Holiday Tips for Dialysis Patients

December 06, 2022

Reduce salt/sodium to stay hydrated and have better fluid control.
Take binders with all meals and snacks to keep your heart and bones healthy.
Don’t miss your dialysis appointments, as regular appointments help remove toxins and fluids better.
Limit high-potassium foods and select low-potassium options to protect your heart.
Limit foods high in potassium, like nuts, oranges, dried fruit, and chocolate. Peel, dice, and boil potatoes to lower the potassium content.
Choose low-phosphorus desserts without nuts and chocolate.
Use herbs, spices, and unsalted seasonings to create your dressings/fillings and sauces to reduce salt/sodium content.
Choose hot cider or cold ginger ale, and limit high-phosphorus eggnog and hot chocolate.
Avoid processed meat like ham and sausages, and choose unprocessed meat like roast beef, turkey, chicken, or pork tenderloin.
Prefer homemade dressings & gravy, leached potatoes, and rice and rolls while going easy on mac & cheese, sweet potatoes/yams, potato salad, boxed stuffing, and canned gravy.
Inform your dialysis team of any travel plans or unscheduled appointments so you don’t forget your treatment.

Author

DCC Dietitian Team

Author
Raag Shanker, RDN, LD
Renal Registered Dietitian