Nutritionist Offers Guide for Dialysis Patients on Eating Zongzi Safely

As the Dragon Boat Festival approaches, a Taiwanese nutritionist has offered guidance to kidney dialysis patients, enabling them to enjoy the traditional delicacy, zongzi, without compromising their health. Nutritionist Chen Yi-ching from Daye Clinic emphasized that patients can partake in the festive food by adhering to three core principles: controlling phosphorus, limiting potassium, and reducing sodium.

Chen highlighted common ingredients in zongzi that pose risks for individuals with kidney disease. High-phosphorus items like egg yolk, salted egg yolk, peanuts, and mushrooms can exacerbate hyperphosphatemia, potentially leading to itchy skin and bone disease. Ingredients rich in potassium, such as shiitake mushrooms, preserved radish, bamboo shoots, and taro, can cause elevated blood potassium levels, risking heart rhythm irregularities and muscle weakness. Additionally, high sodium content from ingredients like dried shrimp and soy sauce can lead to thirst, swelling, and increased blood pressure.

Patients are advised to consume zongzi in moderation, limiting intake to one dumpling per day. It should replace a main meal rather than be eaten as a snack, due to its high glycemic index and slow digestion. Chen recommends pairing zongzi with lean protein sources like steamed chicken breast or tofu to compensate for lost protein during dialysis and adding a side of steamed vegetables to increase fiber intake and aid digestion.

Furthermore, Chen stressed the importance of medication adherence, particularly phosphate binders, which must be taken with meals to effectively manage phosphorus levels. For thirst, sipping water slowly or sucking on ice cubes is preferable to drinking large amounts quickly, which can increase pre-dialysis weight. Sharing larger, more elaborate zongzi with family can also help manage portion sizes and allow for tasting various flavors. Patients with specific dietary needs should consult their physician or a nutritionist.

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Kidney patients can still enjoy the Dragon Boat Festival with peace of mind if they master the 'control phosphorus, limit potassium, and reduce sodium' three major principles, and avoid high-phosphorus ingredients like egg yolk, peanuts, and mushrooms, limiting to one zongzi per day, and remembering to take phosphorus binders with meals.