As Americans across the country get together with family and friends every fourth Thursday in November to give thanks for all that is good in their lives, most kidney disease patients do so while mindful of their health. And since Thanksgiving Day is also full of food, from turkey to potatoes and to various juices, kidney disease patients are all too aware of the potential damage that holiday foods can have on their lives, including worsening their symptoms. For instance, the holiday fare may be full of salted foods, increasing the level of sodium in the body beyond the limits for kidney patients.
To enjoy Turkey Day to the fullest, kidney disease patients such as those with kidney stones have to look for kidney-friendly foods. Observing certain diet restrictions can ensure that they enjoy themselves without harm to their kidney functions or making their illness worse. So what should you eat or not eat on Thanksgiving Day if you have renal problem?
Generally, the diet principles for kidney patients are high-fiber, high-vitamin, low-salt, low-potassium, low-protein, low-fat and low-phosphorous. Here are some suggestions that can help kidney patients enjoy themselves on Thanksgiving Day without worsening their symptoms or harming their kidney functions.
Turkey is the most common food on Thanksgiving Day but renal patients should opt for natural fresh or frozen turkey. The turkey should be prepared with low-salt broth and salt-free rub. Basted turkey which typically contains too much salt must be avoided. Other popular dishes include green beans, sweet potatoes, celery, parsley, cauliflower and cranberry, which are all good foods for renal patients. However, sweet potato contains a lot of potassium, so its intake should be limited. Pecan pie, apple pie and pumpkin pie are popular and delicious Thanksgiving desserts, but renal patients should minimize their intake.
Pure water is the ideal drink for renal patients on Thanksgiving Day. However, those who do not want to drink water can have apple juice and cranberry juice. If you are experiencing fluid retention, often characterized by swelling and edema, then reduce the amount of fluid you take. Avoid alcoholic beverages because too much alcohol can damage your liver and elevate your blood pressure. Likewise, drinks containing caffeine such as strong tea and coffee should be avoided.
Turkey is a popular centerpiece for holiday meals and a versatile meat used in everything from sandwiches to soups. But if you have kidney disease, you may wonder if turkey is okay to eat. The answer is not completely straightforward, as several factors come into play. This article provides a comprehensive look at turkey and kidney disease – examining the potential benefits and risks to help you make informed dietary choices
An Overview of Kidney Disease Diets
First, it’s helpful to understand why people with kidney disease need to follow special diets. Kidney disease causes an impaired ability to filter and remove waste from the bloodstream. As a result, levels of minerals like sodium, potassium, and phosphorus can become unbalanced and dangerous if dietary intake isn’t controlled.
To prevent complications, kidney disease diets aim to limit foods high in these minerals Foods are restricted based on their sodium, potassium, and phosphorus content Limits are also placed on protein, fluid, and certain vitamins. Following your recommended renal diet can preserve kidney function and protect your overall health.
Potential Benefits of Turkey for Kidney Disease
So where does turkey fit into a kidney-friendly diet? Turkey can offer several advantages
- High-Quality Protein: Turkey provides essential amino acids for maintaining and repairing muscles and tissues. Unlike some other proteins, turkey has less phosphorus, making it more suitable for kidney diets.
- Low Sodium: Many fresh turkey products contain minimal sodium. Choosing unsalted turkey avoids excess sodium intake, which can raise blood pressure and threaten kidney health.
- Lower Potassium: Turkey is relatively low in potassium compared to many other protein foods. Controlling potassium is crucial for kidney patients, as high levels can cause heart arrhythmias.
- Versatile and Delicious: Turkey is tasty and easy to incorporate into renal diet-approved recipes like herb roasted turkey breast, turkey lettuce wraps, or turkey vegetable soup.
Potential Risks of Turkey for Kidney Disease
However, some cautions are warranted with turkey:
- Phosphorus Content: While lower than some meats, turkey still contains moderate amounts of phosphorus. Excess phosphorus can lead to bone disease and calcification of vessels or skin.
- Protein Portions: As with any protein, turkey portions must align with recommended daily protein allowances determined by your doctor or dietitian. Excess protein stresses the kidneys.
- Sodium: Avoid enhanced, injected, or brined turkey products as they contain added sodium. Opt for fresh turkey and season it yourself without salt.
- Potassium: Turkey levels are lower than many choices but still contain some potassium. Those severely restricting potassium may need to limit turkey.
- Cooking Methods: Frying or breading turkey adds unnecessary fat, salt, and phosphorus. Stick to grilling, baking, or roasting.
Tips for Incorporating Turkey into a Kidney Diet
Here are some tips for safely enjoying turkey with kidney disease:
- Consult your doctor or dietitian about appropriate turkey portion sizes and frequency.
- Select fresh, unenhanced turkey and avoid pre-seasoned, injected, or brined products.
- Prepare using low-sodium methods like roasting, grilling, baking or boiling. Avoid frying or breading.
- Carefully trim visible fat and remove skin prior to cooking to reduce fat and phosphorus.
- Pair turkey with low-potassium sides like kidney-friendly grains or roasted veggies.
- Balance turkey within your overall recommended renal diet—don’t just focus on protein.
- Use a renal-friendly recipe resource like Kidney Kitchen to find suitable ways to cook turkey.
The Takeaway on Turkey and Kidney Disease
Overall, turkey can be a healthy part of a kidney-friendly diet when incorporated properly. Its lower phosphorus, sodium, and potassium content offer benefits compared to other protein options. However, these nutrients are still present, so pay attention to your individual tolerances and doctor’s guidance. With smart preparation techniques and careful portion control, turkey can be enjoyed safely by many people with chronic kidney disease.
Avoid salted foods
Salt contains high quantity of sodium, which is harmful for the kidney. For instance, high quantities of sodium in the diet elevate blood pressure and trigger fluid retention, which is a very common problem in people with kidney disease. Therefore, if you have kidney disease you should avoid salted foods on Thanksgiving Day.
Increase your calcium, fiber and vitamin intake
If possible, increase the amount of fiber, vitamin and calcium in your Thanksgiving diet because they are good for your health. However, you should limit the intake of excitant and spicy foods and avoid high-fat foods such as spicy chicken wings. Also reduce the quantity of meat in your diet as it may increase your kidney’s burden and elevate your BUN and creatinine levels.