A recent study has shed more light on the correlation between dietary phosphate consumption and kidney disease progression. Researchers observed less tubular injury and diminished presence of microcysts when dietary phosphate was limited in the rodents used in the study. These are the very same factors which lead to kidney function decline in those living with polycystic kidney disease.
The study also confirmed that restricting phosphate in the diet can slow formation of new cysts and inhibit kidney fibrosis. This further cements the idea that monitoring phosphate content in your foods and, just watching your diet very carefully in general, is a vital component of improving PKD symptoms.
Some of the worst culprits for phosphate content are:
- Dark colas (Coke, Pepsi, etc.)
- Beer
- Chocolate drinks
- Canned ice teas
- Cheese
- Milk
- Liver
- Organ Meat
- Oysters
- Caviar
- Sardines
- Most processed or “junk” foods
And here are some healthier alternatives
- Water
- Coffee
- Tea
- Rice Milk
- Fresh fruit juices (apple, grape, cranberry)
- Ginger ale
- Sherbet
- Vegan Cheese
- Fruit Popsicles
- Lean cuts of meat (depending on protein levels)
- Apples
- Berries
- Grapes
- Unsalted treats like pretzels and crackers
- Cucumber
- Carrot Sticks
If you’re dealing with PKD, one other important dietary component to consider is hydration. Getting sufficient water each day is tantamount to improving your prognosis and keeping your symptoms under control. For more info about this and other kidney-related topics, be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel.
