Diet and Exercise
Diet
As with anything, it is extremely beneficial to follow a balanced diet. This is of even more importance if you already have health problems. There isn’t a specific dietary change that is specifically helpful for Polycystic Kidney Disease.
Exercise
Some people wonder about what their limitations are after being diagnosed with PKD. There are few. Regular exercise is strongly encouraged. It is important for everyone, but even more so for people who are at risk for high blood pressure. Exercise has been shown to lower blood pressure, sometimes completely back down to regular levels. On the other hand, contact sports can be very dangerous for someone with PKD due to the effect it would have on your kidneys.
Did you know...
- Need a quick cool down? Try drinking some hot liquid. It's true! As counterintuitive as it may seem, the heat from hot liquids will raise your body temperature. This will heat you up and cause you to sweat. The increased perspiration will wind up helping you feel cooler as it evaporates. Try it out!
- A hearty laugh is good for the heart. Laughing can increase blood flow by 20%. Additionally, looking on the bright side can help you live longer. Studies have shown that a more optimistic outlook is linked to a healthier heart, lower blood pressure, and a lower risk for coronary artery disease.
- Are you currently or often tired? As contradictory as it may sound, one of the best things you can do is exercise! It gives you more energy by improving your blood flow and increasing your oxygen throughout your body. You don't need to do much; a brisk walk is all it takes!
- There are many factors that contribute to your body odor, but one of the strongest links is our diet. This may be some bad news for meat-lovers because many studies have shown that those who refrained from or ate less red meat were judged as being more pleasant smelling. The meat sweats are real, and they don’t smell great!
- Just saying the words "thank you" can measurably improve your mood. Researchers can actually measure happiness and changes in brain structure when people practiced regular "grateful thinking." This included things like writing thank you notes, writing gratitude journal entries, mindfully counting their blessings, and thanking friends. It may be helpful in overcoming depression!