What is phosphorus?
Phosphorus is a mineral found in bones. Along with calcium, phosphorus is necessary for the development of strong and healthy bones, as well as for maintaining other parts of the body in good health.
Why is phosphorus important for you?
Normally functioning kidneys can remove excess phosphorus from the blood. When you have Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), your kidneys may not eliminate phosphorus effectively. High concentrations of phosphorus can harm your body. An excess of calcium leads to changes in the body that release calcium from your bones, weakening them. High concentrations of phosphorus and calcium can also result in dangerous calcium deposits in blood vessels, lungs, eyes, and the heart. Controlling phosphorus and calcium is crucial for your overall health.
What is a safe phosphorus concentration in the blood?
A normal phosphorus concentration is 2.5 to 4.5 mg/dL. Ask your doctor and nutritionist for your most recent phosphorus concentration in your tests and always keep track of it.
Will dialysis treatment help me control phosphorus?
Yes. Dialysis treatment can remove some phosphorus from your blood. It’s important to understand how to limit phosphorus buildup between your dialysis treatments.
How can I control my phosphorus concentration?
You can maintain a normal phosphorus concentration by understanding your eating plan and phosphorus control medications. Your nutritionist or nutrition expert and your doctor will assist you with this. Below is a list of high-phosphorus foods to limit or avoid.
FOODS HIGH IN PHOSPHORUS TO LIMIT OR AVOID
- Beer
- Chocolate milk
- Milk-based drinks
- Canned iced tea
- Dairy products (cottage cheese)
- Custards, ice cream
- Pudding, yogurt
- cream yogurt
- Beef liver, chicken liver
- Oysters, sardines
- Vegetables, dried beans, and peas:
- Beans prepared with tomato sauce, black beans, white beans
- Chickpeas
- Lentils
- Other foods: bran cereals, brewer’s yeast
- Candies, nuts
- Seeds, wheat germ
- Whole-grain products
What are phosphorus control medications?
Your doctor may prescribe a medication called a phosphate binder to take with meals and snacks. This medication helps control the amount of phosphorus your body absorbs from the foods you eat. There are many different types of phosphate binders available, in pill, chewable tablet, and powder forms. Some types also contain calcium, while others do not. Only take the phosphate binder prescribed by your doctor.
For a proper eating plan, don’t forget to consult your nutritionist or renal nutrition expert. It should be a unique and personalized plan.
