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What is Phosphorus?
Phosphorus is a mineral that helps build strong, healthy bones and keeps muscles working correctly. When food containing phosphorus is consumed and digested, the small intestines absorb it and it becomes stored in the bones. Kidney disease may cause the kidneys t be unable to remove excess phosphorus from the blood. High phosphorus levels cause bones to weaken and lead to dangerous calcium deposits in blood vessels, eyes, lungs and heart. Levels of phosphorus in the blood should be monitored by a healthcare provider. The normal level of phosphorus should range form 2.4 to 4.1. Low phosphorus diets limit total consumption to 800-1,000 mg daily. Check with your physician to receive the daily limit that is right for you.
Hyperphosphatemia is the medical term that describes an electrolyte disturbance in which there is an abnormally-elevated level of phosphate in the blood.
Steps you can take to keep phosphorus at safe levels:
- Know what foods are lower in phosphorus.
- Pay close attention to serving size.
- Eat smaller portions of foods that are high in protein.
- Eat fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Ask you physician about using phosphate binders at meal time.
- Avoid prepackaged foods that contain added phosphorus. Look for phosphorus, or for words with PHOS, on ingredient labels, the the one below.
Lower Phosphorus Foods
Fresh Fruits
- All fruits are low in phosphorus
Fresh Vegetables
- All vegetables are low in phosphorus
Carbohydrates
- Breads (white),
- Crackers (not wheat)
- Pasta
- Popcorn
- Corn and Rice cereal
- Rice (white)
Meat
- Fresh meat (check for
- added PHOS)
- Hot Dog
- Sausage
- Egg
Beverages
- Fruit Juices
- Light colored soda
- Tea
- Coffee (no dairy)
- Home-brewed Iced Tea
Examples of Foods That May Have Added Phosphorus:
- Frozen uncooked meats
- and poultry
- Frozen baked goods
- Chicken nuggets
- Cereals, cereal bars
- Baking mixes
- Instant puddings
- Sauces
One Serving =
- Fruit 1/2 cup fresh, canned or cooked fruit, or 1/2 cup juice.
- Vegetables or cooked vegetables, 1 cup raw leafy vegetables, or 1/2 cup juice.
- Meat is 1-3 ounces cooked.
- Bread is one slice
- Egg is 1 egg or 1/4 cup egg substitute
- Rice, noodles, and pasta is 1/3 cup cooked.
High Phosphorus Foods
Dairy Products
- Cheese
- Cottage Cheese
- Yogurt
- Ice Cream
- Pudding
Nuts and Seeds
- Almonds
- Cashews
- Pistachios
- Peanut Butter
- Pecans
- Pumpkin Seeds
- Sunflower Seeds
Dried Beans and Peas
- Basked Beans
- Black Beans
- Garbanzo Beans
- Kidney Beans
- Lentils
- Pinto Beans
- Refried Beans
- Split Peas
- Soy Beans
Meat
- Fish and Seafood
- Bacon
- Beef
- Lamb
- Liver
- Turkey
- Veal
Carbohydrates
- Bran Cereals
- Oatmeal
- Whole Grain Products
Beverages
- Beer/Ale
- Cocoa
- Chocolate Drinks
- Dark Soda
- Bottled Iced Tea
