Your body utilizes the mineral phosphorus for a variety of purposes. Working in with calcium, it helps promote healthy teeth and bones; you also need it for muscle and nerve function. Normally, your kidney can filter out any excess you do not need but if you have kidney disease, this function becomes compromised and a buildup can prove problematic. Phosphorus exists in a wide range of foods and you cannot completely eliminate it, which would be inadvisable anyway as your body needs certain amounts for proper functioning. If you require a phosphorus-restricted diet, work with a dietitian experienced in creating meal plans for renal disease, which typically calls for limiting phosphorus intake to 800mg to 1,000mg daily for this condition.
Effect on Calcium Stores
Your body normally maintains a healthy balance between levels of phosphorus and calcium. When kidney function declines however, phosphorus levels can build up and this interferes with your body's ability to absorb enough calcium. To compensate for low blood levels, your body extracts calcium from the bones, which can make the bones more brittle.
Side Effects of Excess Phosphorus
Besides its detrimental effects on calcium levels in both the blood and bones, consuming too much phosphorus when you have kidney disease can lead to other problems. You might experience unpleasant side effects like bone and joint pain and itchy skin.
Foods to Limit or Avoid
Generally, foods high in protein tend to contain larger amounts of this mineral but this does not eliminate all foods high in this nutrient. Protein-rich foods to limit include organ meats, milk, yogurt, pudding, ice cream, hard cheeses sardines, walleye, pollock, oysters, carp, nuts and nut butters, whole grains and most peas, beans and lentils. Vegetables high in phosphorus include artichokes, asparagus, mushrooms, spinach, broccoli, corn, sweet potato and pumpkin. You also need to watch your intake of soda, chocolate and beer.
Good Choices
Following a low-phosphorus diet leaves you with plenty of options from the full range of food groups. Acceptable animal proteins include beef, pork, lamb, poultry and all fish not mentioned above. You can also safely eat dairy products like cream cheese, cottage cheese and sherbet. Choose refined, white flour grains over whole grains. Good vegetables include potato, winter squash, zucchini, eggplant, peppers, onions, tomatoes, carrots and celery. Acceptable sodas include ginger ale, lemon-lime and root beer.
Medication
Your doctor might prescribe a medication that binds to phosphate from the foods you eat, leading you to absorb less. Make sure to take exactly as directed.
