Celebrating Gratitude and Health
As we gather to celebrate Thanksgiving, it’s a perfect time to reflect on the importance
of our health and well-being. For those living with renal disease, maintaining a healthy
lifestyle is crucial. This newsletter provides tips, recipes, and stories to support you
during the holiday season.
We want to be safe and enjoy this joyful fun holiday. Moderation is the key and
remember to stay hydrated!
Tips for a Kidney-Friendly Thanksgiving
Turkey Time: Kidney patients should opt for natural fresh or frozen turkey and avoid basted ones,
which are high in sodium. Try preparing your turkey with a salt-free rub and low-salt broth. Other
healthy choices include roast beef, Cornish hen, fish, and roasted chicken.
Side Dishes: Limit sweet potatoes and mashed potatoes as they are high in potassium. If you
can’t resist, use the leaching method: peel and cut the potatoes into small pieces, soak in a large
amount of water (10 cups of water for 1 cup of potatoes) for at least four hours, drain and rinse,
then cook in a large pot of water until tender. Drain and prepare as desired. Great side dish
choices include asparagus, rice, savory green beans, corn, glazed carrots, cabbage, peppers,
celery, parsley, and roasted cauliflower.
Fruits: Enjoy pears, fruit cocktail, apples, applesauce, pineapples, cranberries, and peaches at your
Thanksgiving table.
Dessert: Select low-potassium desserts such as cake or fruit pies. Limit or avoid pecan pie,
pumpkin pie, fruitcake, or chocolate desserts as they are higher in potassium. Better choices
include angel food cake, pound cake, snickerdoodles, and carrot cake.
Fluids: Avoid salty foods as they tend to make you thirsty. If you are on a fluid restriction,
remember that anything that melts at room temperature counts as fluid. If you prefer not to drink water, beverages like lemon-lime soda, cranberry juice, and apple juice are good choices.
Stay Connected: additional resources at National Kidney Foundation https://www.kidney.org/kidney-topics.
May your Thanksgiving be fill ed with warmth, happiness, and good health. Thank you for all owing me to be a part of your journey.
