Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsBenefitsHow It WorksConsiderationsDietary Restrictions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Benefits
How It Works
Considerations
Dietary Restrictions
By working closely with your kidney specialist and a nutrition expert, kidney-protective diets may help individuals with ADPKD slow the progression of polycystic kidney disease and damage to the kidneys.
Verywell / Jessica Olah
ADPKD is a progressive disease that, over time, will affect kidney function and cause permanent damage. Dietary modifications with this chronic kidney disease are important to preserve kidney function for as long as possible.
In diseases like ADPKD in which kidney function is impaired, the kidneys are not able to filter fluid as well, which results in the body keeping more sodium, or salt, than needed. Increased sodium has been studied extensively. It directly affects blood pressure, often raising it so consistently that individuals with ADPKD also have a diagnosis ofhypertension, or high blood pressure.
When dietary salt intake is decreased, the body maintains a better sodium balance and keeps blood pressure within acceptable ranges. This same effect occurs withpotassiumandphosphorus. So, following a diet containing foods lower in potassium and phosphorus can help the body maintain a proper balance and prevent a more rapid decline to total kidney failure.
Another dietary recommendation includes limiting animal protein. Doing so has been shown to restrict growth of the cysts and minimize deterioration of overall kidney function.How animal protein causes cyst growth is unknown, but there is enough research indicating a diet high in animal protein causes more cysts and hastens progression to full kidney failure.
Recommendations are to limit animal sources of protein, increase plant sources of protein, and not exceed more than 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram (kg) of body weight per day:Animal protein sources: Chicken, fish, meat, eggs and dairyPlant protein sources: Beans, nuts and grains
Recommendations are to limit animal sources of protein, increase plant sources of protein, and not exceed more than 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram (kg) of body weight per day:
Drinking water, with the goal to balance water intake against kidney function to prevent fluid excess, helps the kidneys to maintain fluid balance more effectively. Minimizing dark sodas and caffeine is also important to maintain the fluid balance that allows the kidneys to work as optimally as possible.
Duration
Since ADPKD is a progressive disease with no known cure, developing a diet appropriate for maintaining kidney function for as long as possible is a lifestyle modification that should be lifelong.
What to Eat
Compliant FoodsLower-Protein FoodsChili con carneBeef stewEgg substitutesTofuImitation crabmeatMonounsaturated FatsCorn oilSafflower oilOlive oilPeanut oilCanola oilLow-Sodium FoodsSalt-free herb seasoningsLow-sodium canned foodsFresh, cooked meatPlain rice without saucePlain noodles without sauceFresh vegetables without sauceFrozen vegetables without sauceHomemade soup with fresh ingredientsReduced-sodium tomato sauceUnsalted pretzelsUnsalted popcornNoncompliant FoodsHigher-Protein FoodsGround beefHalibutShrimpSalmonTunaChicken breastRoasted chickenSaturated fatsRed meatPoultryWhole milkButterLardTrans-fatty acidsCommercially baked goodsFrench friesDoughnutsHydrogenated vegetable oilsMargarineShorteningHigh-Sodium FoodsSaltRegular canned vegetablesHotdogs and canned meatPackaged rice with saucePackaged noodles with sauceFrozen vegetables with sauceFrozen prepared mealsCanned soupRegular tomato sauceSnack foods
Compliant FoodsLower-Protein FoodsChili con carneBeef stewEgg substitutesTofuImitation crabmeatMonounsaturated FatsCorn oilSafflower oilOlive oilPeanut oilCanola oilLow-Sodium FoodsSalt-free herb seasoningsLow-sodium canned foodsFresh, cooked meatPlain rice without saucePlain noodles without sauceFresh vegetables without sauceFrozen vegetables without sauceHomemade soup with fresh ingredientsReduced-sodium tomato sauceUnsalted pretzelsUnsalted popcorn
Lower-Protein Foods
Monounsaturated Fats
Low-Sodium Foods
Noncompliant FoodsHigher-Protein FoodsGround beefHalibutShrimpSalmonTunaChicken breastRoasted chickenSaturated fatsRed meatPoultryWhole milkButterLardTrans-fatty acidsCommercially baked goodsFrench friesDoughnutsHydrogenated vegetable oilsMargarineShorteningHigh-Sodium FoodsSaltRegular canned vegetablesHotdogs and canned meatPackaged rice with saucePackaged noodles with sauceFrozen vegetables with sauceFrozen prepared mealsCanned soupRegular tomato sauceSnack foods
Higher-Protein Foods
Saturated fats
Trans-fatty acids
Hydrogenated vegetable oils
High-Sodium Foods
Other Foods to Consider
Other types of foods that you may want to add to your diet are those with low potassium or phosphorus. You may also want to avoid foods and beverages with high levels of these minerals. However, with good kidney function, avoiding foods with these minerals may not always be necessary. Your healthcare provider may recommend specific restrictions if needed.
