Managing PKD often means regular check-ups, blood and urine tests, and sometimes medications. But one of the most powerful ways to support your kidney health is through nutrition. Tracking and measuring your food intake can help you understand the quality of your diet and make better choices.

A well-balanced diet can slow PKD progression, manage symptoms, and reduce complications. In this blog, we'll explore why food tracking can be helpful for PKD and offer practical tips on how to do it.

Why Tracking Your Food Can Help with PKD

PKD increases the risk of high blood pressure, kidney stones, and high cholesterol. A well-planned diet can help manage these risks and support kidney function. By tracking what you eat and drink, you can:

• Control blood pressure – High blood pressure can worsen kidney damage. Monitoring your sodium and potassium intake helps keep it in check.
• Manage fluid balance – Drinking enough (but not too much) water helps prevent cyst growth and keeps you hydrated.
• Reduce kidney stones – If you're prone to kidney stones, tracking foods high in oxalates and ensuring enough calcium intake can help.
• Support kidney health – Watching your nutrient intake helps protect your kidneys and reduce strain.
• Prevent deficiencies – As kidney function declines, vitamin and mineral needs change. Tracking your diet helps identify any gaps.

Key Nutrients to Track with PKD

1. Sodium

• Too much sodium increases blood pressure and fluid retention.
• Aim for 2,300 mg per day (or follow your healthcare team's advice).

2. Protein

• Protein is essential, but too much can strain the kidneys.
• Your needs depend on your activity level, weight, and stage of PKD—a dietitian can help determine the right amount.

3. Fluids

• Staying hydrated helps manage cysts, prevent kidney stones, and support kidney function.
• Most people with PKD should aim for 3 litres per day, unless advised otherwise by their healthcare team.

4. Fibre

• Fibre helps lower cholesterol and prevent constipation.
• Found in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains—most people don’t get enough!

How to Track and Measure Your Food

1. Keep a Food & Fluid Journal

Write down what you eat and drink each day, including portion sizes, cooking methods, and ingredients.

2. Use Simple Measurement Tools

• Kitchen scale – Weigh meat, vegetables, and grains for accuracy.
• Measuring cups & spoons – Helps with liquids and dry foods.
• Hand guide – Your fist = 1 cup (useful for estimating veggies or grains)*

*For a helpful, downloadable PDF to easily judge portion sizes, join My PKD (it's free!) and click here.

3. Use a Food Tracking App

Apps like Cronometer or MyFitnessPal let you scan barcodes, log meals, and track key nutrients like sodium, protein, and potassium.

4. Work with a Dietitian

A registered dietitian specializing in kidney disease can help tailor your nutrition plan, suggest portion sizes and food swaps, and adjust your diet based on your blood work and kidney function.

Things to Consider When Tracking Food

While food tracking is useful, it's not for everyone. Be aware of these potential downsides:

• Focusing too much on food – Tracking can become overwhelming and lead to stress or disordered eating.
• Negative emotions – Constant monitoring may cause anxiety or guilt around food choices.
• Inaccurate data – Nutrition databases aren’t always perfect, and missing details can lead to incomplete tracking.

If food tracking feels stressful, talk to a dietitian about other ways to manage your diet.

Take Control of Your Nutrition

Tracking food can help some people with PKD focus on key nutrients like sodium, protein, fluids, and fibre. This can reduce cyst formation, protect kidney function, and manage common PKD complications like high blood pressure and kidney stones.

With the right tools and strategies—food journals, tracking apps, and support from a dietitian—you can take charge of your kidney health. Making informed food choices today can improve your long-term well-being.

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. She specializes in kidney disease nutrition, helping people navigate the confusing world of diet and health. Learn more 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.