Your kidneys' job is to clean your blood and remove metabolic wastes and toxins from your body. They also produce hormones that regulate the composition of your bone tissue and maintain the strength of your bones. If your kidneys fail, you must either have a kidney transplant or undergo regular dialysis. There are two types of dialysis: hemodialysis and peritoneal. Both procedures filter wastes as well as extra water and electrolytes from your blood. Dialysis requires that you follow a specific diet, which includes controling your consumption of phosphorus-rich foods.
Role of Phosphorus in Your Body
Phosphorus is an important mineral found mostly in your bones. This mineral is essential for building strong bones and to keep your body functioning properly. Healthy kidneys remove excess phosphorus from your blood, but if your kidneys fail to work properly they are unable to do this efficiently. High levels of phosphorus can lead to weak bones and unhealthy deposits of calcium in your lungs, eyes, heart, and blood vessels. Therefore, it is important to control your intake of phosphorus when you have kidney problems.
Safe Level Of Phosphorus
A normal phosphorus level is between 3.5 - 5.5 mg/dL. Levels beyond this range can lead to the problems noted. So it is essential that you learn how to minimize the buildup of phosphorus in your body during the period between dialyses. If too much phosphorus accumulates during these periods, you are unable to void it until your next dialysis treatment.
Foods High In Phosphorus
You should avoid or limit high-phosphorus foods when you are on dialysis. These foods include beer, cocoa, milk, cheese, cottage cheese, yogurt, beef liver, chicken liver, organ meats, sardines, dried beans and peas, nuts, bran cereals, wheat germs, and whole grains. Consult a dietitian and doctor for more details and personalized advice for your circumstances.
Foods Low In Phosphorus
Low-phosphorus foods recommended for patients on dialysis include rice milk, cream cheese, white grains, green peas, green beans, potato, winter squash, cabbage, beets, carrots, onions, beef, turkey, chicken, eggs, fish, lamb, and vegetable oils. Consult a dietitian and doctor for a specific list of foods or meal plan ideas that can benefit you.
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