Celebrate Strong, Celebrate Smart: A NephroPlus Holiday Guide
The holiday season is here! A time for lights, laughter, and the joy of sharing delicious food with family and friends. But for many on dialysis or living with chronic kidney disease (CKD), the festive table can occasionally accompany you with questions such as "Should I skip that?" or "Can I eat this?" At NephroPlus, we believe that every dialysis guest deserves to celebrate without hesitation. Food is a huge part of the festivities, and with a few tweaks, it can still remain part of the festivities for people on dialysis.
Choose carefully, not restrictively!
Cakes, puddings, and sweets often use raisins, dates, and almonds. While on the one hand, they taste wonderful, but they are also packed with potassium and phosphorus. When kidneys aren’t filtering properly, these minerals can build up in the blood and cause complications such as muscle cramps and fatigue.
That’s why it’s best to swap the dry fruits for fresh fruits instead. Pineapple, apples and strawberries are all low in potassium and high in flavour. They add a refreshing twist to the classic recipes and give colour to your dessert without sacrificing taste, allowing you to take better care of your health.
Moderation is the key!
Being on dialysis or living with CKD doesn’t mean that you have to say goodbye to your favourite food; it just means finding balance. The key to keeping festive delights on the menu is moderation! You can still enjoy all your favourites just by keeping the portions small.
It's much better to enjoy your favourite foods prepared with well-balanced ingredients than to avoid them completely. Instead of butter, use olive oil, and use less salt and sugar substitutes. This is particularly helpful for those whose renal function is reduced or who are navigating different types of kidney diseases. Making your favourite recipes at home gives you more control over ingredients and a relief from the extra load that packaged products can bring, as they may contain hidden sodium or phosphorus additives.
Be mindful of your fluid intake!
Festivals come with endless cups of tea, soups, and drinks. But for Dialysis Guests, it is important to be mindful of their fluid limits, which include everything from beverages to desserts like jelly or custard. Increased fluid consumption might cause fatigue, bloating, or even difficulties in breathing. An easy strategy to maintain your party spirit is to consume smaller amounts of fluids. Keeping track of how much fluid you have had in a day, and if possible, spreading out rather than consuming large amounts all at once, can also help. This will make you feel lighter and more comfortable in between dialysis sessions.
Healthy choices make celebrations last!
Making healthy decisions doesn’t take away the fun of the season, but rather makes it last longer. One of the greatest gifts you can offer yourself this season is to take care of your health. Whether it’s making a smarter food swap or sticking to your schedule, every choice counts. That’s why NephroPlus has a specially curated recipe library, filled with delicious and easy-to-make dishes. Be it a simple snack or a festive meal, our recipe collection helps you enjoy every meal without worry.
At NephroPlus, we’re here to help our Dialysis Guests live comfortably and confidently, every day. This festive season, treat your health with the same warmth you share with your loved ones. Go ahead and prepare your favourite dishes, with a pinch of mindfulness and loads of happiness, because celebrating smart is still celebrating strong.
