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    1. About Kidney Disease
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      1. About Kidney Disease
        1. Understanding Chronic Kidney Disease
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      1. Home
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      3. Diet & Nutrition
      4. Looking Out for High Phosphorous Foods
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      Foods That Are High in Phosphorus | Kidney Disease

      HighPHOSfoods_main_icon

      Phosphorus is an important mineral. It works with calcium to help the body make strong bones and teeth. It also helps us grow, maintain, and repair cells. However, it’s possible to get too much phosphorus when your kidneys aren’t functioning properly. Normally, kidneys filter out excess phosphorus. For people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end stage renal disease (ESRD), this process isn’t as efficient, and can lead to excess phosphorus in the bloodstream. Too much phosphorus can weaken bones, increasing the risk of hip fractures and other broken bones. It can also lead to cardiovascular issues such as stiffening of the arteries and heart failure.

      Managing your phosphorus and choosing a low-phosphorus diet may help slow the progression of kidney disease for those not yet on dialysis. One way to manage phosphorus is with a diet low in processed and convenience foods. Phosphorus levels are part of the routine bloodwork that is part of your kidney care. If your phosphorus levels come back too high, your care team will work with you to find a diet that minimizes high-phosphorus foods.


      High phosphorus foods

      Here is a list of foods high in phosphorus to help as you navigate grocery shopping, cooking, and eating out. While phosphorus is not usually listed on the nutrition facts label, it may be listed as an ingredient. Read the ingredients and look out for any beginning with “PHOS.” Phosphorus is often added as a preservative or to add flavor. Note that fresh fruits and vegetables are naturally low in phosphorus.

      meat_icon

      MEATS HIGH IN PHOSPHORUS

      Pre-packaged or breaded meats and fish
      Deli meats
      Hot dogs
      Processed meats
      dairy_icon

      DAIRY PRODUCTS  HIGH IN PHOSPHORUS

      Processed cheeses
      Cheese sauces
      Ice cream
      Milk
      Pudding
      Frozen yogurt
      grains_icon

      GRAINS HIGH IN PHOSPHORUS

      Biscuits
      Muffins
      Corn bread 
      Pancakes
      Waffles
      fluids_icon

      FLUIDS HIGH IN PHOSPHORUS

      Beer
      Hot cocoa
      Canned soup
      Some carbonated beverages, flavored waters and teas
      Milk
      Milkshakes
      Some protein shakes
      miscfood_icon

      MISCELLANEOUS FOODS HIGH IN PHOSPHORUS

      Fast food
      Hamburger helper mixes
      Pizza
      Snack cakes
      Toaster pastries

      Symptoms of high phosphorus

      Many people with high phosphorus levels don’t experience symptoms. That’s why it’s important to keep up with routine bloodwork and to pay attention to your results. If your phosphorus levels are high, you can talk with your care team and your dietitian about the best way to manage it. This may include diet, phosphate binders, dialysis, or some combination of those things.

      If symptoms do appear, they may include:

      • Bone and joint pain
      • Dry, itchy, or bumpy skin
      • Red eyes
      Explore kidney friendly recipes

      COOK YOUR OWN KIDNEY-FRIENDLY MEALS

      When you cook for yourself, you can take charge of your own phosphorus, sodium, and more. For more help crafting your own kidney-friendly diet, check out our recipes!
      EXPLORE RECIPES

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