Polycystic kidney disease is a disorder that affects the kidneys and other organs. Clusters of fluid-filled sacs, called cysts, develop in the kidneys and interfere with their ability to filter waste products from the blood. The growth of cysts causes the kidneys to become enlarged and can lead to kidney failure. Cysts may also develop in other organs, particularly the liver.
Keep Your Electrolytes Balanced---PKD Patient
For most people, this translates to "cut back on salt." Electrolytes are vital minerals in the body, such as calcium, sodium, potassium, and magnesium. The body relies on the kidneys to keep these in balance. Most people eating a typical "Western" diet get too much salt, which can throw this delicate balance off. This is why so many people with polycystic kidney disease develop high blood pressure. In fact, in the Encyclopedia of Health published by the U.S. National Library of Medicine, the entry on PDK specifically recommends a low-salt diet.
To start reducing salt in your diet, use garlic powder, onion powder or other herbs and spices in place of salt. Try to use less of sauces like ketchup and soy sauce. Avoid highly processed foods like meats, soups, and vegetables that come in cans. Even low-sodium varieties of these have more salt that something you'd make at home.
