Key Takeaways
- Monitoring your phosphorus intake is an important part of kidney disease management.
- Limiting your consumption of foods especially high in phosphorus, like colas, deli meats, and processed cheese, may help balance the minerals in your blood.
- Working with a dietitian is important to understanding which foods are low and high in phosphorus and how to manage your diet when you have kidney disease.
An estimated 1 in 7 adults in the United States are affected by chronic kidney disease (CKD).
Making changes to your diet can prevent additional kidney damage and protect your kidney function when you have CKD.
One of the essential components of diet management for CKD is monitoring and reducing your overall phosphorus intake.
Because many foods contain phosphorus naturally, it’s important to know which foods contain more phosphorus than others, like some forms of dairy and grains.
It’s also important to know which foods contain phosphate additives, like deli meats and spreadable cheeses.
Keep reading to learn about which foods are low and high and phosphorus and other resources for managing your diet for CKD.
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20+ Kidney-Friendly Foods Low in Phosphorus
There are several dietary changes that can support CKD management, including limiting fluids, protein, salt, potassium, and phosphorus.
Phosphorus is a mineral found in your bones that supports many bodily functions.
A healthy kidney works to remove excess phosphorus in the blood.
But if you have CKD, phosphorus can build up in the blood, affecting the overall balance of minerals, especially the balance between calcium and phosphorus.
The timing of this build-up can vary from person-to-person and can happen in either earlier or later stages of CKD.
When there is more phosphorus in your blood than calcium, your body will pull calcium from your bones, which can weaken your bones and increase their risk of fractures (breaking).
Having high levels of phosphorus in your blood can also cause other symptoms, like itchy skin and joint or bone pain.
Limiting your phosphorus intake in your diet can help to keep your mineral balance in check. Below is a list of kidney-friendly foods low in phosphorus.
Protein
Phosphorus is naturally found in protein-rich foods.
In fact, phosphorus from animals is more easily absorbed by the body than phosphorus from plant-based foods.
Animal proteins especially high in phosphorus include oysters, fish roe, sardines, and organ meats.
But there are other types of protein that are lower in phosphorus that can be incorporated into your diet with moderation.
Non-packaged, breaded, or marinaded proteins are more likely to be lower in phosphorus, sodium, and other ingredients you’ll want to limit if you have CKD.
Examples of protein low in phosphorus include:
- Chicken.
- Turkey.
- Fish.
- Beef.
- Veal.
- Eggs.
- Lamb.
- Pork.
Keep in mind that eating a low-protein diet can also be an essential component to CKD management for people not on dialysis.
Consult with your doctor or registered dietitian about how much protein is recommended for you.
Grains
Until recently, many were advised to limit grains in order to limit phosphorus and potassium consumption.
But newer research suggests that eating whole grains alongside a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and low-fat dairy can lead to better outcomes for people with CKD.
Grains particularly low in phosphorus include:
- Multi-grain bread.
- Pumpernickel bread.
- Rye bread.
- White bread.
- Unsalted saltines.
- Pita bread.
Vegetables
Fresh vegetables (not canned) are naturally lower in phosphorus. These include:
- Lettuce.
- Tomatoes.
- Avocados.
- Broccoli.
- Carrots.
- Onion.
- Cabbage.
Fruits
Fresh fruits are also lower in phosphorus, including:
- Berries.
- Apples.
- Pears.
- Melon.
- Banana.
- Cherries.
- Peaches.
- Apricots.
It’s important to note that some fruits and vegetables are higher in potassium, like avocados and bananas, which your doctor may also recommend limiting.
Consult with your doctor and registered dietitian to know whether this is another mineral whose intake you should monitor.
Dairy Alternatives
Dairy alternatives have lower amounts of phosphorus than traditional dairy, like yogurt, milk, or cheese.
Dairy alternatives low in phosphorus include:
- Rice milk.
- Nut milk.
- Cottage cheese.
- Vegan cheese.
- Sherbert.
Snacks
Some processed snacks can contain higher amounts of phosphorus, like BBQ potato chips or trail mix.
But there are low-phosphorus snacks to consider, like:
- Carrot sticks.
- Apples or berries.
- Sugar cookies.
- Unsalted crackers.
- Unsalted pretzels.
High Phosphorus Foods to Avoid
You may want to consider limiting or avoiding certain foods that have higher levels of phosphorus, including those listed below.
Dairy
Certain types of dairy may have higher amounts of phosphorus, like:
- Cheese.
- Custard.
- Milk.
- Non-Greek yogurt.
- Ice cream.
- Pudding.
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Oats & Bran Cereals
Oatmeal and bran cereals are higher in phosphorus than other types of cereals, like cornflakes or cheerios.
Bottled Drinks
Phosphate additives are a common ingredient in many bottled drinks, including:
- Cola.
- Pepper sodas.
- Energy or sports drinks.
- Bottled or canned teas.
You can recognize a phosphate additive in a beverage’s ingredient list if it contains “phos” anywhere in the name.
Examples of phosphate additives are:
- Dicalcium phosphate.
- Disodium phosphate.
- Monosodium phosphate.
- Phosphoric acid.
- Sodium hexameta-phosphate.
Phosphate additives are completely absorbed by the body, which is why they can significantly elevate phosphorus levels in the blood.
Deli and Processed Meats
Deli and processed meats are another example of food that can contain phosphorus additives or preservatives.
Processed meats to limit or avoid include:
- Deli meats.
- Hot dogs.
- Bacon.
- Sausage.
Chocolate and Caramel
Chocolate and caramel contain high amounts of phosphorus. This includes:
- Chocolate pudding.
- Chocolate candy bars.
- Caramel candies.
- Chocolate milk.
Canned, Processed, or Jarred Cheeses
Forms of processed cheese, including canned, processed, or jarred cheese, usually contain phosphate additives.
Some of these foods can add up to 1000 mg of phosphorus to your daily intake, which for some people with CKD may be at or over their total daily recommended limit.
Who Should Avoid High Phosphorus Foods?
People with CKD should consider limiting their intake of high phosphorus foods.
Risk factors for CKD include:
- A family history of CKD.
- High blood pressure.
- Heart disease.
- Diabetes.
- Obesity.
If you’re not sure about your risk for CKD, consult with your doctor for more information.
Takeaway
Limiting your phosphorus intake can be an essential component of chronic kidney disease management.
Understanding which foods to limit or avoid can help to protect your kidney health in the long run.
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How a Dietitian Can Help
Registered dietitians play a crucial role in chronic kidney disease management.
In addition to building a kidney-healthy eating plan that supports your treatment, they can help you to identify which foods are lower in phosphorus to keep the balance of minerals in your blood in check.
You can find a dietitian through Nourish to start managing your chronic kidney disease diet.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Some forms of protein, like oysters and organ meats, dairy, and processed foods are high in phosphorus and should be limited or avoided if you have kidney disease.
Foods that are low in phosphorus include fresh vegetables and fruit, unenriched rice or almond milk, and lean protein.
Many foods naturally contain phosphorus which is why avoiding it altogether can be difficult, but working with a registered dietitian can help you to identify which low-phosphorus foods are recommended for a kidney-healthy diet.