What to IncludeFoods Lower in PotassiumApples, peachesCarrots, green beansWhite bread and pastaWhite riceRice milk (not enriched)Cooked rice and wheat cereals, gritsApple, grape, or cranberry juiceFoods Lower in PhosphorousFresh fruits and vegetablesBreads, pasta, riceRice milk (not enriched)Corn and rice cerealsLight-colored sodas, such as lemon-lime or homemade iced teaWhat to AvoidFoods Higher in PotassiumOranges, bananas, and orange juicePotatoes, tomatoesBrown and wild riceBran cerealsDairy foodsWhole-wheat bread and pastaBeans and nutsFoods Higher in PhosphorousMeat, poultry, fishBran cereals and oatmealDairy foodsBeans, lentils, nutsDark-colored sodas, fruit punch, some bottled or canned iced teas that have added phosphorus
What to IncludeFoods Lower in PotassiumApples, peachesCarrots, green beansWhite bread and pastaWhite riceRice milk (not enriched)Cooked rice and wheat cereals, gritsApple, grape, or cranberry juiceFoods Lower in PhosphorousFresh fruits and vegetablesBreads, pasta, riceRice milk (not enriched)Corn and rice cerealsLight-colored sodas, such as lemon-lime or homemade iced tea
Foods Lower in Potassium
Foods Lower in Phosphorous
What to AvoidFoods Higher in PotassiumOranges, bananas, and orange juicePotatoes, tomatoesBrown and wild riceBran cerealsDairy foodsWhole-wheat bread and pastaBeans and nutsFoods Higher in PhosphorousMeat, poultry, fishBran cereals and oatmealDairy foodsBeans, lentils, nutsDark-colored sodas, fruit punch, some bottled or canned iced teas that have added phosphorus
Foods Higher in Potassium
Foods Higher in Phosphorous
By working with a qualified nutrition specialist, such as a registered dietician (preferably one trained in kidney disease diets), you will be able to appropriately modify your diet. A registered dietician can also teach you how to read labels, determine portion sizes, and target ideal daily caloric intake, as well. Below are key points for inclusion in an ADPKD compliant diet:
Portion sizes:
Sodium intake:
Put Down That Salt Shaker. It Might Help You Live 2 Years Longer
For individuals with ADPKD, the majority of the 2020–2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans apply, with a few small exceptions to adjust for preserving kidney function and preventing worsening of the ADPKD disease process, including
ADPKD is an inherited, genetic disease that is progressive. About 60% of individuals diagnosed with ADPKD will experience total kidney failure in their 70s.There is a growing body of evidence indicating that implementing akidney-healthy dietsoon after ADPKD diagnosis can prolong kidney function and potentially avert total kidney failure.
Collaborating with a medical professional specialized in kidney diseases, such as anephrologist, to monitor kidney function through laboratory tests and routine physical examinations, is an important component of adjusting dietary requirements for ADPKD.
Further collaboration with an experienced renal registered dietician can help formulate an ADPKD-compliant diet that supports optimal kidney function is also important. An experienced renal registered dietician can also assist with ensuring an ADPKD compliant diet is budget and taste friendly.
