Fruits and vegetables with low phosphorus content are recommended for people with an elevated phosphorus level in the body, such as in the case of hyperphosphatemia, which in turn results in lower calcium levels and can cause bone diseases. Though it is impossible to completely eliminate phosphorous from the diet, eating a smaller portion of foods that are rich in this trace element can help the kidneys regulate phosphorus levels in the body.
Functions
Da Vita Diet and Nutrition discusses the correlation between phosphorus and chronic kidney problems. It is important to note that almost 85 percent of total phosphorus in the body is stored in bones, which makes it essential for maintaining bone health. Phosphorus is also important for metabolizing food to make energy, maintain pH balance and produce various key hormones. Ideally, your diet must include between 800 and 1,200 mg of phosphorus daily. It is also a commonly used additive in a lot of processed foods, so a phosphorus deficiency is relatively rare.
Role of Kidneys
The kidneys help in regulating phosphorus levels in the body by removing excess phosphorus from the blood and removing it through urine. In case the kidney function is impaired, phosphorus levels increase, especially in kidney diseases.
Problems
Da Vita indicates many problems associated with high phosphorus levels in the body, including low calcium levels, in which the calcium begins getting supplemented from the bones, leading to weaker bones that are prone to breakage. Painful tissue calcification results in calcium phosphatase deposits in joints and even the heart. If these symptoms are not checked, they may cause death because of elevated bone and heart problems.
Low Phosphorus Foods
If high levels of phosphorus are found in the body, your doctor will recommend diet changes as your first option. If this does not help, you may need kidney dialysis. According to the Mayo Clinic, low phosphorus foods include green beans; vegetables with high starch content such as potatoes, cabbage, beets, lettuce, onions and tomatoes; and fish. Food manufacturers are not required to list the phosphorus content on the label, so you should consult your dietitian for a list of foods to eat and avoid. Also, do not consume foods that contain phosphorus additives such as phosphate or phosphatase.
Considerations
Because so many foods contain phosphorus, it is difficult to maintain a low phosphorus diet. This is why most doctors prescribe phosphate binder medicines that help regulate phosphorus levels. It is important to follow your doctor's recommendations to keep your symptoms under control and prevent serious health problems due to high phosphorus levels.
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