The Low Phosphorus Diet: Low Phosphorus Foods and When to Eat Them

Phosphorus and Kidney Disease

The kidney is one of the main organs that help to regulate the levels of phosphorus in the blood. Therefore, people with kidney disease are at risk of eventually developing hyperphosphatemia, or skyrocketing levels of phosphorus. These high levels of phosphorus can leech calcium from your blood, putting you at risk of bone problems. Therefore, doctors often advise individuals with kidney disease to go on a low phosphorus diet.

Dairy Products

Most dairy products tend to contain high levels of phosphorus, so people with kidney disease often try to avoid them. However, there are several dairy products that are relatively low-phosphorus foods, including cream cheese, sour cream, and butter. Many people on a low-phosphorus diet also substitute nondairy creamers and milks, or other nondairy products, in their usual recipes.

Meat Products

Organ meats, such as livers, tongues, and hearts, are high phosphorus foods. Processed meats, such as hotdogs and bologna, are also high in phosphorus. People on a low-phosphorus diet should avoid these meat products, replacing them with fresh or frozen meat products from other parts of the animal instead.

Grains

Whole grains contain high levels of phosphates, so it is best to avoid them while on a low-phosphorus diet. Therefore, people on a low-phosphorus diet should substitute white rice for brown or wild rice, as well as refined grain foods for other whole grain foods.

Drinks

Many types of dark cola contain high levels of phosphorus. Other carbonated beverages, such as ginger ale, are usually low-phosphorus foods. Ale and beer are also high in phosphorus and should be replaced by low-phosphorus drinks.

Legumes, Seeds, and Nuts

Dried beans and peas are high in phosphorus, as are seeds and nuts. Green beans or other vegetables are good low phosphorus foods that can serve as alternatives to beans, and popcorn can substitute for seeds and nuts.

Chocolate

Although most sweets are low-phosphorus foods, chocolate contains high levels of phosphorus. If you are on a low-phosphorus diet, try avoiding chocolate or cocoa products as much as possible.