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Program Details
RISE Nutrition for PKD Program includes the following resources to help you succeed:
- 12 Weekly Group Classes: Live virtual sessions with renal dietitians, recorded for flexibility
- Personal Dietitian Support: Three one-on-one consultations to customize your nutrition plan and track your progress
- Supplement Guide: Expert recommendations tailored to your needs
- Nutrient Tracking: Premium Cronometer access to monitor your nutrition and refine your progress
- Meal Plans: Including recipes and shopping lists
- Private Community Support: Private forum to connect with other PKD patients – share tips, recipes, support and encouragement!
The program lasts 15 weeks: a 3-week orientation followed by 12 weeks of curriculum. You will then have lifetime access to the program materials, including class recordings and all resources.
The RISE program is suitable for anyone with PKD and a GFR of 25 or higher. However, since we provide personalized care, some people with GFR of lower than 25 may still be able to join the program. If you perfer specialized, one-on-one care from our dietitian, you can book a call at https://kidneynutritioninstitute.org/work-with-kni-care/.
No. Dialysis requires specialized nutrition strategies that are different from what we teach at RISE Nutrition for PKD Program.
Yes, we strongly recommend consulting your nephrologist before starting any new nutrition program. We're also happy to collaborate with your physician to ensure continuity of care.
Our program complements standard PKD treatments. You can discuss any concerns about medications with your dietitian during your initial visit. However, please consult your doctor to ensure there are no contraindications with your specific medications.
Cost and Payment
The program cost is $1,500, which can be paid in 3 or 6 installments. A $300 deposit is required to reserve your spot.
Yes, the program does NOT include the following items. Please consult your dietitian to determine which may be necessary for your individual experience:
- Medical equipment: Devices such as the KetoMojo (ketone monitor), blood pressure monitors (if needed), or body weight scales. Estimated additional cost: $50.
- Medical expenses: Costs associated with treatments, medications, or doctor visits. Variable per patient and insurance. Estimated additional cost will vary.
- Personalized supplements: Supplements are not included in the RISE program. Many patients take a multivitamin or B-vitamin, some exogenous ketones, and potassium or calcium citrate supplements. Estimated additional cost ranges between $20-$150 per month.
- Individual grocery purchases
- Additional dietitian consultations: Any sessions beyond the included three consultations (as needed).
While we're deeply committed to providing the highest quality care and support for your health journey, we do not offer money-back guarantees. Each person's body responds uniquely to treatments, and healthcare outcomes naturally vary based on individual factors, medical history, and lifestyle choices. Our focus is on delivering evidence-based care and working closely with you to optimize your results, but specific outcomes cannot be guaranteed in any medical setting.
No, at the moment the RISE Nutrition for PKD Program is not covered by insurance. But, you can use your FSA or HSA spending account to cover the cost of the program.
Yes, you can pay the program fees in installments. Here are the two payment plans available:
- Option 1: $300 deposit, followed by six monthly installments of $200.
- Option 2: $300 deposit, followed by three monthly installments of $400.
Customization and Support
The RISE Nutrition for PKD program provides structured guidance that you can adapt to your individual situation. While this is a group program, you'll receive educational resources, meal planning frameworks, and dietary guidelines that consider different PKD stages and health needs. We provide general meal plans as templates, along with tools and strategies to help you create daily meals that work for your lifestyle and preferences.
Rather than receiving individual meal plans from a dietitian, you'll learn how to apply PKD-friendly nutrition principles to make informed food choices. This empowers you to confidently plan meals that align with your health goals, dietary requirements, and personal taste while supporting kidney health and managing PKD symptoms.
While the RISE Nutrition for PKD program is designed as a group experience, we recognize that everyone has unique needs. Your dietitian will customize your nutrition goals based on your specific PKD stage, health needs, activity level, dietary requirements, and personal preferences. The goal is to effectively manage your PKD symptoms, blood pressure, lab results, and overall health, while maximizing opportunities for kidney health and well-being.
Yes, we accommodate various dietary restrictions and preferences. Please inform us of your needs during the sign-up process and in your consultation with your dietitian.
- 3 Personal Dietitian Consultations: The program includes three individualized consultations with your dietitian—one before the program starts, one in the middle, and one at the end—to assess your progress and adjust your plan.
- Weekly Dietitian Food Log Review: Your dietitian will check in with you weekly, providing feedback on your food logs to ensure you stay on track.
- Peer Support: Experience immense support from your peers during weekly live classes as you share your experiences. You can continue to connect with your peers in our Facebook Group, even after completing the program.
