Here's a confectionary secret for those on Hemodialysis

For individuals undergoing dialysis, managing fluid intake and certain mineral levels is crucial.¹ Hard candy can play a role in addressing some of the challenges they face, but it's essential to make informed choices. Here's a breakdown of potential benefits and considerations:

Potential Benefits:

• Managing Dry Mouth and Thirst:
  • Dialysis can sometimes lead to dry mouth and increased thirst.² Sucking on hard candy can stimulate saliva production, which can help alleviate these symptoms.³ This is especially true for sugar free hard candies.
  • Studies have shown that sugar free hard candies can help reduce feelings of thirst in people recieving hemodialysis.⁴
• Providing a Source of Energy:
  • Hard candy can offer a quick source of energy, which can be helpful during lengthy dialysis sessions.
• Helping with nausea:
  • For some people, hard candies can help to reduce feelings of nausea.⁵

Important Considerations:

• Sugar Content:
  • For individuals with diabetes, or those concerned about sugar intake, sugar-free hard candy is a better option.⁶
• Mineral Content:
  • People on dialysis must carefully monitor their intake of minerals like potassium and phosphorus.⁷ It's crucial to choose candies that are low in these minerals.
  • It is important to read food labels, and when possible, consult with a renal dietician.
• Kidney-Friendly Choices:
  • Generally, hard candies like:
    • Jolly Ranchers⁸
    • LifeSavers⁹
    • Lemonheads
    • Sugar free hard candies.
  • These can be better choices than candies with chocolate or nuts, which tend to be higher in phosphorus and potassium.
• Consulting a Dietitian:
  • It's essential for individuals on dialysis to work closely with a renal dietitian.¹⁰ They can provide personalized guidance on dietary choices, including which types of candy are appropriate and how much can be safely consumed.¹¹

In summary:

Hard candy can offer some benefits for individuals undergoing dialysis, particularly in managing dry mouth and thirst.¹² However, it's crucial to choose kidney-friendly options and consult with a healthcare professional or renal dietitian for personalized advice.