Kidney problems

[delraelynn]

I have read Atkins, but it has been a while. I truly believe in the program. I am going to start again. I do have one question...Has anyone actually done research on the effect it may have on kidneys? My dad was recently diagnosed with hereditary PKD. Since I have had numerous kidney infections in the past, I probably have the inherited gene. Anyway, I have never heard of that, but I saw some posts further down, and I was just wondering.

[Lisa N]

Hi Delraelynn!

No research has ever been done that shows that a low carb diet is harmful to healthy kidneys in any way. If you have questions regarding the current health of your kidneys, see your doctor and have a complete workup before you begin (a good idea anyway to have the baseline lab work to compare against later). There have also been no studies that show a low carb diet is harmful to your liver or causes calcium loss from the bones on a long term basis, either. I believe that Dr. Atkins has been using low carb to treat his patients for over 30 years and has said that he has yet to have a patient develop kidney disease as a result of low carbing. See your doctor to put your mind at ease, then enjoy the great health benefits of a low carb lifestyle!

[butterfly7]

I too have been concerned and I asked my dr about this diet and any related problems. He said to be sure to drink plenty of [B]WATER!!! He was ok about the diet but he wants me to take a good multi vit and drink water! Just an occasional diet drink and I told him I would not give up my morn coffee and he said ok but I had to drink an extra glass of water for that. :D
see ya :wave:

[Lisa N]

Good advice from your doctor, Butterfly! Caffeine dehydrates you, so you should drink twice as much water as whatever caffeine containing beverage you had. For example, if you have 8 ounces of regular coffee, you should then drink an additional 16 ounces of water to combat the water loss that comes with the caffeine. Remember also that 64 oz. of water daily is the minimum that you should have. I now try to drink 3 liters a day and often drink more than that. I gave up the caffeine and haven't missed it a bit once I was past the caffeine withdrawal. I found that I didn't need it nearly as much as I thought I did. Sometimes I think our sleep-deprived nation lives on caffeine, but there's no good substitute for a good night's sleep and enough of it!

[agonycat]

Low carb diets do NOT cause kidney disease/problems, nor does it cause liver disease/problems. Nor does the diet cause gallstones.

If you have an pre existing condition, a low carb diet will bring it to your attention rather quickly, due to the increase in water intake and the production of ketones. Normal healthy liver, kidneys and galbladder take the increases in stride, where as diseased or infected organs do tend to get overly stressed. If you are concerned, go to your doctor and have tests run BEFORE starting the diet.

It is far better to be checked out ahead of time than start the diet and end up in pain. :)