CHANDIGARH,12.03.26-The Department of Dietetics , PGIMER marked the celebrations of World Kidney Day , which falls every year on March 12^th , by organizing a healthy recipe competition amongst nutrition students. The participants showcased their culinary skills in doling out kidney friendly dishes. The initiative highlighted the often under -recognized role of combining art and science in designing renal failure friendly therapeutic dishes for kidney disease patients , and making them attractive, palatable as well as scientifically balanced according to high energy, low protein and balanced electrolytes demand of the disease.

This competition broke the myth of such recipes to be bland and un interesting food that may further push the renal failure patient towards malnutrition and poorer quality of life. Recipes consisted of renal friendly snacks, beverages and main meals.

Leading the initiative, Dr. Nancy Sahni, Chief Dietitian, Department of Dietetics as well as Chandigarh chapter secretary, NSI and IAPEN, highlighted the critical link between the right kind of nutrition and kidney health, and importance of maintaining a delicate balance of nutrients, taste, palatability and appearance so that dietary restrictions are addressed in such a way in designing renal meals and snacks which should help to bridge the nutrition gaps rather than widening them further.

Dr. Pankaj Malhotra, Prof& Head, Department of Clinical Hematology and Medical Oncology as well as IAPEN Chandigarh chapter president , Dr. Manish Rathi, Professor, Department of Nephrology and Dr. Navneet Dhaliwal, Joint Medical Superintendent, Dept. of Hospital Administration, PGIMER, judged the recipe competition along with the chief dietician, Dr. Nancy Sahni. Prizes were awarded to the winners after comprehensive nutritional and organoleptic evaluation of the dishes.

The recipes will be comprehended in the form of renal friendly recipe booklet and distributed amongst the renal failure patients.