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3 weeks ago

Dear Shivani Chandel, Thank you for the question

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a genetic disorder characterized by the growth of numerous fluid filled cysts in the kidneys. PKD cysts can profoundly enlarge the kidneys while replacing much of the normal structure, resulting in reduced kidney function.

For further diagnosis, assistance & management kindly contact your specialized health care professional such as a nephrologist.

Here are few Nutritional tips to mange PKD

• When kidney function slows down extra sodium will stay in the body and fluid builds up. This can cause swollen ankles, puffiness, a rise in blood pressure, shortness of breath, and/or fluid around the heart and lungs. It is necessary to limit high sodium foods such as salt, pickle, papads , bakery goods , ketchup , sauces , ready to eat/canned foods  , salted nuts/butter/cheese , sausages , dried fish.
• Staying hydrated by drinking the right amount of fluid may help slow PKD’s progress.  Fluid intake should be consumed as prescribed by the health care professional.
• It is necessary to consume good biological value protein (pulses, legumes, paneer, milk) in your daily diet as consuming less protein can lead to malnutrition and consuming high protein diet can cause increased creatinine. So kindly check with your Nutritionist about your requirement which generally varies. Higher-protein foods to be limited such as red meat, Poultry, Fish, Eggs, Nut.
• It is important to choose foods with right amount of potassium as in PKD there may be slight increased levels of serum potassium(hyperkalaemia). Limit the consumption of high potassium foods such as dried fruits, nuts, molasses, avocados, and Lima beans, spinach, potatoes, tomatoes, broccoli, beets, carrots, and squash, kiwis, mangoes, oranges, bananas, and cantaloupe. Red meats are also rich in potassium.
• If you have hyperkalemia Leaching is a cooking method that helps you enjoy some of your favourite high potassium vegetables. The process of leaching will help pull some potassium out of high potassium vegetables. It is important to remember that this process does not pull out all of the potassium. You must still limit the amount of leached high potassium vegetables you eat

Consume a balanced diet which provides all the nutrients in required amounts and proper proportions. It can easily be achieved through a blend of the four basic food groups. The quantities of foods needed to meet the nutrient requirements vary with age, gender, physiological status and physical activity. A balanced diet should provide around 50-60% of total calories from carbohydrates, preferably from complex carbohydrates, about 10-15% from proteins and 20-30% from both visible and invisible fat.

As a general dietary guideline, for an apparently healthy individual/ with no specific health or nutrition needs and/or metabolic condition it is recommended to consume 2000kcal/d and for women, the RDA for protein requirement is 46g/d and for fiber it is 25g/d.

Here are few guidelines for healthy balanced diet that can be considered:

• Have a Diversified Balanced Diet that includes all the food groups in the right quantity which thereby provides you with all the essential macro and micro nutrients that your body requires daily for proper functioning.
• Try to incorporate the My plate Concept by dividing your plate into 4 quadrants, fill half of your plate with low potassium fruits and vegetables, the other two quadrants with cereals and plant-based protein. A small quantity of dairy intake is recommended.
• Some of the good sources of protein include pulses, lentils, milk, paneer, soybean, nuts & seeds, etc. 
• Begin your day with a well-balanced breakfast as it is an important meal of the day.
• Avoid skipping meals. Also, try to avoid fasting and feasting too often.
• Consume small frequent meals, with healthy snacking options.
• Consume minimum 5 servings of vegetables and 1 serving of fruit (low potassium or leached if hyperkalaemia is present) as they are rich in Fiber, essential minerals & Vitamins as well as they give you a feeling of satiety.
• Limit the intake of high sodium foods such as salt preserved foods like pickles, sauces, canned foods, salted butter, dry fish, papads, etc.
• Try to consume more of Whole grains, Millets and Multigrain foods as they are a good source of fiber.
• Limit intake of deep-fried foods. Method of cooking like baking, grilling, boiling, steaming is preferable over deep frying with excess fat/ oil.
• Have your last meal at least 2-3 hours before sleep time.
• Drink adequate amount of water to keep yourself well hydrated if fluid retention is present then fluid intake should be consumed as prescribed by the Health care professional.
• Engage in at least 30-45 minutes brisk walk/physical activity of moderate intensity at least 5 days a week. Please check with your healthcare professional for appropriate physical activity regimen.
• Try and follow a good sleep regimen in terms of both quantity and Quality.

For a customised and personalised meal plan for specific conditions, please contact your Health care professional.

Hope we have answered your query.

Wishing you a great day ahead

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