Polycystic Kidney Disease

Polycystic Kidney Disease

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a genetic kidney disease where multiple cysts form on the kidneys and often in other organs including the liver. Unfortunately, as the cysts enlarge, they take over the normal kidney structure, greatly reducing kidney function over a person’s lifetime.

There is currently no cure for PKD and although there is now a pharmaceutical treatment available in Canada, many people are also looking for a natural approach to managing PKD.

While naturopathic medicine has not been studied in PKD, it may be possible for naturopathic therapies like nutrition, herbs, lifestyle changes and acupuncture to help support over all health and decrease the inflammatory potential in the body. This may help support kidney health and may help reduce intensity of symptoms common to PKD such as:

• High blood pressure
• Flank (side) and/or back pain
• Stress, anxiety, and worry that comes with a chronic, genetic disease

Dr. Odette enjoys working with people with PKD, with the hopes of helping them support their kidney health while encouraging them to live a full, healthy life with polycystic kidney disease.