Individuals with certain medical conditions, such as chronic kidney disease, may need to modify their diets. According to the Mayo Clinic, patients with impaired kidney function may experience elevated levels of phosphorus. Limiting the amount of phosphorus in your diet may guard against bone disease. The levels of potassium in the blood stream can also build up in patients with kidney disease, causing a condition known as hyperkalemia. Eating foods with minimal amounts of potassium may help balance the amount of water.
Cheese
Many dairy products, including cheeses, contain high levels of potassium and phosphorus. Include healthy cheeses in your diet, such as low-fat cottage cheese or vegan rella cheese. Substitute hard cheeses with a small sprinkle of parmesan cheese, or switch out Neufchatel cheese with cream cheese.
Bread
While individuals without kidney disease may prefer to eat whole grains, these often contain high levels of phosphorus and potassium. Substitute whole-grain breads with refined grains, such as white sandwich bread and dinner rolls.
Frozen Treats
Cool off on a warm day with a bowl of sherbet, sorbet or a frozen fruit pop. These choices contain less phosphorus than traditional ice cream or frozen yogurt.
Non-Dairy Substitutes
While high levels of both phosphorus and potassium may limit your ability to drink milk or include cream in your coffee, replacement products may provide a healthy alternative. Use rice milk in place of cow's milk and substitute nondairy creamers for regular cream.
Vegetables
Healthy vegetable choices include potatoes, winter squash and rutabaga. These starchy selections can replace high-phosphorus vegetables, such as corn and sweet potatoes. Other healthy choices include onions, tomatoes, celery, cucumbers and carrots.
Snacks
Select low salt snacks to replace high sodium choices. Eat popcorn instead of nuts and look for reduced sodium selections when purchasing items such as pretzels and tortilla chips.
Fruits
While all fruits contain minimal amounts of phosphorus, some include high levels of potassium. Healthy fruit choices include apples, blueberries, apricots, peaches, plums and strawberries.
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