Your kidneys are paired organs that keep you chemically balanced and filter waste and fluid from your blood. Polycystic kidney disease is a genetic disorder characterized by cysts in your kidneys. PKD causes your kidneys to enlarge, reducing their function and gradually leading to kidney failure. Roughly 600,000 Americans have PKD, according to 2007 information from the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse. A healthy diet, limited in certain foods, may help slow the progression of PKD and guard against potential complications.
Salty Foods
Salty foods are high in sodium -- a mineral that helps maintain fluid balance in your body. Consuming excessive amounts of sodium, which is common in the United States, can increase your blood pressure and your risk for heart disease. Positive blood pressure control can slow the effects of autosomal dominant PKD, which is the most common form, according to the NKUDIC. Particularly sodium-rich foods include table salt, cured and processed meats, canned soups and vegetables, prepared tomato sauce and frozen and canned entrees.
Refined Grains
A low-fat diet that promotes weight management is also important for people faced with PKD, according to the National Kidney Foundation. Whole grains are nutritious, low-glycemic foods, meaning they have a mild impact on your blood sugar levels and may delay hunger cues. The fiber in whole grains also promotes appetite control. Refined grains, such as white flour, contain significantly less fiber and nutrients than whole grains and may lead to weight gain when consumed in excess. Snack foods based on refined grains, such as potato chips, pretzels and crackers, are also high in sodium. For heightened weight control and wellness, replace white bread, instant rice, enriched pasta and low-fiber cereals and snack foods with 100 percent whole grain equivalents.
Added Sugars
Added sugars, such as high fructose corn syrup and cane sugar, add sweet flavor and calories, but few nutrients, to foods. Diets rich in added sugars are associated with poor nutrition, weight gain and high triglycerides, which can lead to high blood pressure and heart disease. To avoid these risks, limit particularly sugary foods and beverages, such as candy, milk chocolate, pancake syrup, jelly, frozen desserts, frosting, regular soft drinks and commercially-baked cookies, cakes, pies and pastries.
Fatty Foods
Fats are essential for human health. They provide energy and help your body transport and absorb fat-soluble nutrients, such as vitamins E and K. The fats in fried, red and processed meats and high-fat milk and cheeses, however, are primarily unhealthy fats as saturated fatty acids, which may increase your blood pressure and exacerbate symptoms of polycystic kidney disease. To avoid high blood pressure and other heart disease risk factors, the American Heart Association recommends limiting your saturated fat to less than 7 percent of your total daily calories. Consume moderate amounts of healthy fat sources, such as nuts, seeds, oily fish and vegetable oils, instead.