A Word From Verywell
A disease diagnosis, particularly one such as ADPKD, might feel overwhelming or discouraging at first. Implementing lifestyle changes, like a different dietary plan, may seem like a challenge, but with the right mindset and with healthcare specialists to lean on, your disease progression may be slowed.
ADPKD does not necessarily mean your dietary changes will be restrictive or hard to implement. With the right guidance, an appropriate ADPKD diet can be chosen that fits your lifestyle and optimizes your kidney health.
6 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Taylor JM, Hamilton-Reeves JM, Sullivan DK, et al.Diet and polycystic kidney disease: A pilot intervention study.Clin Nutr. 36(2):458-466. doi:10.1016/j.clnu.2016.01.003National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease.Eating right for chronic kidney disease.McClure, S.T., Rebholz, C.M., Mitchell, D.C.et al.The association of dietary phosphorus with blood pressure: results from a secondary analysis of the PREMIER trial.J Hum Hypertens34, 132–142. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41371-019-0231-xCenters for Disease Control and Prevention.Effects of sodium and potassium.Ko GJ, Obi Y, Tortorici AR, Kalantar-Zadeh K.Dietary protein intake and chronic kidney disease. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. 20(1):77-85. doi: 10.1097/MCO.0000000000000342.Dietary Guidelines for Americans.Dietary guidelines for americans, 2020-2025.
6 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Taylor JM, Hamilton-Reeves JM, Sullivan DK, et al.Diet and polycystic kidney disease: A pilot intervention study.Clin Nutr. 36(2):458-466. doi:10.1016/j.clnu.2016.01.003National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease.Eating right for chronic kidney disease.McClure, S.T., Rebholz, C.M., Mitchell, D.C.et al.The association of dietary phosphorus with blood pressure: results from a secondary analysis of the PREMIER trial.J Hum Hypertens34, 132–142. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41371-019-0231-xCenters for Disease Control and Prevention.Effects of sodium and potassium.Ko GJ, Obi Y, Tortorici AR, Kalantar-Zadeh K.Dietary protein intake and chronic kidney disease. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. 20(1):77-85. doi: 10.1097/MCO.0000000000000342.Dietary Guidelines for Americans.Dietary guidelines for americans, 2020-2025.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Taylor JM, Hamilton-Reeves JM, Sullivan DK, et al.Diet and polycystic kidney disease: A pilot intervention study.Clin Nutr. 36(2):458-466. doi:10.1016/j.clnu.2016.01.003National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease.Eating right for chronic kidney disease.McClure, S.T., Rebholz, C.M., Mitchell, D.C.et al.The association of dietary phosphorus with blood pressure: results from a secondary analysis of the PREMIER trial.J Hum Hypertens34, 132–142. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41371-019-0231-xCenters for Disease Control and Prevention.Effects of sodium and potassium.Ko GJ, Obi Y, Tortorici AR, Kalantar-Zadeh K.Dietary protein intake and chronic kidney disease. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. 20(1):77-85. doi: 10.1097/MCO.0000000000000342.Dietary Guidelines for Americans.Dietary guidelines for americans, 2020-2025.
Taylor JM, Hamilton-Reeves JM, Sullivan DK, et al.Diet and polycystic kidney disease: A pilot intervention study.Clin Nutr. 36(2):458-466. doi:10.1016/j.clnu.2016.01.003
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease.Eating right for chronic kidney disease.
McClure, S.T., Rebholz, C.M., Mitchell, D.C.et al.The association of dietary phosphorus with blood pressure: results from a secondary analysis of the PREMIER trial.J Hum Hypertens34, 132–142. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41371-019-0231-x
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Effects of sodium and potassium.
Ko GJ, Obi Y, Tortorici AR, Kalantar-Zadeh K.Dietary protein intake and chronic kidney disease. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. 20(1):77-85. doi: 10.1097/MCO.0000000000000342.
Dietary Guidelines for Americans.Dietary guidelines for americans, 2020-2025.
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