Yes! You will receive three one-on-one consultations plus continuous support through weekly log reviews, regular progress check-ins, and unlimited access to our team whenever you have questions or need guidance.
We provide six weekly meal plans for the first half of the program. After the midpoint, many participants discover a rhythm and meal pattern that suits their lifestyle, allowing them to transition away from structured meal plans.
If you would like continued access to new meal plans, we encourage you to be a member of our PKD Knowledge Hub (https://kidneynutritioninstitute.org/pkd-knowledge-hub/) where we release new recipes monthly and new seasonal meal plans quarterly.
Expected Outcomes
The RISE Nutrition for PKD program uses evidence-based nutrition and lifestyle modifications designed to support kidney health. You can check out our current program outcomes here (link to outcomes page). We do not guarantee any outcomes due to the many variables in a health journey however these are common improvements participants have reported after working with us:
- Stabilization or improvements in kidney function markers (link to outcomes page)
- Better management of PKD-related symptoms
- Enhanced overall well-being
- Positive changes in lab values
We focus on teaching sustainable nutrition and lifestyle practices backed by current research in PKD management. Our goal is to provide you with tools and knowledge to make informed choices that support your kidney health long-term.
Note: Individual results vary based on numerous factors including PKD stage, overall health status, consistency with the program, and other medical conditions. Always work with your healthcare team to monitor your PKD progression and adjust your care plan as needed.
Results may vary, but our participants have reported reduced pain and improved energy as early as one month of following our protocol, improved blood pressures by mid-point, improved GFR and creatinine after three months.
Many participants report improvements in common PKD symptoms, including side or back pain, reduced feelings of fullness, lower blood pressure, and even fewer urinary tract infections (UTIs). However, individual results may vary, and the program should be used in conjunction with medical treatment.
Ketosis, as taught in the program, can help lower blood pressure and has enabled some participants to successfully reduce their blood pressure medication dosages. Additionally, many of our patients have been able to discontinue acid reflux medications. Any changes to medications should be made only under the guidance of your doctor.
Weight management is personalized to your individual goals - weight loss is not the primary focus of our program. Here's what you can expect:
- If you want to maintain your current weight: We'll adjust your nutrition plan to support kidney health while maintaining your weight.
- If you want to lose weight: We can incorporate this goal into your plan through healthy eating habits, physical activity and other sustainable lifestyle changes.
- If you need to gain weight: It's important to understand that weight gain is typically challenging during the initial phases of this program. While we can work toward this as a long-term goal, expect to focus first on stabilizing your kidney health before addressing weight gain.
Some participants may notice initial weight changes as they adapt to a ketogenic eating pattern. Through weekly monitoring, we'll help you adjust your nutrition to align with both your weight goals and kidney health needs.
Remember: Our primary focus is supporting your kidney health through evidence-based nutrition, with weight management being just one aspect of your overall health journey."
Scientific Basis
Yes. Every aspect of the RISE program and all our recommendations are based on the latest and most advanced PKD research, combined with our clinical expertise on kidney disease.
KNI founded the RISE Nutrition for PKD program in 2021, previously branded Ren.Nu. Click here to read about our beta test: https://www.mdpi.com/2673-8236/2/2/20
Since then, we have guided hundreds of patients through the program to improve their PKD management and discover hope. Our nutrition program is currently being utilized in a clinical study at Juntendo University in Japan.
Clinical Trial Page: https://center6.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr_e/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000060368
Yes, we published a feasibility study detailing our experiences and preliminary subjective results from the beta test of our nutrition program when it was still called “Ren.Nu”: https://doi.org/10.3390/kidneydial2020020
For a long time, polycystic kidney disease (PKD) has been managed using the same nutritional strategies as general chronic kidney disease (CKD), despite the significant differences in pathophysiology.
Our program is specifically tailored for PKD, utilizing ketosis and low-carb approaches based on research that demonstrates inhibition of renal cyst growth, reduction of fibrosis, and prevention of renal function loss in animal models. Additionally, our program incorporates nutritional interventions to prevent crystal precipitation in the kidneys, moderate protein intake, and a whole-foods, alkaline approach to reduce inflammation and protect kidney health.
Practical Aspects
Meal preparation time varies based on your personal preferences and cooking style. On average, participants spend about an hour total per day preparing all three meals, with most of that time dedicated to their main meal.
You can manage your time efficiently through various strategies:
- Using leftovers for multiple meals
- Batch cooking or meal prepping once a week
- Incorporating simple, quick-assembly meals
- Using meal delivery services that align with program guidelines
- Preparing larger portions for future meals
Some participants prefer spending more time creating elaborate meals, while others choose simpler, quicker options. Both approaches can be successful in the program - the key is finding a sustainable routine that fits your lifestyle and schedule.
