Is starfruit something you need to avoid with Polycystic Kidney Disease? The short answer is yes.  The bigger question is... WHY?  Keep reading to learn more about starfruit, the toxins it contains that aren't kidney-friendly, and how oxalates factor in.    Starfruit   Starfruit, also known as carambola, is a sweet and sometimes tangy fruit with a citrus-like flavor. It is native to tropical regions of Southeast Asia and has recently gained popularity around the globe thanks to its taste and fun shape. Luckily, it can also be found in grocery stores worldwide. &nb ..read more

As we transition from Winter to Spring not only do we get warmer weather and longer days but also a whole new crop of fresh produce!  This blog will highlight three of our favorite, in-season, spring produce with nutritional perks for Polycystic Kidney Disease. Keep reading to learn more about how avocados, arugula, and strawberries can, and should, be included in your PKD diet.     Avocados   Contrary to popular belief, avocados are a fruit!  Even though you can find avocados year-round at the grocery store, their peak season differs by growing location. Cal ..read more

Each year, Americans eat, on average, over 280 eggs.  That's a lot of eggs! But are eggs good for PKD? In this blog, we will uncover whether eggs should, and can play a role in your healthy diet for Polycystic Kidney Disease.  Learn more about if eggs have perks for PKD, if you should be worried about cholesterol, and just how many is a good number to have.   Nutritional Content Of Eggs   Eggs are often called “the perfect food” and touted as being very nutritious, let’s look at why. Serving Size: 1 large egg Calories: 72 kcal Fat: 5 g Sodium: 71 mg Total Carbs ..read more

Looking to mix up your winter meals with some seasonal vegetables? You are in the right place. In this blog, we are going to highlight three winter veggies – cabbage, carrots, and butternut squash – plus share some PKD-friendly recipes for each.  Don’t underestimate the perks of eating in-season vegetables.  They are often cheaper, easy to find, and have amazingly fresh flavor.  Remember, with Polycystic Kidney Disease it's not just what you "take away", it's also the nourishment you add that helps support kidney health.   Cabbage   Cabbage, a low-oxalate vegetable,&nb ..read more

Is Vitamin C good for the kidneys and Polycystic Kidney Disease?  In this blog, we will explore Vitamin C, its beneficial roles in the body, how much you need and how to get it through diet,  how much is too much, and if supplementing with Vitamin C is good for PKD.  While Vitamin C supplements are generally regarded as safe it’s important to know that a high dose may have unintended consequences for PKD.  Keep reading to learn more. What Is Vitamin C Vitamin C, also called ascorbic acid, is both a vitamin and an essential nutrient.  Being essential just means our bo ..read more

Getting labs drawn is nerve-racking.  I have found many folks with PKD absolutely dread them, experience some anxiety leading up to them, and often feel they are “just waiting for bad news”. With labs, the goal is to get accurate results.  Labs are a snapshot of how your kidney is working, they also show potential areas to focus on where PKD health can be up-leveled or supported.   What you do, or do not do prior to getting labs can impact their results.  Having a plan, or routine, will help you feel more confident and in control, these 5 tips will help.   5 Ways ..read more

About 60% of our bodies are made up of water.  It is essential for life and good hydration helps deliver nutrients to cells, aids digestion, regulates body temperature, removes waste, and even helps maintain blood pressure. All cells in the body need water.  This includes your kidneys!  With Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD), it's especially important to have good hydration practices.  In this post, I am sharing some ways to mix up your hydration, add fun flavor infusions, and support your proactive hydration practices.   Hydration and PKD   With PKD, good hydration ..read more

In the United States, an estimated 42% of adults have a Vitamin D deficiency.(1)  Worldwide, deficiency is even more prevalent with estimates of over 50% of the world’s population as being deficient in Vitamin D.(2) That percentage jumps way up to 80% when looking at individuals with impaired kidney function, including CKD and PKD.(3, 4) I am finding, as a Registered Dietitian and specialist in PKD, that a Vitamin D deficiency is quite common with PKD, no matter how young or old you are!  Before we get into PKD and vitamin D, I want to give you a little background on, an ..read more

Should you eat raspberries with Polycystic Kidney Disease? Are they on the “good” or the “avoid” list for PKD?  You might have even heard that you should avoid them because they contain some natural sugar or are high in oxalates.  Let’s clear up this confusion once and for all.  Read on to learn more about raspberries, how they can benefit PKD heath, and get clarity on if they will hurt or help your kidneys! Raspberries, along with strawberries and blackberries, are the edible fruit of the Rosacea family plants.  Yes, that’s the rose family!  This delicate ..read more

77% of Americans take a daily supplement, and the older we get the more supplements we typically take. Folks that are greater than 65 years old take an average of 4 supplements daily! (1,2,3)  It’s not surprising that the U.S. dietary supplement market size is expected to reach over 560 billion dollars by 2024. (4) Looking at supplement usage with kidney disease, data supports that the percentages are very similar to the general population. (5, 6)  This includes the usage of prescribed supplements like renal vitamins, but also over-the-counter herbal produc ..read more