DCRX Infusion Blog

The holidays are a time of celebration. Christmas parties, New Years parties, family get-togethers, company parties all have two things in common: food and drink.  For a person on dialysis this can lead to a confusing few hours of trying to decide what to eat or drink and what not to eat or drink. A decision that can effect short-term health and well-being.

A holiday buffet can be a treasure of high protein foods or a pit fall of high sodium, high potassium, high phosphorus foods.  It is important have fun at these parties and, let’s be honest, that often requires participating in the eating part.

Buffets and “Pot Luck” dinners are often a mystery for people who need to know what is contained in the dishes in-order to make a healthy choice.  With the exception of Star Fruit (which is toxic to people on dialysis) everything is ok to eat, in moderation, that is, in small amounts.  Some foods should be in smaller amounts then others.  Knowing your limitations and making smart choices can help anyone get through the holiday season healthy, happy and with good labs!

Below are 10 tips for successfully navigating holiday events:

1. Don’t arrive hungry – have a snack before you arrive.  This will help you to make smarter choices because you will not be thinking with your eyes and an empty stomach. A protein bar is a great way to take off the edge of hunger and give you some needed protein.
2. Save up your fluid – If you know you are going to a party you can limit your fluid earlier in the day.  This will enable you to partake in some more of the non alcoholic drinks available, without having to worry about the extra fluid dialysis will have to remove later.
3. Choose small cups and ask for ice – Most parties will have coffee and tea available.  These cups are often smaller then the cups (or cans of) cold drinks provided.  Make sure you pay attention to how many cups you drink but keeping small cups and filling them with ice if available will help keep your fluid gains down.
4. Carry your phosphorus binders with you – Buffets lend themselves to “grazing” or eating small amounts frequently.  If you are on phosphorus binders it is important to take them throughout the time you are “grazing”.  This will help bind the phosphorus and keep it out of your blood as you enjoy your buffet.
5. Take small portions of foods you don’t eat on a regular basis – a holiday party is a treat! Make sure you have some of those foods you normally avoid or just don’t make on a regular basis. Treat yourself, but don’t overdo it. Sometimes a tablespoon of a food can satisfy a craving.
6. Fill up on protein, but watch the salt – Many buffets and pot-luck dinners include meats. It is good to fill up on these BUT keep in mind many of these meats are highly processed.  This not only means salt but also phosphorus.  A sodium-phosphate solution is injected into most of the processed meats that you will find on a buffet table.  Making it even more important to take phosphorus binders, avoid adding table salt to foods and not overdo your fluid at these events.
7. Be wary of the potassium – Casseroles and fruit punch can contain unknown amounts of potassium depending on how they were made.  Avoid big portions of foods you know to be high in potassium.  For instance; bananas, potatoes, meatballs with extra tomato sauce. It is okay to have small portions of these but, again, don’t overdo it. 
8. Portion size portion size portion size! – Portion size is the key for everything.  If you arrive not hungry, if you avoid alcoholic beverages and if you eat slowly you will be much more likely to make smart decisions that are better for your health.
9. Distract yourself – Holiday parties are a time to be social.  Take your time at the food table to make smart decisions but once you are done filling your plate sit down and chat.  Having a conversation while eating will help you eat more slowly and make your party experience more enjoyable.
10. Know your numbers! – Do you know how your labs have been lately? Do you have room to eat a little more potassium or phosphorus at your holiday party? Have you been running a high potassium and you need to be extra careful at the party? Ask your dietitian.  He or she will be able to help you decide the best way to choose foods and drinks at your special event.

Have a great and healthy holiday season from DCRX Infusion!