High blood pressure is often one of the first signs of polycystic kidney disease (PKD). Managing your blood pressure is very important because it can help protect your kidneys and heart, and improve your overall health. This blog will explain simple ways to manage blood pressure, even beyond cutting back on salt. 

Why Blood Pressure Control Matters 

PKD causes cysts to grow in the kidneys, making them larger. This is often linked to a hormone called vasopressin. Many people with PKD develop high blood pressure early on, which can increase the risk of heart problems.

High blood pressure can also harm the kidneys, creating a negative cycle. But the good news is, there are many ways to manage your blood pressure, and doing so has many benefits. Let’s explore these benefits!

1. Protect Your Heart and Brain

High blood pressure (also called hypertension) puts you at risk for heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular conditions. Keeping your blood pressure at a healthy level (around 130/80 mmHg or what your doctor recommends) lowers this risk. 

2. Protect Your Kidney Function

When blood pressure is too high, it can damage the blood vessels in your kidneys, making it harder for them to work. Managing blood pressure helps protect your kidneys and prevents problems like vision loss, heart failure, and aneurysms. 

3. Feel Better Every Day

High blood pressure can cause headaches, tiredness, and anxiety. Keeping it under control can make you feel more energetic and enjoy daily activities more. 

4. Live Longer

Healthy blood pressure is linked to living a longer life. It reduces the risks of serious health problems, so you can stay healthier for years to come. 

5. Help Manage Other Health Conditions

If you have other conditions like diabetes or high cholesterol, controlling your blood pressure can make it easier to manage your overall health. 

Easy Ways to Manage Your Blood Pressure 

While reducing salt is important, there are many other things you can do to help. Let’s explore key nutrients, foods, and healthy habits. 

1. Eat Foods Rich in Potassium

Potassium helps balance the sodium in your body and can lower blood pressure. Aim to include: 

• Fruits: Bananas, oranges, apricots, and avocados
• Vegetables: Spinach, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, and broccoli
• Legumes: Beans, lentils, and peas

How much potassium you need depends on your age and gender. Women over 19 should aim for about 2600 mg of potassium daily, while men over 19 should aim for 3400 mg. Your registered dietitian or healthcare team can check your lab results to help you decide how much potassium you should eat, and how often.

Use this guide to learn how much potassium is in the foods you eat.

2. Add Magnesium-Rich Foods

Magnesium helps relax blood vessels and lower blood pressure. Foods high in magnesium include: 

• Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, cashews, and pumpkin seeds
• Whole Grains: Brown rice, quinoa, and oats
• Leafy Greens: Kale, Swiss chard, and collard greens

Try adding nuts to snacks, leafy greens to your sandwich at lunch, or swap your grain products for whole grains every day.

3. Get Enough Calcium

Calcium is important for healthy blood pressure. Good sources include: 

• Dairy: Low-fat milk, yogurt, and cheese
• Plant-Based Options with Added Calcium: Almond milk, soy milk, and tofu
• Dark Leafy Greens: Broccoli, bok choy

The best-absorbed calcium comes from food like low-fat dairy or fortified plant-based beverages. Calcium from other foods may not be absorbed as well.

Talk to your registered dietitian to make sure you’re getting enough calcium. 

4. Include Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3s can reduce inflammation and support heart health. Try: 

• Fish: Salmon, mackerel, sardines and trout
• Seeds: Chia seeds, flaxseeds
• Nuts: Walnuts

If you eat animal protein, aim for fish 2–3 times a week. Adding nuts and seeds to your oatmeal or yogurt is also a great way to increase your omega-3. 

5. Eat More Fibre

High-fibre diets can help lower blood pressure. Include more often: 

• Whole Grains: Oats, barley, and whole wheat foods
• Fruits and Vegetables: A variety of colours and types
• Legumes: Beans and lentils, which are also good sources of plant-based protein

Filling half your plate with fruits or veggies at each meal is a great start.  Check out this blog to see how much fibre you need.

6. Try the DASH Diet

The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet includes foods that are good for blood pressure. It includes: 

• Lots of fruits and vegetables
• Whole grains instead of refined ones
• Lean proteins like fish and chicken
• Low-fat dairy

The DASH diet is a healthy eating plan that helps manage blood pressure. It can also improve cholesterol levels and kidney function.

The diet includes foods high in magnesium, calcium, and potassium. It also limits sodium to 2300 mg per day or less to help manage blood pressure.

Other Tips for Blood Pressure Control 

1. Check Your Blood Pressure Regularly

• Use a home blood pressure monitor or visit a pharmacy.
• Keep a log of your readings to share with your doctor.

2. Check Your Kidney Function Regularly

• Get regular blood tests (creatinine, eGFR, urine albumin, creatinine ratio, and electrolytes (potassium, magnesium, calcium, sodium))

3. Stay Active

• Aim for 150 minutes of exercise per week, like walking or swimming.
• Check with your doctor before starting a new exercise routine.

4. Limit Alcohol

• Drinking less alcohol can help lower blood pressure and support kidney function

5. Manage Stress

• Stress can increase blood pressure. Try deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to relax.
• Get enough sleep, as poor sleep can raise blood pressure and affect your health.

6. See Your Healthcare Team Regularly

• Work with your healthcare provider, nephrologist, and registered dietitian to create a personalized plan for managing blood pressure and PKD.
• Have regular check-ups to monitor your kidney health and other PKD-related complications.

Takeaway 

Managing blood pressure when you have PKD is about more than just avoiding salt. Eating foods rich in potassium, magnesium, calcium, omega-3 fats, and fibre, along with following healthy habits like exercising and reducing stress, can make a big difference. These steps can help protect your kidneys and heart and improve your quality of life. 

Always talk to your healthcare team for advice tailored to your needs. Small changes can lead to big improvements in your health!

About the author: Emily Campbell, RD CDE MScFN is a Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator with a Master’s Degree in Foods and Nutrition. Emily specializes in helping those with kidney disease overcome the confusing world of nutrition to promote health. Emily and her team of dietitians can be found at kidneynutrition.ca.

More

• Looking for more information about what to eat with PKD? Check out Love Your Kidneys, a PKD cookbook and nutrition guide written especially for people with PKD.
• Watch one of Emily's webinar or PKD Summit recordings on the topic of Nutrition and PKD, here or 
• Browse through Emily's Kidney Nutrition blogs on our website.