Renal cysts are benign and common. 50% of people over 50 have at least one.There can be subtle changes that need to be monitored. The Bosniak system predicts the chance cancer can occur. Class 2 cysts have no enhancement on CT. Small calcifications or septa(tissue dividing the cyst) are found. Cancer is uncommon as is pain. Cysts do not cause UTIs, as they don’t communicate with the urine stream.
Low-Sodium Diet
Your kidneys help remove excess fluid from the body. When kidney cysts disrupt this function, fluid builds up in the body, leading to high blood pressure and swelling. Sodium is an essential mineral that helps maintain fluid balance by retaining fluid. A low-sodium diet is necessary when kidney cysts cause symptoms of kidney failure. If you eat high-sodium foods when your kidneys are not working properly, your body retains more fluid, which worsens your high blood pressure. You should avoid high sodium foods such as canned foods, table salt, seafood and cured meat.
Low-Fat and High-Fiber Diet
Keeping your body healthy helps prevent complications of polycystic kidney disease. MayoClinic.com recommends that you eat a low-fat and high-fiber diet to help lower high blood pressure, which can damage your kidneys. Your diet should contain plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. If you are overweight, you should lose weight because excess weight can cause high blood pressure.
Protein
If you develop symptoms of kidney failure due to polycystic kidney disease, your doctor may advise you to eat less protein. Too much protein can make your kidneys work too hard, according to Drugs.com. Eating less protein slows down progressive loss of kidney function and also prevents accumulation of toxic substances in the body. When your kidneys are impaired by enlarged cysts, they are unable to remove protein by-products from the body, which leads to accumulation of toxic substances. Examples of protein-rich foods include meat, fish, eggs, chicken, turkey, milk, yogurt, cheese and cream..