Introduction: Eating Well While Exploring the World
Whether you’re taking an overnight road trip or traveling the world, choosing what you can eat can feel overwhelming with IgA Nephropathy (IgAN). Trying to find low-sodium, kidney-friendly snacks that pack well in the airport or local convenience store can be tough. This article will show you that with a little planning and a keen eye, you will be traveling with confidence in no time.
What Makes a Snack IgAN‑Friendly?
No matter the stage of your kidney journey, an IgAN-friendly travel snack should follow the principles:
- Low sodium to support blood pressure and kidney function
- Moderate protein
- Whole‑food ingredients over processed items
- Free of phosphorus additives
- Low to moderate in potassium (only if recommended by your doctor or dietitian)
Smart Packing Tips for Kidney‑Friendly Travel
How much up-front planning or food you want to bring depends on how far you’re going, how long you will be gone, who you are traveling with, and your budget. Below are some tips for different modes of transportation:
Car Rides
- Bring a large water bottle to stay hydrated.
- Consider packing nonperishable, easy-to-eat options like unsalted nuts, an apple, carrot sticks, a peanut butter sandwich, or a bag of snap peas.
- Consider stopping at a grocery store, convenience store, or restaurant that has low-sodium options like salad, yogurt, and granola with fruit, fresh fruit, or plant-based options.
- Read the menu of your preferred fast food restaurant ahead of time and find the lowest-sodium option that appeals to you. Stop at that restaurant when you see it.
Airports
- Bringing a water bottle and food from home are ideal option when traveling by plane. (Consider the list above from the Car Ride section)
- When at the airport, look for fresh, cut fruits and vegetables, unsalted or low-salt packaged goods like unsalted nuts or granola bars, or salads with dressing on the side so you can add just what you need and no more.
- Eat before getting on the plane (or bring food on the plane). There are very few kidney-friendly choices on the flight itself.
Hotels
- If breakfast is included, look for fresh fruit, yogurt, or oatmeal as good options. Limit premade pancakes, sausage, or waffles as these may be high in salt and have phosphorus additives.
- Consider stopping by a grocery store to buy unsalted nuts, low-sodium and low-added sugar bars, and fresh fruit to grab and go in your backpack or have as a healthy snack on hand.
Rentals
- Renting a house or condo while on vacation is a great way to control your access to healthy food options. You can buy plenty of water or sparkling water, stock up on your favorite low-sodium snacks, and make healthy dinners.
List of Go-To Snacks on Vacation
- Fresh Fruit (apples, grapes, clementine or banana)
- Unsalted Nuts or Low Sodium Trailmix
- Low Sodium/Added Sugar Bars (granola or protein bars with about 10gm of protein and 10gm of fiber)
- Peanut Butter and jelly sandwich
- Fresh Veggies (baby carrots or snap peas)
- Unsalted or low-sodium popcorn bags
- Hard-boiled eggs
Conclusion: Enjoy the Journey, Nourish Your Kidneys
Remember, vacation is supposed to be enjoyed. You can easily stay kidney-friendly by focusing on staying hydrated, eating 1-2 low-sodium meals per day, and enjoying some indulgence. If you feel you need more support, consider becoming a member of Igan.org and joining our patient or caregiver support groups.
Thank you to our 2026 Kidney Health Month Champion Sponsor
Understanding Potassium Balance: A Dietary Guide for IgA Nephropathy Patients