A groundbreaking study on polycystic kidney disease (PKD) reveals that a ketogenic diet can curb kidney growth and improve kidnet function. The trial consisted of 66 PKD patients and showed surprising results. Those on the ketogenic diet experienced halted kidney growth and improved kidney function, challenging the belief that PKD inevitably leads to kidney failure.
Ketogenic Diet To Be Beneficial For Controlling Polycystic Kidney Disease
A first-randomised controlled study of ketogenic metabolic therapy for polycystic kidney disease found that following a ketogenic diet can be helpful in controlling polycystic kidney disease (PKD). PKD is a genetic disorder wherein clusters of cysts develop within your kidneys. This causes the kidneys to enlarge and over time, your kidneys can’t function. The study was published in the journal Cell Reports Medicine.
Thomas Weimbs, UC Santa Barbara biologist whose lab was part of an international collaboration to investigate the effect of the fasting response known as ketosis on the cysts that are the hallmark of the disease said, “I’m really happy about these clinical trial results. We now have the first evidence in humans that the cysts really don’t like to be in ketosis and that they don’t seem to grow.”
Weimbs adds, “If you have PKD, the dogma is that it’s a genetic disease. And no matter what you do, you progress toward kidney failure and diet doesn’t make any difference, which unfortunately most patients are told to this day.”
For the study, 66 PKD patients were selected by the research team at Weimbs Lab and various other research institutions in Germany. The team was headed by research physician Dr. Roman Müller of the University of Cologne and randomly split into three groups. One of the control groups was that received routine PKD counselling, another group that underwent a three-day water fast every month and a third group that observed a low-carbohydrate, high-fat ketogenic diet.
These patients were then followed closely with blood draws and MRI scans. After the three-month trial period, the researchers found that the control group saw the expected growth in the size of their kidneys. However, patients who followed the ketogenic diet saw that their kidneys had stopped growing and appeared to show a tendency to shrink somewhat. One of the things that was evident was that kidney function improved considerably in the ketogenic diet patients
Weims said, “To everyone’s great surprise, kidney function actually improved with the ketogenic diet. It’s not something one would expect. And that was a hard outcome of statistical significance.”
Kidney function was measured by the concentration of a protein called cystatin C — higher-than-normal concentrations of this protein in the blood indicate a faltering filtration system, a symptom that worsened in the control group.
“Doctors often assume that their patients cannot adhere to a diet anyway, so they don’t even try. Clearly, this is not true. People with PKD are highly motivated to do something about their condition,” he said.
According to Weimbs, there is no one type of keto diet that fits all. To achieve the best from your diet, PKD should consider speaking to their doctors and nutritionists. While the popular version of the ketogenic diet is heavy on meat, however, this might not be the best option for people with kidney disease. People with kidney disease should follow a more plant-based ketogenic diet.
Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a dietician before starting any fitness programme or making any changes to your diet.
- What is a ketogenic diet?
According to Harvard T.H. Chan School Of Public Health, “ketogenic or “keto” diet is a low-carbohydrate, fat-rich eating plan that has been used for centuries to treat specific medical conditions. The ketogenic diet has also been tested and used in closely monitored settings for cancer, diabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome, and Alzheimer’s disease.”
“The ketogenic diet typically reduces total carbohydrate intake to less than 50 grams a day—less than the amount found in a medium plain bagel—and can be as low as 20 grams a day. Generally, popular ketogenic resources suggest an average of 70-80% fat from total daily calories, 5-10% carbohydrate, and 10-20% protein. For a 2000-calorie diet, this translates to about 165 grams fat, 40 grams carbohydrate, and 75 grams protein,” says Harvard T.H. Chan School Of Public Health.
U Chicago Medicine says, “The keto diet could cause low blood pressure, kidney stones, constipation, nutrient deficiencies and an increased risk of heart disease. Strict diets like keto could also cause social isolation or disordered eating. Keto is not safe for those with any conditions involving their pancreas, liver, thyroid or gallbladder.”
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