According to the National Kidney Foundation, over 26 million Americans have kidney disease. Kidney disease includes conditions that damage the kidneys, preventing the ability for wastes to be filtered out of the body. Normal, functioning kidneys filter out extra phosphorus; however, those with kidney disease are at risk for high phosphorus levels that can cause calcium to be pulled out of bones. This, in turn, can lead to weak bone structure, as well as calcium deposits in blood vessels and organs. According to DaVita kidney education website, patients with kidney disease--along with taking phosphate binders to prevent phosphorus from entering the bloodstream--should consume a diet low in phosphorus to keep phosphorus levels within normal range. Most adults, according to the Linus Pauling Institute, should consume around 700 milligrams of phosphorus a day, while those with kidney disease should limit phosphorus intake as much as possible while still providing their bodies with adequate protein and nutrients.
Dairy Product Alternatives
Dairy products such as milk, yogurt and cheese are normally high in phosphorus, with one cup of yogurt providing 385 milligrams of phosphorus, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. Those with kidney disease are usually recommended to consume no more than a half cup milk each day, according to the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Instead of milk, DaVita recommends that those with kidney disease consume substitutes such as nondairy creamers, unenriched rice milk or soy milk, which can be lower in phosphorus, depending on the brand. Instead of cheese, eat low-phosphorus alternatives such as cream cheese or sour cream. DaVita also suggests that instead of ice cream, patients with kidney disease opt for gelatin snacks, ice pops, sherbet or sorbet.
Protein Foods
According to the Linus Pauling Institute, three ounces of beef or poultry provide around 150 to 170 milligrams of phosphorus, three ounces of fish contain 240 to 250 milligrams, one ounce of nuts contain 100 to 150 milligrams, and a half cup cooked lentil beans contains around 178 milligrams. Kidney disease patients must consume adequate protein to maintain lean body mass and strength, while keeping phosphorus intake low. Therefore, DaVita recommends eating fresh or frozen meats, fish and poultry rather than their processed counterparts, and green or wax beans instead of peas and other beans. Instead of nuts, try other crunchy snacks such as unsalted popcorn or unsalted pretzels. Eat jam, jelly, margarine or cream cheese instead of peanut butter.
Grains
The Linus Pauling Institute states that one slice of whole wheat bread contains about 57 milligrams of phosphorus, compared to about 25 milligrams for one slice of enriched white bread. Therefore, DaVita recommends that those with kidney disease opt for breads, cereals and other grain products made from corn, refined wheat or rice, such as white breads and pastas, instead of whole wheat, wheat germ or bran products.
Beverages
One 12-ounce serving of carbonated cola contains around 40 milligrams of phosphorus, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. Therefore, DaVita suggests that those with kidney disease opt for lighter colored soft drinks such as cream soda, lemon-lime soda, grape soda, homemade lemonade, homemade iced tea or root beer, which is the only dark-colored soft drink low in phosphorus.
Sweet Snack Alternatives
Chocolate, according to DaVita, is a high-phosphorus food that those with kidney disease should avoid. However, candies such as jelly beans, gumdrops and hard candy, desserts such as shortbread cookies, vanilla wafers or angel food cake, as well as sweet drinks such as hot apple cider, are some ways that those on a low-phosphorus diet can enjoy a sweet treat.
