PKD Life - Summer 2023 - 4

PHOTO CREDIT
FRESH START
Eating Well
Healthy
Summer
Snacking
To keep your kidneys functioning optimally this summer, it's important
to be selective about your snacks.
Try to keep sodium below 140 milligrams per serving, says Zelle Morefield,
R.D., a dietitian at Mayo Clinic in Arizona. " High amounts of sodium
increase blood pressure and can quicken the progression of kidney function
decline, " she says.
" Depending on your stage of kidney disease and kidney function (GFR), you
may also need to reduce certain nutrients such as potassium, phosphorus, and
protein, " Morefield says. Your nephrologist can provide further recommendations.
Here are some healthy choices:
1
Homemade fruit
popsicles (lowerpotassium
fruits
include raspberries,
strawberries,
blueberries, cherries,
watermelon,
and pineapple)
2
Sliced vegetables with
hummus or ranch dressing
(veggies low in potassium
and phosphorus include
carrots, cucumbers, celery,
broccoli, radishes, snap
peas, and bell peppers)
3
Ants on a log
(low-sodium
peanut butter on
celery sticks with
a few raisins, or
" ants, " on top)
4
English muffin,
half a bagel, pita,
or rice cake with
low-sodium
nut butter
5
Low-sodium
air-popped
popcorn
Self-Care
4 Ways to Make
Dialysis Go
More Smoothly
These strategies can help
first-timers adjust to the
routine more easily.
Being told that you need to go on
dialysis can feel overwhelming. Not
only does it suggest that your kidneys
aren't functioning on their own, but
dialysis treatments are also timeconsuming.
It's typical for patients to
spend four hours receiving dialysis
three times a week.
Margaret Butler, an advanced
practice nurse practitioner at the
University of Vermont Medical Center,
offers these tips for making the process
less intimidating:
1 Share your fears and anxieties
with your providers so they can
help you understand why you need
dialysis, how it works, and what you
can expect during your treatments.
2 Bring activities that will help
pass the time, such as books, puzzles,
and adult coloring books. You may
even be able to work on your laptop.
Or use the opportunity to take a nap.
3 Connect with other dialysis
patients by joining an in-person or
online support group.
4 Be respectful of the staff and
other patients. " The nurses are doing
their best so that every patient gets
the attention they need, " Butler says.
" Some patients need more attention
than others. "
4 PKD LIFE * SUMMER 2023
PKD Life - Summer 2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of PKD Life - Summer 2023
