps PKD
In the PKD model,food restriction seems to help diminish PKD symptom.
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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.
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Increase Kidney Blood Flow
(renal perfusion) through rest, decreasing stress. with gentle exercise, limit any trauma to cystic organs. Take antibiotics when necessary.
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Maintain Tight Blood pressure Control
Self monitor BP keeping it near 100/70 - 120/80. Should blood pressure rise or spike call your doctor. Elevated blood pressure can increase spontaneous cyst ruptures, strokes, cardiovascular disease and lower kidney functioning.
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Diminish Stress
We can find the means to lower our stress, enhance relaxation, and increase the blood flow to our kidneys.
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Correct anemia
Eat iron rich fruits, vegetables with vitamin C foods to increase iron absorption: artichokes, garbanzo beans, lentils, morrel mushrooms, lemon grass, dried apricots, parsley are some foods high in iron. Try to avoid milk, tea, coffee, or red wine, all known to be iron inhibitors. -
Diminish proteinuria
and blood in urine. Self monitor proteinuria between doctor's visits.