It's really true that people don't appreciate what they have until it's gone, and especially true when it comes to your kidneys. You may not realize all that those organs accomplish until your doctor lets you know you are in kidney failure. The National Kidney Foundation, or NKF, says there are five stages of kidney disease and you are not considered in kidney failure until you reach stage 5. If that happens, you need to learn about what phosphorus is and how it is related to your condition.
What The Kidney Does
It's fairly commonly known that the kidneys help to remove fluid and waste from your body. The NKF says that the kidneys also release hormones into the body that regulate bone health, blood pressure, and the making of red blood cells. They act as a filter and remove drugs and toxins in your body. They also regulate other minerals, such as calcium, sodium, potassium, and phosphorus.
What Phosphorus Is
Kidneys have the important job of regulating the body's phosphorus levels. The University of Maryland, UMMC, notes that not only are there large amounts of phosphorus and calcium in your bones and teeth, but that phosphorus is also found in cells and tissues throughout the body. UMMC says that next to calcium, phosphorus is the most common mineral in the body.
What Phosphorus Does
Phosphorus is required for the maintenance and repair of cells and tissues, according to the UMMC. It's also part of the body's building blocks known as DNA and RNA. The Mayo Clinic states that if phosphorus levels are too high in the body, it leads to decreased amounts of calcium. If calcium levels are low, then that can lead to bone disease.
Where To Find Phosphorus
Nearly every food has some phosphorus in it, according to the Mayo Clinic, but some food groups have more than others. Foods such as meats, dairy products, nuts, beans, whole grains, legumes and seeds all are foods high in phosphorus. There can also be added phosphorus in foods in the form of preservatives. Be alert and read food labels to avoid added phosphorus.
Low Phosphorus Food Options
There are other low phosphorus foods you can choose instead of the high phosphorus content foods. The NKF is a great resource and a link is provided for you in the Resources section. For example, instead of using milk, try using non-dairy creamer. Instead of ice cream, try sorbet. Instead of eating peanuts, try popcorn. Instead of oatmeal, try grits. There are plenty of low phosphorus options to help you along in your diet.
