Special occasions

Surviving summer socials on the dialysis diet

Written by Maria Stasios, RD, DaVita Dietitian

Next to the holidays, the summer months can be a challenge for those trying to stay true to their renal diets. Some of the popular summer foods including potato salad, baked beans, melons, hot dogs, chips and pickles can be high in potassium, phosphorus and/or sodium. But that doesn’t mean people on dialysis have to miss out on summer fun. Follow these seven tips for healthy eating by DaVita dietitian, Maria Stasios, RD, and have fun in the summertime.

Seven healthy tips for fun social events

1. Plan ahead

Prepare for celebrations like you would prepare for “holiday eating”. Limit what you eat at other meals; then you can have a little extra at the event. Overeating can lead to a higher potassium and phosphorus intake. Higher levels of potassium and phosphorus in your blood can result in you feeling sick when you want to be enjoying your family and friends. You can be sure that no one wants to make a trip to the hospital in the middle of a fun celebration.

2. Avoid salty foods

Salty foods make you thirsty. Plus, when it’s hot outside, you may tend to drink more liquids than usual. Pay close attention to salty foods and choose foods that are lower in sodium. For example, chicken and hamburgers are better choices than hot dogs, sausages or ham. You may also want to go easy on barbecue sauce, which is high in sodium. Consider taking something to a party, picnic or cookout that is appropriate for you to eat. That way, you’ll be certain there is something on the table you can enjoy.

3. Monitor fluid intake

Know how much fluid you can drink. Remember that items like Jell-O® salads, ice cream and Popsicles® count as fluid. In addition to avoiding salty foods, you can control fluids by drinking only when you are thirsty and using small (four-ounce) cups and glasses. You might want to take a small spray bottle filled with lemon-flavored water or diluted mouthwash with you to social events; this can be used to moisten your mouth if you feel really dry. Hard sour candy, gum or a thirst-quenching item can moisten your mouth and decrease your desire for liquids.

4. Limit alcohol

Talk to your physician for advice on alcohol. If approved, use alcohol in moderation. Remember, alcoholic beverages count as part of your fluid intake. Avoid high potassium and high phosphorus mixers such as orange juice, tomato juice and colas.

5. Limit high potassium fruits and vegetables

Review the list of fruits and vegetables allowed on your diet, or ask your dietitian for a new list if you need one. Watch your portion sizes, even of the “allowed” choices. Keep in mind that fresher is more nutritious, but this can be a problem for people on dialysis. For example, strawberries that are fresh from the field and peaches right off the tree are often larger than frozen berries or canned peach halves. Because fresh fruits are so refreshing, you may be tempted to eat a larger serving. This means more potassium, which could be more harmful to a hemodialysis patient.

6. Practice food safety

You may have heard these tips before… “Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold.” “Don’t eat raw eggs.” “Wash your hands before you eat.” These sayings provide good advice. It is also important to be careful when eating foods prepared by someone else, or that have been sitting out for long periods of time.

7. Take your binders

Taking your binders is essential, especially if you are eating more than usual. Ask your dietitian if you need to adjust your binders to the quantity of food you will eat. Remember; even though it’s summertime, binders never get a vacation!

Having a good attitude about your renal diet will go a long way in helping you stick to these recommendations for summer social situations. Review these tips and then make wise decisions. And, finally, have fun!