Your body needs phosphates and potassium to function properly. Phosphates combine with one or more elements such as calcium, potassium, aluminum and sodium to form phosphorus. Eighty-five percent of the phosphorous in your body can be found in your teeth and bones. It is also present in your genes and it controls hormone and enzyme function as well as the pH balance in your body. Potassium ensures normal function of your muscles, heart, cells, organs and tissues within your body.
Dietary Intake
A healthy diet provides all of the daily phosphorus and potassium you need. However, because the kidney works to regulate phosphorus and potassium levels in the body, a person with kidney disease has to pay close attention and watch his potassium and phosphorus intake to avoid overworking his kidneys as they heal. His doctor will most likely put him on a special diet that restricts phosphorus and potassium. A person with kidney disease is limited to 800 to 1,000 mg of phosphorous per day and less than 1,500 to 2,700 mg of potassium per day.
Breads and Starches
Breads and starches containing less than 150 mg of potassium per serving include bagels, bread, crackers, croissants, doughnuts, English muffins, pasta, rice, popcorn, breakfast cereals, Cream of Wheat, grits and oat bran. Breads and starches containing less than 110 mg of phosphorus per serving are breakfast cereals, pasta, noodles, any type of bread, bagels, croissants, all types of crackers, rice, English muffins and popcorn.
Fruits
Fruits containing less than 150 mg of potassium per 1/2 cup serving are apples, apricots, blackberries, peaches, blueberries, grapes, plums, raspberries, pears, lemons, limes and strawberries. All fruits are low in phosphorus.
Vegetables
Vegetables containing less than 150 mg of potassium per 1/2 cup serving include green or wax beans, cabbage, cauliflower, turnips, snow peas, eggplant, coleslaw and beets. All vegetables are naturally low in phosphorous.
Dairy
One half-cup serving of cheese, eggs, sour cream or cottage cheese contains less than 150 mg of potassium. Dairy products containing less than 110 mg of phosphorus per serving include brie, feta cheese, sour cream, grated Parmesan cheese, ice cream and cream cheese.
Meat/Protein
Fish, lean meat and poultry are naturally rich in potassium and may or may not be allowed on a potassium-restricted diet. Meats containing low amounts of phosphorus are fish sticks or fresh sausage at less than 110 mg per serving of two sticks or links. An egg or hot dog also contains less than 110 mg of phosphorus per serving.
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