Remember: While good nutrition does require some time investment, there are many ways to streamline the process while maintaining the quality of your kidney-supportive meals.
Our program primarily uses whole foods that you can find in most grocery stores. Here's what to expect:
Basic Ingredients:
- Common vegetables and fruits
- Standard proteins like chicken, fish, and eggs
- Regular grocery store staples
- Basic pantry items
Specialty Items (Optional):Budget Considerations:
- The program can be followed using basic, affordable ingredients
- We teach you how to make cost-effective food choices
- Your dietitian can help modify recommendations to fit your budget
- Meal planning strategies can help manage grocery costs
Remember: While some participants choose to incorporate specialty products, they're not essential for success. We'll help you find the right balance between your food preferences, budget, and local availability to support your kidney health goals."
While specialty products can make the program easier to follow, they're not required for success. Work with your dietitian to find the right balance between convenience, budget, and your personal preferences.
- Many participants find specialty products make their dietary transition significantly easier and more sustainable, making the investment worthwhile for their lifestyle
- While these ketogenic-friendly products often cost more than traditional high-carb alternatives, they can simplify meal preparation and help maintain program consistency
- Budget-friendly alternatives and homemade recipes are available for most specialty items
- Online retailers like Vitacost and Thrive Market offer competitively priced ketogenic products, often at better prices than local stores
Yes, our weekly meal plans include shopping lists to make grocery shopping easier. Note that our meal plans and grocery lists are designed for one person. If you are meal prepping for multiple people in your household, feel free to scale up your recipes and grocery list.
Yes, we believe in maintaining a healthy, balanced lifestyle that includes social events like eating out and traveling. We dedicate one module to “Eating Out & On The Go,” which guides you in how to develop a strategy for eating out and traveling while still maintaining your nutrition goals.
Alcohol does not provide any nutritional value that benefits kidney or overall health. However, if you wish to include alcohol, we offer resources that teach you how to incorporate a moderate amount while maintaining ketosis. Keep in mind your tolerance may be lower and the effects of alcohol may be more intense while on a ketogenic diet.
Technology and Access
We use a software called “Practice Better,” available on both web and mobile devices. You will use this software to access all resources, meal plans, and communicate with your dietitian. Live courses are held on Zoom, which is also accessible on your mobile device.
You have lifetime access to all program materials, class recordings, and all meal plans and resources.
Yes. You can download and print resources from the “Practice Better” app at your convenience.
Yes, we have an exclusive Facebook Group for current participants and program graduates to facilitate ongoing discussion and support.
Safety and Contraindications
The program is designed to be safe when followed correctly and under the supervision of an expert renal dietitian. However, as with the initiation of ketosis, some participants may experience initial "keto-flu" symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog, dizziness, nausea, and constipation. Most people find relief within 1-2 weeks. We encourage all participants to maintain close communication with their dietitian to prevent and address any new symptoms.
While ketogenic diets can be beneficial for many people, they are not appropriate for everyone. We conduct thorough health screenings upon program enrollment to ensure this approach is appropriate for you. It is very important that participants share a comprehensive medical history with us in their initial paperwork. Ketogenic diets are not recommended for:
Medical Conditions:
- Patients with pancreatitis
- Those with liver failure
- People with disorders of fat metabolism (such as CPT1/CPT2 deficiency - conditions where the body cannot properly break down and use certain fats for energy)
- Individuals with primary carnitine deficiency
- Those with porphyrias
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women
- People with elevated apoB (apolipoprotein B) levels
Other Considerations:
- Those with a history of eating disorders
- Individuals with active gallbladder disease
- Those who have had their gallbladder removed may need modifications
- People with certain rare genetic disorders
No, this program is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women. We advise consulting with your healthcare provider or working with our dietitian one-on-one for personalized nutrition guidance during this time.
No, our program is specifically designed for adults with PKD.
Success Stories
Yes! You can read testimonials from past participants on our Success Stories page: https://risepkd.org/success-stories/
This program was developed by the expert renal dietitians at the Kidney Nutrition Institute. We especially thank our original program developers: Jessianna Saville, Diana Bruen, Lindsey Zirker, Clarissa Paimanta, and Meg Munits. Learn more at https://risepkd.org/about/
Yes, our dietitians are certified experts with extensive experience in managing PKD. They specialize in renal nutrition and are well-versed in the unique needs of individuals with polycystic kidney disease. Learn more at https://risepkd.org/about/