Phosphorus is an element available in most foods and is found in significant quantities throughout the body. After calcium, it's the most abundant mineral in our bodies, useful for building bones, filtering waste and balancing other nutrients. However, if you have kidney disease, you might suffer from excessive phosphorus levels, also known as hyperphosphatemia, which saps calcium from your body. To get your phosphorus levels back in balance, opt for low-phosphorus foods.
Vegetables
In general, vegetables are low in phosphorus, making them a healthy centerpiece for a phosphorus-reducing diet. A few varieties do have higher phosphorus contents. Avoid corn, parsnips or sweet potatoes, instead opting for white potatoes, rutabegas and winter squash. Among green vegetables, avoid artichokes, asparagus, broccoli or spinach. Instead, have cabbage, celery, lettuce or onions.
Dairy
Common dairy products, such as milk, hard cheese, pudding, ice cream and yogurt, all have relatively high levels of phosphorus. As it's still important to consume plenty of calcium, opt instead for cream cheese or cottage cheese, if you must have dairy. Other low-phosphorus cheeses include feta, Parmesan or soft cheeses, such as brie. Have small portions. Non-dairy alternatives include rice milk instead of animal milk or sherbet instead of ice cream.
Grains and Legumes
Though most nutritionists will advise you to opt for whole-grains whenever possible, you'll get a lower phosphorus level in refined grains, including breads, crackers, cereals, rice and pasta. If you decide to make refined grains a major part of your diet, balance them with plenty of low-phosphorus starchy and green vegetables so that you still receive plenty of nutrients. Legumes also tend to have high phosphorus levels. Limit your intake to green peas, green beans or wax beans, which have particularly low phosphorus content.
Meat and Fish
Avoid eating meats from organs, such as liver or heart. Otherwise, most cuts of beef, pork, lamb, poultry or fish are relatively low in phosphorus. Avoid the few fish species that have high phosphorus levels, such as pollock, walleye and sardines.
Sweets and Fats
If you're accustomed to having the occasional dessert or oily snack, opt for relatively low-phosphorus options. For example, vegetable oils, butter and margarine all have lower phosphorus levels than cream. Avoid tahini or sour cream, but use mayonnaise or salad dressing freely. For dessert, cut down on chocolate. Hard candies are a better option. If you must drink soda, choose ginger ale or lemon lime instead of cola.
