Polycystic Kidney Disease Diet

When looking at food choices for people with polycystic kidney disease, it is important for those with high blood pressure to eat a diet low in salt. A low-fat, moderate calorie diet is also important. Research studies on diet have shown promising results for mice and rats with polycystic kidney disease; however, none of these diet changes have been shown to be beneficial in humans.

An Overview of Polycystic Kidney Disease and Diet

At this point, there is no diet for polycystic kidney disease that has been shown to affect how many cysts develop, or how large the cysts become. A polycystic kidney disease diet including a low intake of salt is important for those with high blood pressure. A low-fat, moderate calorie diet is also important to prevent obesity.
 

What Does Research Say?

Research studies have shown promising results for various diet changes in mice and rats with polycystic kidney disease. Some of these diet changes included:
 
  • Eating foods low in fat
  • Eating foods low in overall protein, but high in soy protein
  • Flaxseed supplementation.
     
To date, none of these diet changes have been shown to be beneficial in humans with polycystic kidney disease. Diet continues to be an active area of polycystic kidney disease research.
Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
 
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