Chronic kidney disease is when you kidney is no longer functioning at 100 percent. CKD has five stages with stage I being the start of kidney disease and stage 5 being kidney failure requiring dialysis. Your stage of kidney disease is determined based on your GFR, or glomerular filtration rate, which demonstrates how well your kidneys are functioning. Healthy kidneys filter and remove excess toxins and minerals from the blood. As your kidney function declines and you can no longer adequately remove these components, it is necessary to make changes in your diet to limit your intake of certain minerals and prevent a build up in your blood. Two specific minerals that you need to limit are potassium and phosphorus.
Potassium
Potassium is a mineral found in most foods; it works with muscles for contraction and relaxation. The heart is a muscle, which high potassium levels in the blood can negatively impact. High potassium levels can cause an irregular heartbeat, also known as arrhythmias, and in severe cases, can cause a heart attack, notes the National Kidney Foundation. As potassium needs are individualized, your doctor can determine if you need to restrict potassium in your diet and refer you to a registered dietitian.
High Potassium Foods
Most foods contain potassium, so eating foods in moderation is important to prevent a high potassium level in your blood, but avoiding high potassium foods is necessary, according to Angelo P. Capozzoli, RD, CSR, LD, a registered dietitian and certified renal specialist from the Southeast Clinical Nutrition Center. All fruits and vegetables contain potassium, but some are higher in this mineral than others. High potassium fruits to avoid include oranges, orange juice, bananas, melons, kiwi, mango, papaya, prunes, dried fruits and avocados. High potassium vegetables include potatoes in any form, sweet potatoes, dried beans and peas, tomatoes, cooked mushrooms and squash. Dairy products, such as milk, cheese, yogurt and ice cream, are also high in potassium. Whole grain sources like whole wheat bread, pasta, bran cereals and brown rice are rich sources of potassium; you should replace them with refined grains like white bread, pasta, rice and cereal.
Phosphorus
Phosphorus is another mineral that you may not excrete adequately as kidney function declines and you'll need to restrict as kidney disease progresses. According to the National Kidney Foundation, as phosphorus levels in the blood increase, calcium is lost in the bones and calcification of vessels and tissues that can lead to poor circulation and vascular disease. Your doctor may prescribe a medication called a phosphorus binder to help you control your phosphorus levels, notes Angelo P. Capozzoli, RD, CSR, LD, a registered dietitian and certified renal specialist at Renal Reserve, a provider of dialysis. A phosphorus binder is medication that you take when you eat, as it absorbs some phosphorus from the food, so that you do not.
High Phosphorus Foods
Phosphorus, like potassium is found in most foods, although it is not prevalent in most fruits and vegetables. Dairy products and foods containing these products are high in phosphorus and you will need to restrict them. Dairy sources include milk, cheese, yogurt and ice cream. Generally, 4 oz., which is 1/2 cup of milk or 1 oz. of cheese, is allowed per day, according to the National Kidney Foundation. Few vegetables contain phosphorus, but you should limit corn, peas, beans asparagus and mushrooms due to their phosphorus contents. Additional high phosphorus sources that you should avoid are chocolate, nuts and nut butters of any kind, seeds, and dark colored sodas. Talk to a dietitian to help you follow the appropriate phosphorus restriction for your needs
