Nephrologists often advise patients with advanced kidney disease to go on low-potassium or low-phosphorus diets. In healthy people, the kidneys regulate levels of these minerals and keep them within a narrow range. If you suffer from chronic kidney disease, your kidney tend to become less able to perform this important function. Your doctor may tell you to follow a specific diet to address this problem.
High Potassium Levels
The National Kidney Foundation explains that healthy potassium levels are between 3.5 and 5.0 mEg/L. Other authorities, such as MayoClinic.com, have slightly different interpretations as to what is normal. The bottom line is that potassium levels need to be kept in a narrow range to ensure healthy functioning of the nerves. If levels begin to creep up, your nephrologist may recommend a low-potassium diet to prevent serious heart problems.
Low-Potassium Diet
If you are on a low-potassium diet, check with your nephrologist as to how much potassium you can safely eat. Use a potassium counter, such as the nutritional database provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. While many otherwise healthy foods, such as oranges, bananas, tomatoes and broccoli, must must be eaten sparingly, onion, bell peppers, mushrooms, garlic, green beans and snow peas are healthy low-potassium alternatives.
High Phosphorus Levels
The Clinical Practice Guidelines of National Kidney Foundation explain that high levels of serum phosphorus have devastating consequences. Calcium gets pulled from the bones and goes into circulation. This circulating calcium causes calcification of coronary arteries, cardiac valves, pulmonary and other soft tissues and associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Nephrologists treat high levels of phosphorus by prescribing a drug called a phosphorus binder and recommending a low-phosphorus diet.
Low-Phosphorus Diet
Ask your nephrologist how much phosphorus you can safely eat. Consult the USDA database to find out how much phosphorus is in your food. If you take phosphorus binders, ask how much phosphorus can be taken out of circulation by the drug. Dairy products, legumes, chocolate, beer, bran, organ meats and wheat germ are high in phosphorus and should be eaten sparingly. Using nondairy creamers and rice milk in place of milk is one way to lower dietary phosphorus.
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