Researchers studied over 119,000 people for more than 10 years to understand how diet affects the development of fluid-filled sacs in the kidneys. They found that eating lots of fatty and sugary foods increased the risk of developing these kidney cysts, while eating plenty of vegetables, fruits, nuts, and lean proteins appeared to protect against them. The study suggests that what we eat influences specific chemicals in our blood that may either increase or decrease our chances of developing these kidney problems.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether different eating patterns increase or decrease the chances of developing fluid-filled sacs (cysts) in the kidneys over time
  • Who participated: Over 119,000 people from the UK who provided detailed food diaries and were followed for an average of 10.5 years. The study excluded people who already had severe kidney damage
  • Key finding: People eating diets high in fatty and sugary foods had a 14% higher risk of developing kidney cysts, while those eating diets rich in vegetables, fruits, nuts, and lean proteins had about 6% lower risk
  • What it means for you: Choosing whole foods like vegetables, fruits, nuts, and lean proteins over processed foods high in fat and sugar may help protect your kidneys. However, this study shows association, not proof of cause-and-effect, so talk to your doctor before making major dietary changes

The Research Details

This was a long-term follow-up study using data from the UK Biobank, a large health research project. Researchers collected detailed information about what people ate through food diaries starting in 2006-2010 and then tracked their health for over 10 years to see who developed kidney cysts. They used advanced statistical methods to identify different eating patterns and group people based on their food choices. The researchers then examined whether certain eating patterns were linked to higher or lower chances of developing kidney cysts.

By studying a very large group of people over many years, researchers can spot patterns that might not show up in smaller studies. This approach helps us understand how everyday food choices might affect kidney health in real people, not just in laboratory settings. The researchers also looked at blood chemicals that might explain why certain diets affect kidney cyst risk.

This study has several strengths: it included a very large number of people, followed them for over a decade, and used detailed dietary information. However, people self-reported what they ate, which can be inaccurate. The study also cannot prove that diet directly causes kidney cysts—only that certain eating patterns are associated with higher or lower risk. The findings need to be confirmed by other research before making strong recommendations.

What the Results Show

The study identified different eating patterns among participants. Diets high in fatty foods (like cheese, butter, and pizza) and sugary items (like chocolate and sugary drinks) were linked to increased kidney cyst risk. Specifically, people eating the highest amounts of these foods had about 14% higher risk compared to those eating the least. In contrast, diets rich in vegetables, fruits, nuts, and lean poultry showed protective effects, with about 6% lower risk in those eating the most of these foods. The protective effect was weaker than the harmful effect of fatty and sugary diets, suggesting that avoiding unhealthy foods may be more important than simply eating more healthy ones.

The researchers identified seven specific blood chemicals that might explain the connection between diet and kidney cyst risk. These included branched-chain amino acids (building blocks from protein), a growth hormone called IGF-1, and a measure of red blood cell variation. These chemicals appear to be the ‘messengers’ that carry the effects of diet to the kidneys. When people ate unhealthy diets, their blood levels of these chemicals changed in ways that increased kidney cyst risk.

This research builds on earlier studies showing that diet affects kidney health. Previous research has linked high-fat and high-sugar diets to various kidney problems, and this study provides more specific evidence about kidney cysts. The finding that micronutrient-rich foods are protective aligns with other nutrition research showing benefits of plant-based and whole foods. However, this is one of the first large studies specifically examining how eating patterns affect acquired kidney cysts.

The study relied on people remembering and accurately reporting what they ate, which can be unreliable. The study shows associations between diet and kidney cysts but cannot prove that diet directly causes them—other factors could be involved. Most participants were of European descent, so results may not apply equally to other populations. Additionally, people who developed kidney cysts were relatively few compared to the total group, which means the findings need confirmation in other studies.

The Bottom Line

Based on this research, eating more vegetables, fruits, nuts, and lean proteins while limiting fatty processed foods and sugary drinks may help protect kidney health (moderate confidence level). However, this study shows association rather than definitive proof, so these recommendations should complement, not replace, advice from your doctor. People with existing kidney problems should consult their healthcare provider before making significant dietary changes.

This research is relevant to anyone concerned about kidney health, particularly those with family history of kidney disease or those over 40. People with diabetes or high blood pressure—conditions that increase kidney cyst risk—should especially pay attention. However, people with severe kidney disease should work with a kidney specialist before changing their diet, as different kidney conditions require different dietary approaches.

Changes in blood chemistry from dietary improvements can occur within weeks to months, but it typically takes years to see measurable changes in kidney health. The protective effects of a healthy diet are cumulative, meaning the longer you maintain good eating habits, the greater the benefit. Don’t expect immediate results, but consistent healthy eating over months and years may reduce your risk.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track daily servings of vegetables, fruits, nuts, and lean proteins (goal: 5+ servings vegetables/fruit, 1 serving nuts, 1-2 servings lean protein) while monitoring weekly intake of fatty processed foods and sugary drinks (goal: minimize to 1-2 times per week or less)
  • Start by replacing one sugary drink per day with water, and adding one extra vegetable serving to one meal daily. Gradually increase whole foods and decrease processed foods over 4-8 weeks until healthy choices become automatic
  • Use the app to log meals weekly and review patterns monthly. Track not just what you eat, but how you feel—energy levels, digestion, and any health markers your doctor monitors. Set quarterly check-ins with your healthcare provider to discuss dietary changes and any health improvements

This research shows associations between diet and kidney cyst risk but does not prove cause-and-effect. These findings are not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have kidney disease, a history of kidney problems, or are taking medications affecting kidney function, consult your doctor or a registered dietitian before making significant dietary changes. This study was observational and cannot establish definitive dietary recommendations for individual medical conditions.