Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a common genetic disorder with limited drug therapy options. PKD progresses relentlessly leading to dramatic and often painful kidney and liver enlargement. Approximately 60% of affected individuals develop chronic abdominal, flank, and back pain (PKD-associated pain) [1,2,3] which has a significant adverse impact on quality of life [4].
Metabolic and inflammatory factors and micro-crystal injury, key drivers of ADPKD progression, play a key role in disease-related pain. Additionally, overweight/obesity worsen pain due to mechanical abdominal compression by enlarged kidneys and liver. Analgesic pharmacological options are limited due to nephrotoxicity with long-term use, and the potential for addiction with opioids. Effective and safe pain management is urgently needed for individuals with ADPKD.
The Ren-Nu Program (ren-nu.org) is an online, dietitian-led program that utilizes a kidney-safe form of ketogenic metabolic therapy (KMT), combined with reduction of the lithogenic (kidney stone) risk [5]. An integral part of Ren-Nu is Santa Barbara Nutrients’ novel medical food KetoCitra® that provides exogenous beta-hydroxybutryrate (BHB) to support ketosis together with citrate and alkaline base to reduce the lithogenic risk. Ren-Nu has been used by >150 PKD patients to date and focuses on a plant-dominant ketogenic diet, nutrition education, peer support, mindfulness training, aided by digital tools [5].
A survey was conducted (May 2023) among former participants who completed the 3-month Ren-Nu program within the last 2 years (59 total responses). 45 responders reported that they experienced pain or discomfort due to their PKD before starting the Ren-Nu program. Remarkably, 85% of those with prior pain/discomfort reported improvement (“greatly” or “somewhat”) after the Ren-Nu program (see graph).
Note that this is a preliminary result based on an informal survey. The Ren-Nu team will be conducting a formal study that will be reported in the scientific literature.
We are delighted by this highly promising initial result which matches the experience of the dietitians who have been directing the Ren-Nu program.
To learn more about the Ren-Nu program, visit the Ren-Nu website: https://ren-nu.org/
To learn more about KetoCitra®, visit https://santabarbaranutrients.com/ketocitra/
KetoCitra is a medical food for the dietary management of individuals with chronic kidney disease including polycystic kidney disease. KetoCitra can be taken by itself or in conjunction with diet & lifestyle changes. Learn more about the recommended diet & lifestyle changes here: https://santabarbaranutrients.com/kidney-health-toolkit/
References
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Diet: Foods to Eat and Avoid If you have chronic kidney disease (CKD), determining which foods to eat and avoid can be challenging. Different stages of CKD call for varying amounts of certain nutrients, so recommendations change depending...
What is Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)? Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a syndrome of progressive and irreversible loss of kidney function resulting from kidney damage. It's estimated that 37,000 people in the United States have CKD and over 800 million worldwide are...
Kidney Stones: A Quick Overview Chances are either you or someone you know has experienced kidney stones. While these pesky stones are usually small enough to be excreted through your urine, larger stones may require more medical attention. Here’s what you need to...
Santa Barbara Nutrients’ Scientists Awarded Breakthrough Patent in Mexico Related to Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) Santa Barbara, California – December 11th, 2022 The patented technology was initially developed by Dr. Weimbs and Dr. Torres at the University of...
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