Whether you’ve just found out you have autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) or have been living with this condition for some time, it’s essential to follow a healthy diet and consume plenty of fluids to maintain overall health and slow down kidney damage.
What you eat and drink regularly is important to successfully manage chronic kidney disease. Regardless of the type of kidney disease you have, there’s more and more emerging evidence that diet can impact the progression of the condition.
If you suffer from ADPKD, understanding what foods to avoid and which to consume more can change the severity of the condition and influence the levels of kidney function. Let’s look at a list of foods, drinks, and additives to avoid if you have autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease.
1. Alcohol
Moderate consumption of alcohol typically doesn’t negatively affect kidney function, unless you’ve been ordered by your doctor to avoid it completely. However, drinking too much alcohol can worsen kidney disease. Excessive alcohol consumption can contribute to dehydration, thus raising your risk of hypertension (high blood pressure), and triggering liver disease.
2. Processed foods
Limiting your consumption of packaged or processed foods is always a great idea. However, you still can eat some of these foods. These include cut vegetables or bagged produce. Most processed foods contain added sugars and high amounts of sodium. Consider avoiding crackers, chips, deli meat, and pre-made meals such as frozen pizza.
3. Salt
People with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease are at an elevated risk for hypertension (high blood pressure). Over time, high blood pressure can cause damage to the blood vessels and prevent the arteries around the kidneys from functioning well, which can contribute to kidney damage and even kidney failure. Avoid salting your foods at the table, try using salt-free spices/herbs while cooking, and don’t forget to check the food labels for sodium content.
4. Coffee and other caffeine-containing products
Caffeine has a mild diuretic effect, meaning it may lead to frequent urination, but this doesn’t apply to moderate amounts of coffee (3 to 6 cups a day). Caffeine hasn’t been shown to affect the course of chronic kidney disease. If you practice moderation, you can consume coffee if you have autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease. But avoid adding sugar and fatty milk to your coffee.
5. Potassium-rich foods
Oftentimes, people with ADPKD have high levels of potassium that can actually lead to kidney failure. When high levels of potassium start to build up in the blood, a person develops hyperkalemia. It’s accompanied by abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, chest pain, heart palpitations, and muscle weakness or numbness in limbs. If left ignored, hyperkalemia can be life-threatening. If you’re developing symptoms of hyperkalemia ask your nephrologist or physician about a potassium blood test.
Watch your potassium levels by avoiding potassium-rich foods, such as melons, bananas, oranges, orange juice, avocados, prune juice, tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried beans, pumpkin, and nuts.
6. Fast foods
It’s also crucial to limit the consumption of fast foods, as they tend to contain high amounts of sodium. An “average” cheeseburger can contain much of your recommended sodium intake for the day.
7. High-sugar beverages
Staying hydrated is crucial not only for your overall health but also for kidney function. Although you need to avoid drinks that could potentially contribute to weight gain or cause difficulty maintaining weight — mainly those that contain added sugar.
If your sugary beverage of choice is cola, be aware that it and most dark-colored sodas have phosphorus, a mineral that in high amounts, can negatively affect blood vessels, lungs, eyes, and heart. If you have ADPKD, your kidneys have difficulty removing extra phosphorus from the blood, which can raise your risk of a heart attack or stroke.
