4 Gift Ideas for Dialysis Patients

Did you know there’s an estimated 468,000 people on dialysis in the United States?

That’s almost the entire population of Wyoming. Chances are pretty good you know someone who needs dialysis treatment because their kidneys are no longer working.

When someone needs dialysis, it’s a process that requires regular treatments to filter blood and remove waste, toxins, and excess water when the kidneys no long can.

And there’s some dietary restrictions that go with dialysis treatment. Namely, people on dialysis need to avoid or limit phosphorus, sodium, and potassium.

So if there’s someone special in your life living with dialysis you want to surprise with a gift, what makes sense? 

Here are 4 gift ideas for dialysis patients:

1. Low-potassium fruit basket

Before you dash off to the grocery store or place an online order for a fruit basket, there’s something you need to know. Some fruits are high in potassium, and that’s something dialysis patients need to avoid or limit.

So what are some low-potassium fruits that dialysis patients can enjoy: Try:

• Apples
• Guava
• Lemon
• Lime
• Pears
• Pineapple
• Watermelon

2. Ready to Eat Meals

It’s no secret that preparing meals when you’re on dialysis can be a chore. There’s more restrictions than the typical diet. But it doesn’t have to be complicated. 

A great way to treat your friend or loved one is with ready-to-eat meals made specifically for dialysis patients. Check out these favorite Dialysis-Friendly meals made from fresh ingredients, created by a team of professional chefs and dietitian, and easy to prepare in the microwave:

• Eggplant Parmigiana and Polenta with Spinach & Roasted Peppers
• Spinach Mushroom Lasagna with Garlic Green Beans
• Vegetable Caponata with Orzo & Spinach

3. Dialysis-friendly Drinks

In case you didn’t know, people on dialysis need to limit their fluid intake. Why? Healthy kidneys remove excess fluids and it leaves the body through urination. But when you’re on dialysis, it’s important to limit fluid intake. Obviously, everyone still needs fluids. These drinks make dialysis-friendly gifts:

• Mineral water
• Unsweetened tea
• Black coffee
• Low-sugar or unsweetened drinks

4. Non-food gifts for dialysis patients

If you want to give a dialysis patient a gift other than food-related items, try to create a dialysis care package with these non-food gifts to encourage healthy eating:

• Toaster or toaster oven
• Non-stick skillet
• Slow cooker
• Lunch box with ice packs or insulation
• Storage containers
• Measuring cups/spoons
• Reusable water bottle or flask