Tips for Optimal Kidney Health

There is no cure for CKD but there are things you can do to support kidney health.

Get to know sodium

Sodium, found in salt, is not inherently bad (3). The mineral supports food safety as a preservative and keeps our nerves and muscles working properly. 

However, when excess sodium in our diets accumulates in our blood, our risk for hypertension increases. Hypertension strains the heart and kidneys, ultimately increasing risk of chronic disease. 

Here’s how to manage sodium levels:

• Get your blood pressure checked on a regular basis (4).

• The general recommendation is to keep your sodium intake to less than 2,300 mg per day. However, several clinical studies have shown that high dietary sodium intake is especially detrimental for people with chronic kidney disease, including PKD. Therefore, the American Heart Association recommends even lower limits (less than 1,500 mg per day), and this amount may be further reduced for people with more advanced polycystic kidney disease.

Manage blood sugar levels 

Elevated blood sugar makes the kidneys work harder and can lead to renal damage, resulting in increased risk for CKD (5). 

Tips for managing blood sugar levels: 

• Work with your registered dietitian to understand proper blood sugar management if you have diabetes or pre-diabetes.

• Limit added sugar in: Sodas, juices, candies, pastries, desserts, anything with high fructose corn syrup. Make sure to read the food labels in order to determine how much sugar is in the food you are eating. Another tip is to replace sugar with natural sweeteners such as stevia or monk.