Is Candy Bad For Kidney Disease?

Halloween is just around the corner, and a common question on the minds of those with CKD is, “What candy can I eat?”. Or maybe you are wondering if “Is candy bad for kidney disease?”. This post will answer that.

Wondering if candy is harmful for you is a valid concern, as CKD requires careful monitoring of potassium, phosphorus, and sodium intake. However, that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on all the Halloween fun. In this blog post, we’ll explore some sweet options that you can enjoy with CKD, helping you strike the right balance between satisfying your sweet tooth and maintaining your kidney health. So, let’s dive into the world of Halloween candy, keeping your kidneys in mind.

Types of Candy

When it comes to choosing Halloween candy with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) in mind, it’s essential to consider the type of candy, as some are more kidney-friendly than others.

Gummies and Soft Candies

Pros:

• Generally low in sodium.
• Low in phosphorus.
• Low in potassium, especially if they don’t contain fruit juices.
• Easier to chew and digest

Cons:

• May contain added sugars, so portion control is crucial to manage blood sugar levels.
• Some gummies may have artificial food dyes, which can be a concern for certain individuals.

Hard Candies

Pros:

• Typically low in sodium.
• Low in phosphorus.
• Low in potassium.
• Longer-lasting, which can help satisfy your sweet cravings with smaller quantities.

Cons:

• May pose a choking hazard. 
• Some hard candies may contain artificial colours and flavours.

Health Considerations with Candy and Kidney Disease

Consuming too much candy, especially on a regular basis, can pose several health risks. While indulging in sweets occasionally is generally fine, excessive consumption can lead to various health problems. The biggest concern from eating too much candy is the amount of added sugars in the candy. Consuming too much sugar has been associated with heart disease, stroke, obesity, diabetes, high blood cholesterol, cancer and cavities. To maintain good health, it’s essential to enjoy candy and sweets in moderation and as part of a balanced diet!

Candy and Kidney Disease

Consuming candy in moderation is a balanced approach that allows you to enjoy sweets without overindulging and risking the health problems associated with excessive sugar intake. Here are some strategies for enjoying candy in moderation:

• Set Limits
• Practice Portion Control
• Choose Quality Over Quantity
• Plan Treats Mindfully
• Combine with Balanced Meals
• Stay Hydrated
• Practice Mindful Eating

Remember that moderation is key, and what works best may vary from person to person. Listen to your body, be mindful of your cravings, and make choices that align with your overall health and wellness goals.

Top Halloween Candy with Kidney Disease

You may be wondering what is the best cady with kidney disease. We’ll here are some top choices:

1. Chocolate Bars: Chocolate bars are a classic candy type and come in various flavours and varieties, including milk chocolate, dark chocolate, and white chocolate. Examples include Hershey’s Milk Chocolate, Snickers, and Kit Kat.
2. Gummy Candies: Gummy candies are soft, chewy candies typically shaped like animals, fruit, or other objects. Examples include gummy bears, gummy worms, and gummy rings.
3. Hard Candies: Hard candies are solid and dissolve slowly in the mouth. They come in various flavours and shapes. Examples include Jolly Ranchers, Life Savers, and Werther’s Original.
4. Sour Candies: Sour candies have a tart or sour flavour and often come in various fruit flavours. Examples include Sour Patch Kids, Warheads, and Sour Skittles.

Tips for Halloween

Reducing candy consumption during Halloween can be a challenge, but with some mindful strategies, it’s possible to enjoy the holiday without overindulging. Here are some tips for adults to limit their candy intake during Halloween:

1. Avoid Buying Candy Early: Don’t purchase Halloween candy too far in advance. Wait until closer to the holiday to buy it to reduce the temptation to start eating it early.

2. Choose Healthier Snacks: Keep healthier snack options on hand, such as fresh fruit, nuts, or yogurt, so you have alternatives when cravings strike.

3. Out of Sight, Out of Mind: Store Halloween candy in a place that’s less accessible or visible. If you can’t see it, you’re less likely to be reminded to eat it.

4. Don’t Overshop: When buying candy to give out to trick-or-treaters, avoid buying excessive amounts. Buy only what you need to distribute, so there’s less leftover candy in the house.

5. Offer Non-Candy Treats: Consider offering non-candy treats to trick-or-treaters, such as stickers, small toys, or mini bottles of bubbles, to reduce the amount of candy around your home.

If you’re seeking personalized support for managing your nutrition within the constraints of a CKD diet, collaborating with a registered dietitian can empower you with knowledge and provide a pathway to include some of your beloved foods while adhering to your kidney-friendly dietary restrictions!! Connect with Kidney Nutrition here to learn how we can help.

This article was written by Natasha Arabian, Nutrition Student Volunteer. This article was reviewed by Emily Campbell, RD CDE MScFN.