Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide.
Researchers at the University of California, Santa Barbara, led by Thomas Weimbs, have made an unexpected finding: ketogenic diets may hold promise as a safe and effective treatment for PKD.
This discovery emerged from earlier studies where lab mice with PKD experienced significant improvement when given less food.
Unraveling the Mechanism
Further investigation revealed that the metabolic state of ketosis was responsible for the positive effects.
Ketosis can be induced through ketogenic diets, intermittent fasting, or by administering the ketone beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB). Remarkably, all three methods resulted in the shrinking of kidney cysts in the animals.
This breakthrough generated excitement in the field and prompted many PKD patients to adopt ketogenic diets to manage their condition.
A Closer Look: Real-Life Experiences
To explore the potential of ketogenic and time-restricted diets in managing PKD, Weimbs and his team conducted a unique study published in the Clinical Kidney Journal.
The researchers examined the experiences of a group of patients with autosomal dominant PKD (ADPKD), the more common form of the disease.
The goal was to gain insight into the feasibility and potential benefits of these dietary interventions.
The Findings: Promising Results
The study involved 131 ADPKD patients who followed either ketogenic or time-restricted diets for an average of six months.
Telephone interviews were conducted to collect information on their experiences, changes in health conditions, kidney function, and safety concerns. The results were highly encouraging.
An impressive 86% of participants reported overall health improvements as a result of the dietary interventions.
Moreover, 67% experienced improvements in ADPKD-related health issues, while 64% reported better blood pressure.
The majority (90%) achieved significant weight loss, and 92% found the interventions feasible. However, 53% of participants took breaks from their diets due to practical difficulties.
Safety Considerations: Adverse Effects
Around 66% of respondents reported adverse effects related to the diets, including “keto flu,” hunger, and fatigue. Fortunately, most of these effects diminished over time.
Although 14% of participants raised safety concerns with their doctors, typically due to increased cholesterol levels, this is a known effect of ketogenic diets that can normalize over time.
Other reported issues, such as kidney stones and increases in serum creatinine, are related to the PKD disease process.
The researchers emphasize the importance of PKD patients seeking medical supervision when incorporating ketogenic diets into their lifestyles.
Future Steps: Advancing Research
Weimbs and his team are collaborating with a clinical research team in Germany to conduct a pilot trial comparing ketogenic diets with intermittent fasting in individuals with ADPKD.
The aim is to collect more structured data and design a comprehensive clinical trial.
Additionally, the research team is partnering with dieticians in the United States to evaluate the effects of the “Ren.Nu” program, a remote training program for patients interested in kidney-safe, plant-focused ketogenic dietary and lifestyle changes.
This program, supported by the medical food KetoCitra, will undergo clinical trials in collaboration with the University of Toronto.
Weimbs, driven by the desire to halt the progression of PKD, expresses his excitement about the potential translation of his team’s discoveries into clinical applications.
This journey from basic science to potential clinical treatments signifies a significant milestone in the field.
Pioneering New Avenues for PKD Treatment
The groundbreaking study led by Weimbs suggests that ketogenic diets may hold promise as a safe and effective treatment for PKD.
With a large number of patients already adopting these diets and reporting positive outcomes, further clinical trials are warranted.
The researchers aim to establish the definitive effects of ketogenic diets on PKD and provide hope for patients seeking innovative approaches to managing this common kidney disease.
If you care about kidney health, please read studies about how to protect your kidneys from diabetes, and drinking coffee could help reduce risk of kidney injury.
For more information about kidney health, please see recent studies about foods that may prevent recurrence of kidney stones, and eating nuts linked to lower risk of chronic kidney disease and death.
The study was published in the Clinical Kidney Journal.
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