Top 5 Snacks for CKD Patients

Snacks, which are typically foods consumed between meals, can be beneficial or detrimental to individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD). To help determine which snacks are best for those with CKD, let's examine what constitutes a snack and the top 5 snacks for CKD. Some people may snack throughout the day to control blood sugar levels or to keep them full, while others may snack if they have long periods between meals or if they are at an event or watching TV. Benefits of snacking include a boost of energy, curbing appetite to prevent overeating, and helping to meet nutrient needs. Snacking can also help to maintain adequate nutrition in individuals with poor appetite or weight loss.

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Snacking and CKD

When snacking with chronic kidney disease (CKD), it's important to make sure your snacks are both nutritious and delicious. Keep in mind that some key factors to consider when snacking are protein, phosphorus, potassium, and sodium. It's important to find snacks that fit your kidney-friendly diet, as everyone's nutrition needs are different.

Here are some things to keep in mind when snacking:

• Unwanted weight gain can occur if you are snacking too much or on high-calorie foods.
• Be mindful of your next meal time and avoid snacking if you may be too full to eat
• Avoid processed snacks, which are often high in salt, sugar, and fat
• To ensure a balanced snack, include fiber-rich foods such as vegetables, fruit, or whole grains.

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Top 5 Snacks for CKD

When you need a quick snack, here are my top 5 options for individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD):

1. Popcorn: A whole grain with lots of fiber, some great brands include PC Blue Menu Natural Flavor Microwave Popcorn and Skinny Pop Original. You can also add your own herbs or spices to flavor homemade popcorn with kidney-friendly seasonings.
2. Veggies and Hummus: Hummus, made from chickpeas, is a great plant-based protein. Mix it up by pairing it with different veggies, like celery, cucumber, or bell peppers. Aim for 5% daily value or less for sodium in your hummus.
3. Homemade Trail Mix: Mix unsalted sunflower seeds, unsweetened coconut, unsalted walnuts, and dried cranberries for a tasty and filling snack.
4. Granola Bars: Convenient and portable, granola bars can be a great option for on-the-go snacking. Some brands that are fortified with iron-rich cereals are Kashi, Nutri-Grain Bars, Made Good, and Quaker Chewy.
5. Fruit: Fresh, frozen, or in a fruit cup, fruit is a healthy and hydrating snack. Unsweetened applesauce or unsweetened fruit cups are also great options in a pinch.

Remember when snacking with CKD, it's important to be mindful of protein, phosphorus, potassium and sodium. And it's always recommended to check with a healthcare professional or a dietitian to tailor snack options that fit your individual health needs.

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Credit

This blog was based on a post written by Emily Campbell and published here with her permission. The original post can be found here.

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Related Articles

What is Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)?

Why It’s Important to Control Fluids in a Hemodialysis Diet

Foods You Should Say No to if You Have Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

Sodium and the Renal Hemodialysis Diet

Potassium and the Renal Hemodialysis Diet

Phosphorus and the Renal Hemodialysis Diet

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About Emily Campbell

Emily Campbell is a Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator with a Master of Science in Food and Nutrition who lives in Toronto, ON. Over the years, she has experience working with individuals with a variety of kidney conditions to help them improve their eating; and preserve their kidney function through her career in hospitals as well as her private practice Kidney Nutrition. Not only does she have experience as a renal dietitian with patients, but she also has family members living with kidney disease so she understand the stress and complexities mealtime and celebrations can present. She has been practicing as a renal dietitian for over six years and am also is a two-time cookbook author of The Complete Renal Diet Cookbook and Renal Diet Cookbook for Caregivers.

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Patient Education Disclaimer

This material is for informational purposes only. It does not replace the advice or counsel of a doctor or health care professional. KidneyLuv makes every effort to provide information that is accurate and timely, but makes no guarantee in this regard. You should consult with, and rely only on the advice of, your physician or health care professional.

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