Looking after your kidney health over the festive period
For many people, a highlight of the festive season and something to look forward to, is celebrating with family over a special meal, a works office party with colleagues, or Christmas drinks with friends. For people living with kidney disease, Christmas can be a very different experience and needs some extra planning.
We’re sharing some handy tips and advice for the festive season on how to look after your kidney health.
Kidney health and diet
We can all benefit from a healthy approach to what we eat. Making changes and adjustments to your diet can often help to lower blood pressure, slow down loss of kidney function and reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. If you are living with kidney disease, you may be following a special diet, where some foods and drinks are restricted. This should always be done following medical advice or from a trained renal dietician.
Kidney patients may need to manage their potassium level and for people receiving dialysis treatment this can be especially important. For people receiving dialysis treatment, minerals can build up in between sessions as the kidneys can no longer filter the blood, therefore food and fluid intake may need to be carefully regulated.
Potassium is found in several festive foods especially:
- Crisps
- Chocolate
- Roast potatoes
- Parsnips
- Dried fruit – mince pies, Christmas cake
- Alcoholic drinks
- Some ultra processed food
Alternative foods that are low in potassium include:
- Popcorn
- Shortbread
- Corn baked crisp snacks
- Boiled/parboiled potatoes
- Carrots
- Boiled green vegetables
- Satsumas (not just for the kids’ stockings)
Alcohol and kidney health
Alcohol affects the kidneys’ ability to filter blood. Drinking too much alcohol can lead to issues like dehydration and longer-term problems such as increased blood pressure and kidney damage. Staying hydrated is particularly important to help the kidneys do their job effectively.
If you have kidney disease, it’s particularly important to follow medical advice regarding alcohol consumption and selecting what – or whether – to drink, especially if you are on dialysis.
If you are living with a single kidney, the risks are greater than someone with two. Alcohol can increase blood pressure, a known risk factor for kidney damage, and can also lead to liver disease, which further complicates your kidneys’ job. So, understanding how alcohol impacts overall health is crucial for people with one kidney.
Here are some tips for making healthier drinking choices:
- Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water before, during, and after drinking alcohol.
- Limit how much you drink. Stick to one or two drinks and avoid binge drinking.
- Choose wisely. Go for lower-alcohol content drinks when possible.
Exercise and kidney health
Christmas is often a busy time meeting up with friends and family, but it’s also the perfect time to take some days off to relax.
Be sure to plan some time to get the body moving though, as taking regular exercise is a big winner for your kidneys. It reduces your chances of developing conditions that put your kidneys at risk. Exercise doesn’t have to mean new trainers under the tree or a gym membership, there are simple ways to fit in into your normal day.
- Plan a brisk evening walk to see the Christmas lights in your local area
- Schedule time for a morning yoga session or an on-demand class on Kidney Beam before the entertaining begins
- Do a sit to stand challenge/plank challenge/squat challenge during the opening credits of every Christmas film
- How about some strength exercises while putting the shopping away? No need for special weights, just grab a couple of tins from the cupboard or a bottle of water for some arm exercises
- Dance around the lounge with the festive tunes playing
- Sign up to do our January 31 in 31 virtual challenge where you do 31 minutes of exercise for the 31 days in January.
What to do if you need access to medical care during the holidays?
Aim to keep two weeks of your medication at home.
Most GP surgeries need 48 hours to prepare your prescription, but this may vary. Check how long your GP surgery needs and request your prescription in good time before the festive period.
Allow for the fact that most community pharmacies will be closed on Christmas Day and New Years Day.
Kidney units are open all the time, however it takes time to process prescriptions. Most prescriptions require input from your consultant before they can be dispensed.
Homecare pharmacies close for longer over the festive period. Ensure you have left plenty of time for the delivery.
There is always a way to get medication if you do run out.
If you run out of medication prescribed by your GP, go to your community pharmacy. They may be able to give you an emergency supply.
If you run out of medication prescribed through your kidney unit, contact your renal unit administration staff at the earliest opportunity.
If you are going away the National Kidney Federation offers excellent guidance.
Keep an up-to-date list of your medication with you.
If you are admitted to hospital for any reason, ensure the team looking after you know which kidney unit you are under and take all your medication with you so they have a clear picture of what you are taking.
If you have any concerns about your kidney health, avoid waiting it out.
Kidney disease doesn’t wait for Christmas to be over. Contact your kidney unit if you need support.
Have you been diagnosed with kidney disease?
Request your free Kidney Kit today.
You'll find tips and support from kidney patients, delicious recipes, simple exercise plans and more.
Why not make a donation now?
(Every £ counts)