Warning Signs of Anemia
Feeling tired, weak, or short of breath? You could be dealing with low healthy red blood cells or anemia. Find out more about anemia and the tell-tale warning signs you could suffer from.
I Was Just Diagnosed with PKD: Do I Have to Give Up My Coffee?
Coffee gets most people going in the morning; whether it's the caffeine or simply the routine, it's a staple in many households worldwide. But what if you couldn't have coffee because of a medical problem?
A new diagnosis of polycystic kidney disease, or PKD, is terrifying – especially when you don't know what to expect. Because your kidneys filter out waste products and fluid, you may have to change what you put in your body for your health.
But that doesn't mean you must give up everything you love, like coffee. If you're living with PKD, the team at Metro Renal Associates has the tools you need to keep your kidneys healthy.
Our team consists of three experienced and board-certified nephrologists who evaluate your needs and concerns to develop a customized treatment plan for your kidney health.
What is PKD?
Polycystic kidney disease, or PKD, is a chronic kidney disease that causes cysts to form all over the kidneys. The cysts that form make the kidneys much larger than average and can lead to kidney failure and the need for dialysis.
PKD also reduces the function of the kidneys, leading to further problems. A few of the complications of PKD include high blood pressure, liver cysts, and issues with the blood vessels in the brain and heart.
According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, PKD is one of the most prevalent genetic disorders, affecting about 500,000 people in the United States yearly.
Unfortunately, many people with PKD don't know it until the cysts grow larger. The complications of PKD are often the symptoms, meaning high blood pressure and kidney failure happen as a symptom and a complication.
Do I have to give up coffee?
The good news is that you don't necessarily have to give up your morning cup of coffee if you have PKD. Although each person is different, there is no direct evidence that coffee damages polycystic kidneys.
For most people with PKD, the first question they ask is if they have to give up coffee. While the short answer is no, you have to think about other aspects of coffee.
For instance, consider how much coffee you drink. If you only drink an eight-ounce cup of coffee per day, you're in the clear. However, if you enjoy more than three cups of coffee daily and add creamer, your potassium intake is high and may be dangerous for your kidneys.
You should also consider whether you have high blood pressure or are on a fluid restriction. Coffee temporarily increases blood pressure, meaning you may need to limit how much you drink. Fluid restrictions simply mean you need to account for your coffee intake in your daily allowance.
The other issue with coffee is all the additives in it. Creamer and flavored syrups contain phosphates that aren't good for people with kidney disease.
Managing PKD through lifestyle choices
The sooner you receive a diagnosis of PKD, the quicker you can take control of your health and condition. Although you can't reverse the damage of PKD, you can slow down the progression of the disease.
Our team provides the following tips and lifestyle modifications to help you manage PKD without drastic changes to the things you love:
- Quit smoking
- Get 30 minutes of exercise daily
- Lose weight if you're obese
- Get plenty of sleep
- Reduce your stress levels
- Manage your blood pressure
- Limit alcohol intake
Nutrition and fluid intake are other essential aspects of managing PKD. Drink plenty of water throughout the day and cut back on caffeine. Reducing your overall salt intake helps you manage your blood pressure.
You don’t have to follow a specific diet when you have PKD, but eating healthy foods, watching your calorie intake, and limiting bad fats are excellent places to start to keep your kidneys functioning.
Call Metro Renal Associates in Washington, D.C. and Capitol Heights, Maryland, today to schedule an appointment for PKD, or use our convenient online booking tool to request a consultation with one of our providers.
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