PKD Life - Spring 2020 - 4

FRESH START
Cut back
gradually
to avoid
wit hdrawal.

Self-Care

4 Ways to Cut
Back on Caffeine
Too much caffeine can
cause higher blood pressure
and can be dehydrating, so
people with PKD may be
advised to consume caffeine
in moderation. If you're
trying to cut down on your
caffeine consumption, try
these tips from Mary Ellen
DiPaola, R.D., C.D.E., senior
dietitian at University of
California San Francisco
Medical Center. They may
help to prevent symptoms of
caffeine withdrawal, such
as headache or fatigue.

1 Attempt to cut
back gradually.
Drink "half-caf"
coffee, replace one
cup per day with
decaf, or cut back
by one cup per
week-whichever
method works for
you. Or try a lowercaffeine beverage
such as tea.

2 Don't associate
low energy with
needing caffeine.
You might have a
dip in blood sugar
or require hydration. Try a healthy
combination of a
fruit, vegetable, or
grain with a lean
or low-fat protein,
such as a wholegrain cracker
with hummus.
Drink water
to address
dehydration.

3 Know which
other foods and
beverages contain
caffeine, including chocolate,
energy drinks and
bars, and some
soft drinks.

4 Take a stress
break in place of
a coffee break,
which can help
manage possible
cravings. Plan a
walk, deep breathing, or meditation.

Eating Well
SPOTLIGHT ON POTASSIUM
Potassium is an important mineral
that's necessary for proper heart and
kidney function, among other things.
But when your kidneys don't work
well as a result of PKD, too much
potassium can build up in the blood,
which can prevent your heart from
working properly.
People with elevated potassium
levels are generally advised to limit
their intake to no more than 2,300
milligrams per day. But if you stick to
low-potassium produce choices (with
less than 200 milligrams per serving),
you can still get your five servings of
fruits and vegetables a day and allow
for the potassium that's found in
dairy and other protein sources.
To help you choose wisely, here
are the potassium counts in a variety
of fruits and vegetables.

4

High-Potassium
Choices (1 CUP)

473
MG

Cantaloupe

806
MG

911
MG

961
MG

562
MG

Sliced
kiwi fruit

Mashed
banana

Boiled
yams

Boiled
Swiss
chard

Low-Potassium Choices (1 CUP)
52 MG

78 MG

Shredded Canned
red leaf cranberry
lettuce
sauce

79 MG
Raw
kale

95 MG

141 MG

Frozen 1 Bartlett
wild bluepear
berries

Visit pkdcure.org/what-about-potassium
for a list of the potassium levels in more foods.
Sources: Rachael Majorowicz, R.D.N., and Rebecca Schaffer, R.D.N.,
Mayo Clinic

Wearing a medical ID
helps ensure that first
responders and other
medical personnel are
aware of your PKD and will
treat you appropriately in
case of a medical emergency. But styles have
come a long way since the
MedicAlert bracelet was
introduced back in 1956.
Today, companies such as
MyID, MedicAlert Foundation, N-Style ID, and
Lauren's Hope are making
stylish, fashionable models
in a wide variety of styles
and materials, including
leather, rubberized, and
fabric designs.

COFFEE: MELPOMENEM/GETTY IMAGES. ILLUSTRATION: IKON IMAGES/GETTY IMAGES.
ID BRACELET: COURTESY OF LAUREN'S HOPE.

NOT YOUR
MOTHER'S
MEDICAL ID

PKD LIFE * SPRING 2020

PKD_SP20_04-05_FreshStart.indd 4

3/30/20 11:12 AM
http://www.pkdcure.org/what-about-potassium
PKD Life - Spring 2020

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