Is There Any Life-style Change That Can Control Kidney Cysts Growth

A:

1. What does GFR 29 mean?

Kidney disease is divided into 5 stages according to GFR level which is a reflection of patient’s kidney function. GFR is above 90ml/min, it is in stage 1. The level of 60-89ml/min means stage 2. The level of 30-59ml/min means stage 3. The level of 15-29ml/min is stage 4. If GFR is below 15ml/min, it is in stage 5. Thus, your GFR 24ml/min means you are in stage 4 in which kidneys have been damaged severely. Patients with GFR 29 means about four fifths kidney function is damaged. Thereby patients will have obvious symptoms such as edema, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, sleep problems and so on.

2. Is there a life-style change that can control the cysts growth?

A low-sodium diet

Kidneys help remove excess fluid from the body. When kidney cysts disrupt this function, fluid builds up in the body, leading to high blood pressure and swelling. A low sodium diet is necessary when kidney cysts cause symptoms of kidney failure. High sodium foods such as canned foods, table salt, seafood and cured meat should be avoided.

Low fat and high fiber diet

Keeping your body healthy helps prevent complications of polycystic kidney disease. A low fat and high fiber diet is able to lower high blood pressure which can damage your kidneys. You should eat plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. If you are overweight, you should lose weight because excess weight can cause high blood pressure.

Low protein

If you have symptoms of kidney failure due to PKD, a low protein diet should be followed. Too much protein can make your kidneys work too hard. Eating less protein slows down progressive loss of kidney function and also prevents accumulation of toxins in the body. When your kidneys are injured by enlarged kidney cysts, they are unable to remove protein by-products from the body, which leads to accumulation of toxic substances. Protein-rich foods are meat, fish, eggs, chicken, turkey, milk, cheese, cream and yogurt.

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