Is Watermelon Good for A Person with Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)

2014-03-17 06:09

In summer, watermelon may be the first choice of many people when choosing fruits, because it does not only relieve summer-heat, but also has many health benefits. But is watermelon good for a person with polycystic kidney disease (PKD)?

Reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease

Cardiovascular disease is a common cause of death for kidney patients. Watermelon has the highest concentrations of lycopene, which is a powerful antioxidant that helps fight heart disease and several types pf cancer. Watermelon also contains the amino acids citrulline and arginine, which can help maintain arteries, blood flow and overall cardiovascular function.

Lower blood pressure

High blood pressure is common among PKD patients. Watermelon is a great source of potassium and manganese, which help lower the risk of high blood pressure. Besides, antioxidants work to maintain the health of blood vessels against sclerosis, which helps to ease the movement of the passage of blood vessels.

Decrease kidney stone

Kidney stone is a common complication of PKD. Potassium in watermelon is also working to reduce uric acid level in the blood, thus reducing the chance of forming kidney stone.

Reduce urinary tract infection

Watermelon has long had a reputation as a natural diuretic because it contains a large amount of water, so eating watermelon helps wastes and toxins being passed out of the body in urine. This reduces the risk of urine tract infection, another complication of PKD.

Though watermelon has so many health benefits for PKD patients, it should be avoided if your PKD has developed to end stag, because its high content of potassium and water may result in hyperpotassemia and edema. If you do not know whether you can eat certain food or not and how much you can eat, please consult our online doctors.

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