With Easter approaching in just a few weeks, many in the Cincinnati area observe Lent or simply enjoy participating in local fish fry events. For dialysis patients, maintaining a kidney-friendly diet during this season can pose a challenge.

Every home dialysis patient’s dietary needs are different, so it’s important to consult with your dietitian and care team before making adjustments to your eating habits. Generally, dialysis patients are advised to avoid foods with sodium, including fried foods, which can cause fluid to build up in your body and raise your blood pressure.

But that doesn’t mean you cannot participate in meatless Fridays or even your local fish fry.

Sautéing and pan-frying are two good methods for cooking fish at home. Sautéing a piece of salmon, for example, only takes about 4 to 8 minutes depending on the thickness of the filet. Add herbs and low-sodium seasonings and you’ve got a quick, delicious Lenten meal. Pan-frying a fish filet requires more oil than sautéing. Again, replace salt with herbs and low-sodium flavorings. Thicker pieces of fish cook effectively with this method by browning one side at a time in the pan.

Consuming lots of fried foods is not healthy for anyone, but the occasional fried fish filet at an area fish fry can be a special treat. Some home dialysis patients can be a bit more flexible with their diets, but be sure to consult with your dietitian to define a safe amount of fried foods for your health condition. Dialysis patients who have heart disease or diabetes may have different diet constraints than those who do not.

For further questions, contact our team at 513-791-2137 or email info@cincinnatihomedialysis.com

Happy Easter!!!