*The tips enclosed in this blog are suggestions for patients with Kidney disease. Please make sure to follow direct treatment plans from your doctor. Every patient is different and may require various diet restrictions.
Holiday Health with kidney disease can be challenging but you shouldn’t let it alter your overall fun and family time. Here are a few simple tips to stay healthy over the holidays and as long as you’re mindful of what you are eating and what’s in your food, you are sure to have a happy and healthy holiday.
What to watch out for; sodium, potassium, phosphorus, fluid, protein, and carbohydrates are all factors for a balanced diet. Portion control and overall knowledge of key foods to look out for will help.
Sodium is found in salt, asking your friends, family, or whoever is cooking this holiday season to either not salt meals may be tricky but will do wonders for your overall experience. Another option can be to have your own portions prepared separate or even bring your own individually prepared meals because if you’re cooking you’ll be able to monitor your meals.
Why no salt? Sodium can raise blood pressure and makes you overly thirsty. Being diligent of who prepared what dish and reading the labels of store-bought snacks, processed foods, sauces, and condiments over the holidays will help you keep your wits about your intake.
Say no to overly salty treats, high Sodium food to look out for this holiday season include; chips, crackers, dips, ham, bacon, brined turkey, stuffing, rolls, gravy, and many more.
Eat mindfully, potassium is a mineral that helps muscles and nerves work, sounds good, however too much can be dangerous for people with kidney disease. Potassium is found in fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy products, nuts, and beans. So steer clear of sweet potatoes, yams, and green vegetables. Also found in holiday pies like pumpkin, pecan, and mincemeat. And in the mornings, limit or go without orange juice, pomegranate, banana, and other high potassium food. Instead choose Apples, berries, grapes, peaches or pineapple are better. And mashed potatoes or hash browns - soak and boil to reduce potassium.
Phosphorus helps keep bones and teeth strong, too much in the body can cause problems with bones, heart, and veins. Found in dairy products, nuts, beans, and grains, along with processed foods and drinks. Most dialysis patients take medicine with their food to help control blood phosphorus levels.
Choose healthy substitutes, With a few simple diet tweaks, you can indulge in your favorite holiday foods, replace sour cream with greek yogurt in your favorite holiday recipes. Trade other dairies for Rice milk (unenriched), and non-dairy creamers. Holiday food high in phosphorus to look out for include; cheeses, tomato sauces, pudding, chocolate, and dishes with nuts. Instead of chocolate desserts, go for vanilla or lemon-based. Substitute the tomato sauce for a mushroom.
Fluids, healthy kidneys balance sodium and fluid, when a kidney can’t get rid of fluid it builds up. Too much fluid causes swelling, high blood pressure, shortness of breath, and heart damage. This holiday turn down the usual eggnog, cocktails, beer, and wine. In the morning, coffee, juice, and tea all are on the naughty list. Make sure to maintain minimum liquids over the holidays.
Now for the main course, the protein. Look out for brined turkey and ham due to the large salt content. If eating turkey, beef, pork, or fish, make sure it’s no bigger than the size of your palm or deck of cards.
Carbohydrates, food energy that consists of starches, sugar, and fiber. Carbs raise blood sugar and eating too many can cause weight gain. Carbs to look out for this holiday are stuffing, bread, rice, noodles, potatoes, fruits, and desserts. For dessert substitutes, try finding fruit pies, cookies without chocolate, dried fruit, or nuts.
Remember, having a fulfilling holiday is not just about the food, it's about the family and friends you’re surrounded by. As long as you plan ahead, limit snacks, and keep a good balance between sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and carbs you’ll have a happy and healthy holiday season. Everyone is different, make sure to follow your doctor’s treatment plan or consult a doctor before the holidays to know your limits.
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