A promising new experimental medication for PKD is generating a lot of excitement — and for good reason. In this research review episode, Diana breaks down what Farabursen is, how it works at the genetic level, and why targeting microRNA may help increase polycystin protein production and potentially halt cyst growth.

If you want a science-backed look at where PKD treatment may be headed — this episode is for you!

You’ll learn a simple explanation of DNA, genes, and protein signaling, what early studies are showing so far, what phase 3 trials may look like, and who may qualify to participate.

RESOURCES & LINKS

• Show notes, references, and transcript: https://www.thepkddietitian.com/54
• Farabursen Blog: https://www.thepkddietitian.com/blog/farabursen-what-is-it-and-how-does-it-impact-pkd-progression

DISCLAIMER: The PKD Dietitian Podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Is there one best milk for PKD? A great listener question episode on The PKD Dietitian Podcast! In this episode, I break down six of the most popular milks—cow, almond, oat, soy, coconut, and rice—and explain what each one offers (and what it doesn’t) for kidney health. We’re talking protein, potassium, oxalates, additives, and how to choose the right milk for you, not just what’s trending. If you’ve ever stood in the milk aisle feeling confused… this episode is for you.

RESOURCES & LINKS

• Show notes, references, and transcript: https://www.thepkddietitian.com/53
• Oxalate Management Workshop: https://www.thepkddietitian.com/oxalatemanagementforpkd

DISCLAIMER: The PKD Dietitian Podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

In this episode of The PKD Dietitian Podcast, we dive into carbs and PKD. Do carbohydrates make cysts grow faster? Are all carbs “bad” for kidney health? Diana breaks down the different types of carbs — and explains how they can impact your blood sugar, weight, and PKD progression. You’ll learn practical strategies to check in with your carb intake, what to focus on and how to make make sustainable changes to support PKD kidney health.

RESOURCES & LINKS

• Show notes, references, and transcript: https://www.thepkddietitian.com/carbsandpkd
• Keto Mastery Program: https://www.thepkddietitian.com/ketomasteryprogram

DISCLAIMER: The PKD Dietitian Podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Welcome back to the PKD Dietitian Podcast, it's time to get a little personal. Today's episode is a quick update on why episodes stopped, what's been going on behind the scenes both personally and professional at The PKD Dietitian, plus what's next for the podcast!

RESOURCES

• Keto Mastery Program for PKD Health https://www.thepkddietitian.com/ketomasteryprogram
• Mayo Clinic PKD Resource Center https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/polycystic-kidney-disease/
• Navigating Nutrition Therapy for ADPKD https://www.jrnjournal.org/article/S1051-2276(25)00025-1/fulltext

CONNECT

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.pkd.dietitian/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PKDdietitian
• Website: https://www.thepkddietitian.com/

DISCLAIMER

The PKD Dietitian Podcast is meant for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Listener Q: "What is the difference between eGFR and GFR? Is one better than the other for getting tested for PKD, or should I ask for both? I am worried I am not getting the labs I need to stay informed about my kidneys."

Answer: Tune in and find out:

• What GFR is
• What eGFR is
• If there are the same
• What you need to know about each and if you need to get both tested for Polycystic Kidneys

MASTER YOUR LABS FOR PKD

• Yes, Sign Me Up!
• Learn More - https://www.thepkddietitian.com/masteryourlabs

RESOURCES

• Episode #33 What is Cystatin C and Should You Get it Tested? https://www.thepkddietitian.com/podcasts/the-pkd-dietitian-podcast/episodes/2148345282
• NKF’s eGFR Calculator https://www.kidney.org/professionals/gfr_calculator

LET’S CONNECT

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/the.pkd.dietitian/

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/PKDdietitian

EMAIL ME: https://www.thepkddietitian.com/site/contact

DISCLAIMER: The PKD Dietitian Podcast is meant for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

In this episode of The PKD Dietitian Podcast, Diana Bruen answers a listener's question about the safety of eating nightshades like eggplant and red peppers for those with polycystic kidney disease (PKD). She breaks down what nightshades are, why some people avoid them, and what the research really says. Forget the conflicting advice online—Diana shares the evidence-based truth about how nightshades impact your kidney health and whether they belong in a PKD-friendly diet.

SEND A PODCAST QUESTION OR REQUEST

https://www.thepkddietitian.com/site/contact

REFERENCES

1. Is There Such a Thing as “Anti-Nutrients”? A Narrative Review of Perceived Problematic Plant Compounds https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7600777/
2. 130 years of Plant Lectin Research https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7455784/
3. Red kidney bean poisoning in the UK: an analysis of 50 suspected incidents between 1976 and 1989 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2271815/
4. Structure-function and application of plant lectins in disease biology and immunity https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31542433/
5. Nightshade Vegetables: A Dietary Trigger for Worsening Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Irritable Bowel Syndrome? https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37202602/
6. The Harvard Nutrition Source https://nutritionsource.hsph.harvard.edu/anti-nutrients/lectins/
7. Natural toxins in food https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/natural-toxins-in-food
8. Natural Toxins in Food https://www.fda.gov/food/chemical-contaminants-pesticides/natural-toxins-food

DISCLAIMER

The PKD Dietitian Podcast is for educational purposes only. Information presented should not be used in place of advice from a medical professional. Always consult your healthcare provider with any medical questions or concerns.

In this shorty episode of The PKD Dietitian Podcast, Diana will give you an important Harvard Oxalate List update. Learn the two foods you need to know about that are lower in oxalate load than previously reported. It's time to celebrate zero food fear around eating them. This episode is dedicated to T.H. who LOVES black beans.

RESOURCES

• Episode 46: Should You Restrict Oxalates If You Have PKD? https://www.thepkddietitian.com/podcasts/the-pkd-dietitian-podcast/episodes/2148755158
• Harvard’s Oxalate List: https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutrition-questionnaire-service-center/wp-content/uploads/sites/2637/2023/11/OXALATE-TABLE-1.xlsx
• Jill Harris, Kidney Stone Diet: https://kidneystonediet.com/oxalate-list/

LET’S CONNECT

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/the.pkd.dietitian/

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/PKDdietitian

WEBSITE: https://www.thepkddietitian.com/

DISCLAIMER

The PKD Dietitian Podcast is meant for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Episode 48 of the PKD Dietitian Podcast kicks off the first "Fact vs. Fiction" segment tackling myths about meat consumption for those with Polycystic Kidney Disease. Is it necessary to eliminate meat from your diet if you have PKD? The PKD Dietitian will clarify that while a PKD diagnosis doesn't mean you must stop eating meat, paying attention to the type and amount of protein you consume is important. Diana will break down the three primary protein sources—plant protein, animal meat, and animal-derived products—and highlight the benefits of incorporating more plant-based proteins into your diet.

With practical tips like Meatless Mondays and understanding plant-forward eating, she aims to clear up misconceptions and offer actionable advice to support your PKD kidney health through mindful protein consumption.

SCHEDULE YOUR PKD CONNECT CALL: https://p.bttr.to/3yDTdkE

REFERENCES

• https://www.clinicalnutritionopenscience.com/article/S2667-2685(23)00047-5/fulltext
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7460905/
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23302719/
• https://journals.lww.com/jasn/fulltext/1999/11000/dietary_protein_restriction_and_the_progression_of.21.aspx
• https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0899900717301971
• https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1051227619302651
• https://journals.lww.com/cjasn/pages/articleviewer.aspx?year=2019&issue=05000&article=00009&type=Fulltext

DISCLAIMER

The PKD Dietitian Podcast is meant for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider with any medical questions or concerns.