The PKD Dietitian Podcast

Diana Bruen MS, RD
  • 4.9 (29)
  • NUTRITION
  • UPDATED BIMONTHLY

The PKD Dietitian podcast is hosted by Diana Bruen, a PKD nutrition expert. Join as Diana digs into health, nutrition, research, and all things proactive & protective for Polycystic Kidney Disease.

  1. 54. What is Farabursen? A Research Review

    FEB 2

    54. What is Farabursen? A Research Review

    A promising new experimental medication for PKD is generating a lot of excitement — and for good reason. In this research review episode, Diana breaks down what Farabursen is, how it works at the genetic level, and why targeting microRNA may help increase polycystin protein production and potentially halt cyst growth. If you want a science-backed look at where PKD treatment may be headed — this episode is for you! You’ll learn a simple explanation of DNA, genes, and protein signaling, what early studies are showing so far, what phase 3 trials may look like, and who may qualify to participate. RESOURCES & LINKS Show notes, references, and transcript: https://www.thepkddietitian.com/54 Farabursen Blog: https://www.thepkddietitian.com/blog/farabursen-what-is-it-and-how-does-it-impact-pkd-progression DISCLAIMER: The PKD Dietitian Podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

    15 min
  2. 53. Listener Q - What is the Best Milk For PKD?

    JAN 5

    53. Listener Q - What is the Best Milk For PKD?

    Is there one best milk for PKD? A great listener question episode on The PKD Dietitian Podcast! In this episode, I break down six of the most popular milks—cow, almond, oat, soy, coconut, and rice—and explain what each one offers (and what it doesn’t) for kidney health. We’re talking protein, potassium, oxalates, additives, and how to choose the right milk for you, not just what’s trending. If you’ve ever stood in the milk aisle feeling confused… this episode is for you.   RESOURCES & LINKS Show notes, references, and transcript: https://www.thepkddietitian.com/53 Oxalate Management Workshop: https://www.thepkddietitian.com/oxalatemanagementforpkd    DISCLAIMER: The PKD Dietitian Podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

    20 min
  3. 52. Fact vs. Fiction: Stop Eating Carbs if You Have PKD

    12/02/2025

    52. Fact vs. Fiction: Stop Eating Carbs if You Have PKD

    In this episode of The PKD Dietitian Podcast, we dive into carbs and PKD. Do carbohydrates make cysts grow faster? Are all carbs “bad” for kidney health? Diana breaks down the different types of carbs —  and explains how they can impact your blood sugar, weight, and PKD progression. You’ll learn practical strategies to check in with your carb intake, what to focus on and how to make make sustainable changes to support PKD kidney health.   RESOURCES & LINKS Show notes, references, and transcript: https://www.thepkddietitian.com/carbsandpkd Keto Mastery Program: https://www.thepkddietitian.com/ketomasteryprogram   DISCLAIMER: The PKD Dietitian Podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

    30 min
  4. Welcome Back!

    11/17/2025

    Welcome Back!

    Welcome back to the PKD Dietitian Podcast, it's time to get a little personal.  Today's episode is a quick update on why episodes stopped, what's been going on behind the scenes both personally and professional at The PKD Dietitian, plus what's next for the podcast!    RESOURCES  Keto Mastery Program for PKD Health https://www.thepkddietitian.com/ketomasteryprogram Mayo Clinic PKD Resource Center https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/polycystic-kidney-disease/ Navigating Nutrition Therapy for ADPKD https://www.jrnjournal.org/article/S1051-2276(25)00025-1/fulltext   CONNECT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.pkd.dietitian/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PKDdietitian  Website: https://www.thepkddietitian.com/   DISCLAIMER The PKD Dietitian Podcast is meant for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

    5 min
  5. 51. Listener Question - Are eGFR and GFR The Same Thing?

    10/28/2024

    51. Listener Question - Are eGFR and GFR The Same Thing?

    Listener Q:  "What is the difference between eGFR and GFR? Is one better than the other for getting tested for PKD, or should I ask for both? I am worried I am not getting the labs I need to stay informed about my kidneys." Answer: Tune in and find out: What GFR is What eGFR is If there are the same What you need to know about each and if you need to get both tested for Polycystic Kidneys MASTER YOUR LABS FOR PKD Yes, Sign Me Up! Learn More - https://www.thepkddietitian.com/masteryourlabs    RESOURCES Episode #33 What is Cystatin C and Should You Get it Tested? https://www.thepkddietitian.com/podcasts/the-pkd-dietitian-podcast/episodes/2148345282  NKF’s eGFR Calculator https://www.kidney.org/professionals/gfr_calculator    LET’S CONNECT INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/the.pkd.dietitian/ FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/PKDdietitian EMAIL ME: https://www.thepkddietitian.com/site/contact DISCLAIMER: The PKD Dietitian Podcast is meant for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

    10 min
  6. 50. Listener Q - Can I Eat Nightshades with PKD?

