The holiday season is quickly approaching, which means planning gatherings to spend time with loved ones. While food is an essential part of the festivities, it can sometimes be challenging for individuals with chronic kidney disease. The following guide explains the challenges patients can face during this time of year and how you can celebrate in a healthy way.

How Chronic Kidney Disease Can Make the Holidays Difficult

For most people, eating is for much more than fulfilling a nutritional need. Certain dishes have cultural and traditional value, and enjoying them with family is a joyous occasion. From hearty comfort foods to family recipes passed down for generations, you might be tempted to partake just for the holidays. 

It’s not uncommon for people to “cheat” on diets and indulge in delicious but unhealthy foods. Unfortunately, indulging can accelerate damage to your kidneys. Your health should remain a priority, even during celebrations.

Tips to Keep Your Kidneys Healthy

Just because you need to watch what you eat doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy good food. As you begin making holiday plans with family and friends, talk with the hosts in advance to ensure there are healthy items you can eat safely. 

If you are the host, do your research and put together a kidney-friendly menu. Be careful with these common holiday food items:

• Potassium: High amounts of potassium can be dangerous for individuals with chronic kidney disease. Limit or avoid potassium-rich holiday foods like pumpkin pie, sweet potatoes, yams, potatoes, pecan pie, spinach, and beets. Choose low-potassium options such as apple pie, stuffing, and green beans instead.
• Sodium: Excess sodium enhances thirst, which makes it harder to manage your fluid intake. Turn to other spices and herbs to flavor food. Even if you don’t add salt to home-cooked meals, processed foods tend to hide high levels of sodium. Beware of soups, ham, gravy, many sauces, deli meats, brined turkey, chips and dips, biscuits and rolls, and other packaged foods.
• Phosphorus: When your kidneys aren’t working well, too much phosphorus can weaken bones. Dairy products, processed or packaged foods, nuts, and beans are all rich in phosphorus. Popular sources around the holidays include pudding, cookies, pies, chocolate, stuffing or bread mix, cheese, and sauces made with milk.
• Fluids: Drinking too much of any fluid can increase the risk of kidney damage. Limit holiday beverages like eggnog, champagne, hot cocoa, and cocktails. This includes anything that turns liquid at room temperature, such as ice cream, soup, and gelatin dishes. 
   

If you need diet advice to help manage chronic kidney disease during the holiday season, reach out to the experts at Mt Auburn Nephrology. Based in Cincinnati, OH, the full-service nephrology practice specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of kidney stones, kidney disease, and hypertension. They are committed to providing patients with the highest level of care and compassion, whether they’re managing a kidney transplant, prescription medication, or dialysis. Learn more about what they do online. To schedule your appointment, call (513) 841-0222.