PKD Life - Summer 2022 - 7

ILLUSTRATION BY CHRIS GASH/THE ISPOT. RIGHT: EISING STUDIO/STOCK FOOD
Persian Herb Frittata (Kookoo Sabzi)
PKDLIFE RECIPE
HOW TO BALANCE
YOUR DIET(S)
If you have PKD and diabetes,
these tips can help you
navigate the areas where
the dietary recommendations
conflict.
Focus on plant
sources of protein. Eating
(lean) meat usually isn't an
issue for people with diabetes,
but it can be a problem
for those who also have
PKD. " A plant-based diet is
thought to be gentler on
your kidneys, which may aid
in the prevention of kidney
disease, " Fazelimanesh says.
Also, research in mouse
models of PKD shows that
limiting animal protein can
restrict the growth of cysts
and delay the progression
of PKD. Good sources of
plant-based protein include
beans and legumes, quinoa,
tofu, unsalted nuts, nut butters,
and other seeds. Avoid
processed meatless products
such as veggie burgers; these
contain a high amount of
sodium, which both PKD
and diabetes patients should
limit. If you do want to eat
animal protein, Fazelimanesh
says eggs and fish are the best
options for your kidneys.
Keep your protein
intake in check. Studies
suggest that high-protein
diets may be beneficial for
people with diabetes, but
they are not a good choice
for those with PKD too,
Fazelimanesh says. In the
early stages of the disease,
eating just 0.6 to 0.8 grams
of protein per kilogram of
body weight may be recommended,
while many
high-protein diets advise
eating double or triple
that amount.
Combine carbs
with healthy fats. Eating
whole grains is encouraged
in both PKD and diabetes
diets, but people with
diabetes need to be more
careful with their intake of
carbs than someone with
PKD because they cause
the blood sugar to rise. " If
you have both conditions,
adding a heart-healthy fat
to a whole grain can help
keep blood sugar steadier, "
Fazelimanesh says.
Examples include dipping
whole-wheat bread in olive
oil; spreading whole-wheat
bread with natural peanut
or almond butter and topping
it with blueberries;
or making avocado toast
if your potassium levels
are normal.
Choose produce
wisely. People with diabetes
can eat most fruits
and vegetables-even ones
that are higher in natural
sugar-but they may need
to rely more on produce
that's low in potassium if
they're in the later stages
of PKD. Fruits and vegetables
with less potassium
include apples, berries,
broccoli, and peas. Highpotassium
foods that may
need to be limited include
bananas, kiwis, avocados,
and sweet potatoes.
*
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT NUTRITION AND PKD, VISIT PKDCURE.ORG/NUTRITION
7
" My favorite part of preparing this family recipe
is running my knife through the large handfuls
of aromatic herbs, " says the recipe's creator,
Shima Fazelimanesh, R.D., a nephrology and
organ transplant dietitian based in Los Angeles.
" The stars of this dish are fresh parsley, cilantro,
and chives, but you may substitute leeks, onions,
tarragon, spinach, or any other soft greens that
you have on hand. "
INGREDIENTS:
1 cup chopped parsley
¼ cup chopped chives
¼ cup chopped cilantro
1 minced garlic clove
5 large eggs
1 teaspoon Mrs. Dash
herb seasoning
½ teaspoon salt-free lemon
and pepper seasoning
1 teaspoon turmeric
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
¼ cup canola oil
4 whole-wheat pitas
If you need
to follow a
low-protein
diet, substitute
tofu or another
egg alternative.
DIRECTIONS:
1 Finely chop herbs and garlic. Slightly whisk
and beat the eggs.
2 Mix all the ingredients in a bowl (except the
oil and pitas) and stir until well combined.
3 In a nonstick frying pan, warm the oil over
medium heat.
4 Pour the mixture into the skillet and spread
it out evenly to make one large patty. Cover and
let cook until the mixture is golden brown and
crispy (about 15 minutes).
5 Remove lid and divide the frittata into quarters.
Gently turn and fry the other side for 15
minutes, but this time without the lid.
6 When both sides are brown, the herb frittata
is ready. Serve with one piece of pita bread.
Nutrition information per ¼ patty and 1 pita:
398 calories; 15 g protein; 37 g carbohydrates; 21 g fat;
397 mg sodium; 397 mg potassium; 147 mg calcium;
195 mg phosphorus; 3.5 g fiber.
http://www.PKDCURE.ORG/NUTRITION
PKD Life - Summer 2022

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