Nutrition Blog
November 03, 2025

Understanding the connection between Polycystic Liver Disease and Polycystic Kidney Disease | Kidney Nutrition

Polycystic liver disease (PLD) is one of the most common conditions linked to polycystic kidney disease (PKD). PLD happens when multiple fluid-filled cysts grow in the liver. These cysts can increase in size and number over time.

PLD and PKD often appear together because they share the same genetic roots. Up to 90% of people with autosomal dominant PKD develop liver cysts at some point. These cysts usually show up later in life and tend to be more common - and often larger - in women.

How PKD and PLD are connected

  • PKD is a genetic condition where many cysts form in the kidneys. Over time, these cysts can enlarge the kidneys and reduce kidney function.
  • PLD often develops alongside PKD. The same genetic mutations that cause kidney cysts can also lead to cyst formation in the liver and other organs. In PLD, many cysts form in the liver. These usually don’t affect liver function as much as PKD affects kidney function, but they can still cause fullness, discomfort, pain, or complications.

When someone has both conditions, it’s often described as PLD with PKD or PKD-related PLD.

Managing PLD when you also have PKD

There’s no specific diet or medication that can stop liver cysts from forming. Still, maintaining a well-balanced diet, reducing inflammation, and preventing malnutrition can support both kidney and liver health.

Regular follow-up with your healthcare provider helps track cyst growth and ensure your organs are working as well as possible.

Understanding the role of fat in PKD and PLD

Fat is an important part of nutrition, but the type of fat matters - especially for people living with PKD and PLD.

  • Healthy fats: monounsaturated fats (olive oil, avocado, nuts) and polyunsaturated fats, especially omega-3s (salmon, flaxseeds, walnuts).
  • Saturated fats: mainly found in butter, cheese, fatty meats, coconut and palm oils. These should be limited.
  • Trans fats: found in some processed foods, baked goods, and margarine. These are harmful and best avoided.

How to read food labels for fat content

When you’re shopping, nutrition labels help you understand what kind of fats you’re eating:

  • Check total fat: Choose foods lower in saturated fat, and avoid trans fats. Aim for 5% Daily Value or less of saturated fat per serving.
  • Ingredients list: Avoid anything with “partially hydrogenated oils,” which means trans fats.
  • Serving size: Remember that all the numbers on the label apply to one serving - not always the full package.

Tips to reduce saturated and trans fats

  • Use olive or avocado oil instead of butter.
  • Choose lean meats like poultry or fish, or try plant-based proteins such as tofu, beans, and lentils.
  • Avoid fried foods and processed snacks.
  • Pick lower-fat dairy options: 2% M.F. or less for milk, and 20% M.F. or less for cheese.
  • Cook more at home where you can control ingredients - baking or broiling is lower-fat than frying.

Ways to increase omega-3 fatty acids

  • Eat fatty fish twice a week (salmon, trout, sardines, mackerel).
  • Add ground flaxseeds or chia seeds to cereal, yogurt, or smoothies.
  • Snack on walnuts or use walnut oil in homemade dressings.

What is an anti-inflammatory diet for PLD?

Liver cysts can become inflamed, so an anti-inflammatory diet may help ease symptoms. This usually includes:

  • Plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds
  • Omega-3-rich foods like salmon, chia seeds, flaxseed oil, and walnuts
  • Fewer processed foods, sugary foods, red meats, and foods high in saturated or trans fats
  • Herbs and spices such as turmeric, ginger, and garlic for their anti-inflammatory benefits

Other nutrients to consider

People with PKD-related PLD often struggle with early fullness, nausea, or vomiting because large liver cysts can press on the stomach. This can lead to weight loss, malnutrition, and muscle wasting.

Small, frequent meals can help you get enough nutrition without discomfort. Choose moderate amounts of good protein sources like fish, poultry, tofu, beans, lentils, or other plant-based options.

High sodium intake can worsen blood pressure and fluid retention, which affects both kidney and liver health - so following a low-sodium diet is important.

Drink enough water unless your healthcare team tells you otherwise. Some people with PLD experience swelling and may need to limit fluids.

A well-balanced diet can support both PKD and PLD

Focusing on a well-balanced diet of healthy fats, reducing inflammation, and managing sodium and protein intake can help you feel your best with PKD-related PLD. Work with your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian to get recommendations that are tailored to your symptoms, kidney function, and lab values.

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 can be found at kidneynutrition.ca.

More