The holidays are a wonderful time to celebrate the end of the year with those we care about. For patients with chronic kidney disease, keeping up with healthy kidney routines can be challenging. Here are a few tips from the Nephrology Associates of Greater Cincinnati for having a kidney-friendly holiday season.

Make smart food choices

There are so many tasty temptations at the holiday table, and it can be hard to steer clear of sugary treats. That doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the flavors of the season. Replace sweet potato and pumpkin pies wit a small slice of low potassium fruit pie. Make sure to eat a healthy amount of protein first, whether its turkey or another source of low sodium protein. Sip apple cider rather than eggnog.

Coordinating holiday meals with family and friends can help take the stress out of ensuring kidney-friendly foods make it on to the menu. And of course, remember to take your phosphorus binders.

Don’t skip your workout routine

We know, it can be tempting to veg out on the couch or in your favorite chair after all the excitement of the holidays. But it’s important to stick to your exercise routines. Moving regularly with chronic kidney disease plays an important role in stabilizing your blood pressure and blood sugar. Try doing some gentle yoga or going for a walk.

Maintain your dialysis treatment schedule

Your dialysis treatments are absolutely critical for keeping you healthy and alive. Skipping treatments can have serious, life-threatening consequences. There are fewer obstacles to performing home hemodialysis, but for those who receive in-center treatment, coordinating treatment while traveling requires a bit more planning. Traveling with dialysis is possible for many people, as long as you plan well in advance. Your care team can help you identify dialysis units where you’ll be staying and schedule treatments at the facility.

Take time for yourself

The challenges of living with chronic kidney disease can bring about mixed emotions for dialysis patients, especially during the holidays. Take time to check in on your mental health this season and do something that brings you joy. Maybe that means inviting a friend over, volunteering in your community, or simply having a movie marathon at home.

From all of us at the Nephrology Associates of Greater Cincinnati, we wish you a happy and healthy holiday season.