Happy and Healthy Christmas for Kidney Disease Patients

December 25 is Christmas. It is really a concern for most kidney disease patients and normal kidneys have the functions of producing urine, discharging metabolic wastes and toxins out of the blood and maintaining the balances of water, electrolytes and acid-base. In case of kidney diseases, these functions will be affected and the internal environment will be disturbed. Patients will have the symptoms of metabolic disorders and water and electrolyte disturbances.
It is known that kidney disease patients need to limit the intake of water, protein, potassium, phosphorus so as to reduce burdens to the kidneys. With all these diet limitations and precautions, how can kidney disease patients enjoy a good Christmas? Here are some tips and suggestions for enjoying a happy and healthy christmas.
Meat
Turkey is the traditional typical food in Christmas and it is really a pity if patients can not enjoy it with their families. Kidney disease patients can have turkey, but it is better to cook turkey by yourself because the turkeys sold on markets are often high in salt and fat. While cooking turkeys, limit the use of table salt and salty marinades.
Some processed meats such as sausage, ham or hot dogs should be avoided. It is better to have white meat and avoid dark meat and fresh water fish is a good choice.
Vegetable and fruits
It is very important to monitor potassium intake for kidney disease patients. High-potassium foods like bananas and prunes should be eaten sparingly. Even though, there are many other delicious fruits and vegetables that are low in potassium such as red bell pepper, green beans, carrots, mushroom, onions, apples and cherries, etc.
The following are some healthy foods for kidney disease patients including cabbage, cauliflower, cranberry, blueberry, raspberry, strawberry, cherry and red grapes which patients can have in both festival days and usual days.
Desserts
Pumpkin pie is a popular dessert on Christmas. Use whipped topping on the pie and other desserts to replace ice cream.
Avoid chocolate or just take it in small quantity because it is high in protein and potassium
Drinks
It is not recommended that kidney disease patients to drink any alcoholic beverage weather it is beer, wine or liquor. Drink in moderation if patients really want to have and do not indulge in it.
Cola contains high phosphorus and should be avoided.
Some beneficial drinks are fruits juice like apple juice, grape juice, cranberry juice and lemon-lime soda.
Ask for a renal dietitian for more specific diet suggestions to ensure the safety amount of certain foods according to patients' specific illness and physical conditions.
Nursing cares
Besides, patients should not make themselves too tired because over-tiredness will easily cause illness relapse.
Keep warm and stay away from catching cold and other viruses and infections. During Christmas, it is very cold and patients should have more clothes to reduce risk of colds. And have some proper and mild exercises is good.
Do not forget to take medicines on time.