Diet Shifts Among Japanese Hemodialysis Patients: Before and During COVID-19

COVID-19 has changed daily life in many ways, including how people eat. But what about those on maintenance hemodialysis? Japanese hemodialysis patients have unique needs, and their diets often must adapt to their treatment. So, let's dig into how their eating habits changed before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Before the pandemic, many maintenance hemodialysis patients had a strict diet, focusing on foods that were easy on the kidneys. When COVID-19 hit, things shifted. Suddenly, grocery shopping became tricky, and some staple foods were hard to find. This led many patients to tweak their diets. Some patients tried new foods because old favorites were scarce. Others found they couldn't stick to their usual meal plans because of shopping restrictions. But was this a good or bad thing? On one hand, it encouraged some patients to explore healthier food options. On the other hand, it disrupted some patients' strict diet regimens, which can be crucial for their well-being. It's a tricky balance, especially when you're dealing with a global health crisis. As the pandemic wore on, online delivery services became a lifeline. Many patients found it helpful to order groceries right to their doorstep. This made it easier to stick to meal plans, even if they were a bit different from before. The key takeaway? Diets had to change, but it's not all bad. Some patients found healthier foods they liked, and others just adapted to new normals.