Tasty treat for dialysis patients

A COOK book specifically focused on the needs of people on dialysis treatment has been launched by a Cork-based survivor of life-threatening kidney disease.

Truly Tasty – which includes contributions from high-profile chefs like Rachel Allen, Derry Clark, Clodagh McKenna and Neven Maguire – is the first publication of its kind to be launched in Ireland.

The glossy cookbook, which has received the backing of medical experts, details a list of easy-to-follow recipes for people with serious kidney problems to use.

Supported by the Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute (INDI) and the Irish Kidney Association (IKA), the publication details over 100 menus for people on dialysis, who must radically alter their diet because of the daily health problems they face.

Launching the unique book with the support of Cork GAA star Seán Óg O Hailpín, writer Val Twomey said it was a vital step towards ensuring people with severe kidney problems are able to live a full and active life.

Ms Twomey was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus when she was 13, resulting in a number of eye operations and a quadruple heart bypass.

In 2004 her condition had reached “end-stage” kidney disease and she was put on home dialysis.

Two years later Ms Twomey, from Crosshaven in Co Cork, received a kidney transplant and began work on the cookbook, all proceeds from which will go to the IKA.

Leading Irish food writer, Tom Doorley, has welcomed the development of the book, describing it as “remarkable in the way it underlines how dietary restrictions can amount to an exciting challenge rather than a negative hurdle”.

* Truly Tasty is on sale at €19.95 in bookshops and at corkuniversitypress.com.