The challenge of phosphorus and chronic kidney disease
is an important topic for anyone with chronic kidney disease because knowing about phosphorus and controlling it can save your heart and bones, and extend your life. In early stages of kidney disease, metabolic changes occur in the kidney to help get rid of extra phosphorus. Eventually, vitamin D is no longer activated in the kidney and a hormone called parathyroid hormone (PTH) starts to increase. As kidney function is lost, phosphorus levels start to climb.
The problem with having too much PTH and too much phosphorus is the bones start releasing calcium and phosphorus into the blood, leading to higher phosphorus levels. The blood vessels, organs and other soft tissues in the body start getting calcifications—deposits of calcium-phosphorus similar to bone tissue. The bones are losing precious calcium and become weak. The treatment is to give activated vitamin D, decrease high phosphorus foods and take a phosphorus binding medication if needed.
It may seem to you like phosphorus is in almost every food, but some foods are higher than others. It’s important to learn about foods naturally high in phosphorus and which ones you still need to eat to get adequate nutrition. Some naturally high phosphorus foods, such as milk, yogurt, nuts, beans, chocolate and organ meats are limited or eliminated, while some foods like eggs, meat, chicken and seafood are still included to be sure high quality protein intake is adequate.
Learning about food additives that contain phosphate is also important as more and more processed foods are showing up with phosphate additives.
You can download information on eating out guides, search recipes, diet and nutrition articles on the diet and nutrition section of DaVita.com. You can also sign up for a myDaVita account and utilize our My Diet Plan feature.
Try some of these recipes from DaVita.com:
Chicken Nuggets with Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce
Additional Kidney Diet Resources
Visit DaVita.com and explore these diet and nutrition resources:
DaVita Kidney-Friendly Recipes
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment. Consult your physician and dietitian regarding your specific diagnosis, treatment, diet and health questions.
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