Are Sunflower Seeds Good for PKD Patients

2014-03-30 01:07

Once diagnosed with PKD, some diets become taboos. Sunflower seeds are popular delicious snacks, which are enjoyed by many people. But for PKD patients, can they still enjoy sunflower seeds? Are sunflower seeds good for PKD patients?

As a matter of fact, sunflower seeds are packed with nutrients and are now being recognized for their healing properties.

-Sunflower seeds are anti-inflammatory.

Sunflower seeds are abundant in vitamin E, which can neutralize free radicals that would damage fat-containing structures and molecules, such as cell membranes, brain cells and cholesterol. So eating sunflower seeds can reduce the symptoms in conditions where free radicals and inflammation play a big role, such as osteoarthritis. They may also help reduce inflammatory response in the kidneys.

-Sunflower seeds reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for kidney patients. Sunflower seeds are rich in unsaturated fatty acid, which helps lower bad cholesterol and increases good cholesterol in the blood. Besides, they are also high in potassium, which can reverse the function of sodium in the blood so as to lower blood pressure. This helps prevent cardiovascular disease.

-Sunflower seeds are good for bone health.

One of the kidney function is to activate vitamin D to strengthen the absorption of calcium. The growing kidney cysts will gradually damage the kidney structure and make kidney function decline, resulting in calcium deficiency and bone disease. Though sunflower can not supplement calcium, they can provide rich magnesium, another substance in bones. Cooper in sunflower seeds also provides strength and flexibility in bones and joints.

However, you should not eat too many sunflower seeds, especially the ones with salt. And with the development of PKD, your kidneys can not remove potassium from blood effectively, then you should limit the intake of sunflower seeds. Whether you can eat sunflower seeds or not depends on your medical condition. If you would like to know the answer, please contact us.

Leave your problems here and you will get nephrologists' advice with free of charge!