For individuals managing chronic kidney disease (CKD), dietary choices significantly impact health outcomes and disease progression. A kidney-friendly diet often involves managing intake of nutrients like sodium, phosphorus and potassium.

But with Thanksgiving approaching, a holiday centered on gathering and food, it’s critical to support people in finding balance between celebrating and following their care plans.

“It’s crucial to take a personalized approach with each person,” says Molly Osgood, a dietitian for DaVita Integrated Kidney Care. “We need to understand their specific needs, their environments, their cultures and their routines to coach them on their nutrition. This becomes especially important during the holidays when food plays such a central role to traditions.”

The Strategic Advantage of Moderation

Strict elimination diets can be challenging for patients to maintain long-term, potentially leading to decreased quality of life and adherence issues. This can lead to severe — and even life-threatening — consequences, including disease progression, pain during dialysis, bone and mineral disorders and cardiovascular complications. (LINK TO More than a Meal Plan Newsroom story)

To improve long-term dietary compliance, registered dietitians specializing in kidney disease are trained to implement a moderation-based approach, which allows patients to incorporate small portions of their favorite foods while adhering to general guidelines for kidney health.

This involves:

• Precision Portion Control: Implementing strategies for smaller, controlled servings of foods higher in targeted nutrients.
• Integrated Meal Planning: Developing comprehensive meal plans that balance less kidney-friendly choices with optimal nutrition.
• Data-Driven Decisions: Utilizing food label analysis and patient data to inform dietary choices and adjustments.

“I like to collaborate with my patients by having conversations about the foods they enjoy most” Osgood shares. “That way, we can work as a team to explore how to include those foods while still meeting their nutritional needs. It helps patients take an active role in their food choices, which makes the experience more personal and sustainable.”

Targeted Elimination Strategies

While moderation can help promote adherence, complete elimination of certain foods or nutrients might be medically necessary in specific cases, particularly for individuals with advanced CKD or those experiencing complications such as hyperkalemia (high potassium that can result in heart complications). At DaVita, dietitians and other healthcare professionals help supervise nutrition — including elimination diets — to help maintain overall health while achieving the desired clinical outcomes.

“I’ll try to provide kidney-friendly alternatives to help individuals find balance,” Osgood says. “This might be replacing high-phosphorous foods like dairy with fortified non-dairy yogurts. This can help individuals retain essential nutrients while also making the transition more balanced and easier to manage.”

DaVita's Dietitian Expertise

Navigating the complexities of kidney-friendly diets requires specialized knowledge and experience. DaVita’s registered dietitians are at the forefront of providing personalized guidance based on individual needs, preferences, and medical history.

Dietitians are equipped to guide patients in:

• Personalized Meal Planning: Develop customized meal plans that meet specific nutritional requirements while effectively managing kidney disease.
• Education and Empowerment: Educate patients on preparing kidney-friendly meals that are both nutritious and appealing, promoting better adherence.
• Adaptive Dietary Adjustments: Adjust dietary plans based on disease progression and individual response to treatment, ensuring optimal outcomes.
• Data-Informed Decisions: Interpret lab results and translate them into actionable dietary changes, enhancing the precision of nutritional interventions.

By finding the right balance between moderation and elimination, and leveraging the expertise of their registered dietitians, they empower patients to make informed choices that support their kidney health, improve their quality of life, and contribute to better overall health outcomes.

“Food can be a source of joy for so many people, especially at the holidays,” explains Osgood. “And living with kidney disease doesn’t have to change that. What’s important is to work with a dietitian to better understand what foods you enjoy — and support your health needs.”