Staying Hydrated with CKD During the Holiday Season

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

By: Kellsey Reed, RDN, LDN, PatientsLikeMe Contributor

The holidays are a time to gather, celebrate, and indulge in seasonal treats, but for those of us managing chronic kidney disease (CKD), staying hydrated can be a bit of a challenge—especially with all the festive beverages around. The good news? You can enjoy delicious, holiday-inspired drinks while staying mindful of your hydration and kidney health. Here’s how to make hydration a priority during the holidays, plus a few easy and CKD-friendly mocktail recipes that are festive and refreshing! 

Why Hydration Matters with CKD

Staying hydrated is essential for kidney health, as it helps your kidneys filter waste and maintain proper balance in your body. However, with CKD, managing fluid intake is just as important as choosing the right types of beverages. Here are some tips to keep in mind when you have CKD: 

• Avoid Excess Fluids: If you’ve been advised to limit fluids, keep track of your daily intake, and consider these mocktails as part of your total allowance.
• Limit Sodium and Phosphate Additives: Many holiday drinks (like eggnog or drinks with dark colored sodas) are loaded with hidden phosphorus and sodium, which can strain your kidneys.
• Set a Hydration Goal: Know your recommended daily fluid intake and aim to stick to it.
• Choose Kidney-Friendly Beverages: Opt for drinks like herbal teas, plain water, flavored or sparkling waters, tea, and coffee. 
• Be Mindful of Salt in Foods: Many holiday dishes are high in sodium, which can make you thirstier. Choosing low-sodium foods will help you stay balanced.
• Flavor It Up: Add herbs, fruits, or spices to water for a festive twist that feels like a treat.

Festive Mocktail Recipes for CKD

Cranberry Lime Mocktail

Ingredients:

½ cup low-sodium cranberry juice (unsweetened)

½ cup sparkling water

Juice of ½ lime

Lime wedge and a few fresh cranberries for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a glass with ice.
2. Pour in the cranberry juice and sparkling water.
3. Squeeze in the lime juice and stir gently.
4. Garnish with a lime wedge and cranberries.

Apple Cinnamon Delight

Ingredients:

½ cup apple juice or apple cider 

½ cup sparkling water

1 cinnamon stick

Apple slice for garnish

Instructions:

Mix apple juice and sparkling water in a glass with ice.

Stir with a cinnamon stick to infuse flavor.

Garnish with a thin apple slice.

Peppermint Citrus Cooler

Ingredients:

½ cup water infused with fresh mint leaves (prepare in advance)

½ cup lemon-lime soda

Juice of ½ lemon

Mint sprig and lemon slice for garnish

Instructions:

1. Infuse water with fresh mint by letting it sit for 30 minutes to an hour.
2. Mix infused water with lemon-lime soda and lemon juice in a glass.
3. Garnish with a mint sprig and lemon slice.

Holiday Cherry Berry Bliss  

Ingredients:

½ cup cherry juice 

½ cup sparkling water

A few fresh blueberries for garnish

Rosemary sprig

Instructions:

1. Combine blueberry juice and sparkling water over ice.
2. Stir gently and garnish with fresh blueberries and a rosemary sprig for a festive touch.

The Bottom Line

The holidays don’t have to feel restrictive, even when managing CKD. By focusing on kidney-friendly beverages, staying within your hydration goals, and prioritizing low-potassium and low-sodium ingredients, you can toast to the season without stress. As always, before making any changes to your diet or lifestyle, be sure to check with your healthcare team and doctor.