Through a diagnosis of autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD), adjustments may need to be made to ensure children are receiving the optimal amount of nutrients and vitamins to lead healthy lives. Dietary considerations play an important role in alleviating symptoms and slowing the progression toward renal failure. It is important to learn how specific nutrients interact with kidneys, cysts, blood pressure, etc., and how to make the necessary adjustments for an individual situation.

Some other recommendations which play a role in a healthy diet/lifestyle include:

• Reduce stress in your life
• Avoid inflammation
• Eat a (mostly) vegetarian diet high in antioxidants
• Try soybeans
• Choose low sodium foods and condiments
• Watch the caffeine
• Load up on potassium rich foods
• Eat more omega-3 rich foods
• Eat high fibre carbohydrates

Adequate daily fluid intake is an important part of staying hydrated for children living with ADPKD, especially during heavy exercise or extreme heat.

The type and amount of supplements and foods to consume varies from person to person and it is always best to consult your doctor. Some parents experience a more difficult time potty-training because of the amount of urine and report that their children with ARPKD trained at a later age than typical. Because excess urine due to high levels of fluid consumption for hydration can be an issue, many children wear pull-ups at night after being trained during the day.