The kidneys help to regulate fluid balance in the body and remove waste products from the blood. If you suffer from kidney failure, they cannot perform these vital functions as efficiently. Because of their reduced filtering capacity, normally harmless substances can accumulate to dangerous levels, causing a host of problems. Phosphorus is one of these potentially problematic substances. Monitoring your diet is of utmost importance when you have decreased kidney function, and this importance grows as function declines. You should strictly adhere to dietary suggestions set forth by your physician or other health-care professionals to maintain renal function as best you can.
Role of Phosphorus
The mineral phosphorus works with calcium to promote healthy teeth and bones. It also plays a role in maintaining healthy nerves and muscles. The kidneys help to maintain just the right amount of phosphorus necessary for these roles and to help remove the rest from the body.
Dangers of Excess Phosphorus
When the kidneys cannot regulate phosphorus properly, this mineral builds up in the bloodstream while levels of calcium decline. To make up for this imbalance, the body will remove calcium from the bones. This can lead to weak bones. Excess phosphorus levels can also cause symptoms such as itching and pain in the joints.
Suggested Daily Intake
Dr. Erik Castle, writing for Mayoclinic.com, advises patients with renal failure to keep phosphorus intake to between 800 and 1,000 mg daily, about half of what normal, healthy individuals can consume. A wide range of foods contain at least some of this mineral so you cannot completely avoid consumption. However, limiting your intake of the richest sources will help you meet your goals.
High Phosphorus Foods
Generally, high-protein foods such as hard cheeses and other dairy products, chicken, organ meats, sardines, whole grains and beans, contain large amounts of phosphorous. Other rich sources include soda, chocolate, starchy vegetables such as sweet potatoes and corn, spinach, broccoli, mushrooms, artichokes, asparagus, peanut butter and beer. Also, pay attention to food labels and avoid foods that include any sort of phosphate or phosphoric acid in the list of ingredients.
Low-Phosphorus Foods
In lieu of eating large amounts of high-phosphorous items, increase your intake of foods with lower amounts of phosphorus. Consume non-cream based soups, dairy substitutes, dairy products lower in phosphorus including sherbet, cottage cheese and cream cheese, white flour carbohydrates, beef, pork, potatoes, squash, eggplant, tomatoes, onions, peppers, carrots and cucumbers.
Complementing Diet with Medication
If you cannot manage phosphorus levels through diet alone, your doctor might prescribe phosphate-binding medications. These drugs help your body absorb less phosphorus from the foods you consume.
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