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Thriving in Summer With CKD

Thriving in Summer With CKD

Summer doesn’t have to be a bummer with CKD. Here are some expert tips for savvy eating and satisfying dishes.


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Summer brings sunshine, social gatherings, and seasonal treats—an exciting time that can feel tricky for people managing chronic kidney disease (CKD). Fortunately, Lauren Budd Levy, a board-certified renal nutrition specialist and founder of Happy Health Nutrition, shares some insights to help CKD patients enjoy summer while prioritizing their health. In this webinar hosted by Responsum Health, Levy offers practical nutrition advice, meal inspiration, and mindset shifts for enjoying the summer season safely and deliciously.*

Know Your “Why” and Eat With Intention

She begins by getting you grounded in your “why”—your personal motivation for managing kidney health. Whether you’re in early-stage CKD, on dialysis, or post-transplant, nutrition goals vary. Consider your own needs when evaluating recommendations concerning sodium, potassium, or protein intake. 

“This presentation won’t have every tidbit that applies to you,” she emphasized. “Pick up the tidbits that apply to your goals.”

She stresses the importance of hydration and sodium awareness, especially during periods of high heat. “Blood sodium is more tied to hydration than salt intake,” Levy says, and too much salt can elevate blood pressure and harm kidneys. She recommends:

  • Using frozen or fresh vegetables, 
  • Reading labels on frozen meats, and 
  • Reducing the use of canned foods and sauces.

Enjoy Summer Foods and Events Without Overdoing It

Barbecues, road trips, and farmers’ markets can tempt even the most disciplined eaters. Levy’s advice: plan ahead. From grilling tofu skewers, to soaking beans overnight to reduce potassium, she provides smart swaps and portion tips. 

“It’s not about nevers and avoids,” she says. “It’s about being mindful of the choices you’re making.”

Summertime potassium pitfalls include:

  • Smoothies, 
  • Melons, and 
  • What she calls “farmers’ market FOMO,” the urge to eat all your ripened fruit at once.

Levy encourages using fruit salads and small portions to satisfy cravings without going overboard. “Don’t eat half a watermelon—put it in a mixed berry salad instead.”

Travel, Socializing, and Recipes That Fit Your Plan

Traveling with CKD is manageable with preparation: pack snacks, carry medication, bring a refillable water bottle, and plan two balanced meals daily. “Indulgence is easier when we move our bodies,” Levy also explains, advising light exercise during travel to aid digestion and blood sugar control.

She shares several easy, satisfying kidney-friendly recipes like cucumber chickpea salad and watermelon sorbet. For mocktails, she recommends flavored sparkling waters and mixed fruit over sugary mixers. Her final encouragement? “Enjoy yourself—summer is short, and food should be nourishing and enjoyable.”

*Responsum Health. (2025, June 13). Thriving in Summer With CKD [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zkZ369CNDE

To ensure that we always provide you with high-quality, reliable information, Responsum Health closely vets all sources. We do not, however, endorse or recommend any specific providers, treatments, or products, and the use of a given source does not imply an endorsement of any provider, treatment, medication, procedure, or device discussed within.

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