    10/14/2024

    50. Listener Q - Can I Eat Nightshades with PKD?

    In this episode of The PKD Dietitian Podcast, Diana Bruen answers a listener's question about the safety of eating nightshades like eggplant and red peppers for those with polycystic kidney disease (PKD). She breaks down what nightshades are, why some people avoid them, and what the research really says. Forget the conflicting advice online—Diana shares the evidence-based truth about how nightshades impact your kidney health and whether they belong in a PKD-friendly diet.   SEND A PODCAST QUESTION OR REQUEST https://www.thepkddietitian.com/site/contact   REFERENCES Is There Such a Thing as “Anti-Nutrients”? A Narrative Review of Perceived Problematic Plant Compounds https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7600777/ 130 years of Plant Lectin Research https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7455784/ Red kidney bean poisoning in the UK: an analysis of 50 suspected incidents between 1976 and 1989 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2271815/ Structure-function and application of plant lectins in disease biology and immunity https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31542433/ Nightshade Vegetables: A Dietary Trigger for Worsening Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Irritable Bowel Syndrome? https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37202602/ The Harvard Nutrition Source https://nutritionsource.hsph.harvard.edu/anti-nutrients/lectins/ Natural toxins in food https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/natural-toxins-in-food Natural Toxins in Food https://www.fda.gov/food/chemical-contaminants-pesticides/natural-toxins-food     DISCLAIMER The PKD Dietitian Podcast is for educational purposes only.  Information presented should not be used in place of advice from a medical professional.   Always consult your healthcare provider with any medical questions or concerns.

    15 min
  7. 49. Oxalate Update - Two Changes To Get Excited About

    09/30/2024

    49. Oxalate Update - Two Changes To Get Excited About

    In this shorty episode of The PKD Dietitian Podcast, Diana will give you an important Harvard Oxalate List update. Learn the two foods you need to know about that are lower in oxalate load than previously reported.  It's time to celebrate zero food fear around eating them.  This episode is dedicated to T.H. who LOVES black beans.   RESOURCES Episode 46: Should You Restrict Oxalates If You Have PKD? https://www.thepkddietitian.com/podcasts/the-pkd-dietitian-podcast/episodes/2148755158 Harvard’s Oxalate List: https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutrition-questionnaire-service-center/wp-content/uploads/sites/2637/2023/11/OXALATE-TABLE-1.xlsx  Jill Harris, Kidney Stone Diet: https://kidneystonediet.com/oxalate-list/   LET’S CONNECT INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/the.pkd.dietitian/ FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/PKDdietitian WEBSITE: https://www.thepkddietitian.com/   DISCLAIMER The PKD Dietitian Podcast is meant for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

    5 min
  8. 48. Fact vs. Fiction: Stop Eating Meat if You Have PKD

    09/16/2024

    48. Fact vs. Fiction: Stop Eating Meat if You Have PKD

    Episode 48 of the PKD Dietitian Podcast kicks off the first "Fact vs. Fiction" segment tackling myths about meat consumption for those with Polycystic Kidney Disease. Is it necessary to eliminate meat from your diet if you have PKD? The PKD Dietitian will clarify that while a PKD diagnosis doesn't mean you must stop eating meat, paying attention to the type and amount of protein you consume is important.  Diana will break down the three primary protein sources—plant protein, animal meat, and animal-derived products—and highlight the benefits of incorporating more plant-based proteins into your diet. With practical tips like Meatless Mondays and understanding plant-forward eating, she aims to clear up misconceptions and offer actionable advice to support your PKD kidney health through mindful protein consumption. SCHEDULE YOUR PKD CONNECT CALL: https://p.bttr.to/3yDTdkE REFERENCES https://www.clinicalnutritionopenscience.com/article/S2667-2685(23)00047-5/fulltext https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7460905/  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23302719/ https://journals.lww.com/jasn/fulltext/1999/11000/dietary_protein_restriction_and_the_progression_of.21.aspx https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0899900717301971 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1051227619302651 https://journals.lww.com/cjasn/pages/articleviewer.aspx?year=2019&issue=05000&article=00009&type=Fulltext DISCLAIMER The PKD Dietitian Podcast is meant for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider with any medical questions or concerns.

    11 min
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4.9
out of 5
29 Ratings

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The PKD Dietitian podcast is hosted by Diana Bruen, a PKD nutrition expert. Join as Diana digs into health, nutrition, research, and all things proactive & protective for Polycystic Kidney Disease.

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