Phosphorus is a mineral that most people are not aware of until they're instructed by their doctor to reduce their intake. The Mayo Clinic tells us that just about every food has some phosphorus, so it's not practical to remove it all from the diet. When you have high levels of phosphorus in your blood, it can actually affect the levels of calcium in your bones and lead to bone disease. That may give you just enough motivation to follow a low-phosphorus diet!
What Exactly is Phosphorus and What Does it Do?
The National Institute of Health (NIH) Osteoporosis and Related Bone Disease Resource Center spells out the role of phosphorus quite simply for us. It's a mineral that is found in every cell of our body, while 85 percent of it is found in our bones. It helps keep our calcium balanced. When our bodies have elevated levels of phosphorus, it tends to pull out calcium from our bones and make them weak, according to the National Kidney Foundation (NKF). Phosphorus, therefore, is definitely necessary for our bone health but only in the appropriate amounts.
Which Foods are High in Phosphorus?
Some quick examples from the NIH are colas, meats, and dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt. The National Kidney Foundation adds to that list more specifically and reminds us that most beans and legumes are quite high in phosphorus. Cereals, nuts, and processed foods should also go on your list of high-phosphorus foods.
Which Foods are Low in Phosphorus?
It may be much easier to focus on what you can have, rather than what you cannot. A list of low-phosphorus food options is available from the NKF. Rather than having a cola, choose a low-phosphorus option such as ginger ale or lemon soda. Instead of ice-cream, opt for a sorbet or popsicle. A non-dairy creamer can replace milk in many cases, as well. When choosing a cereal, choose the non-bran types, and you'll be able to stay on the low-phosphorus diet.
Who Can Help Me be Sure My Low-Phosphorus Diet is Balanced?
As the Mayo Clinic has warned, most foods have some form of phosphorus in them. You would not want to eliminate large groups of food without being sure that you are still meeting other nutrient needs. Your physician can refer you to a registered dietitian who can help you. Also, the eatright.org link in this article's Resource section can help you locate a local dietitian.
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