PHOSPHORUS AND YOUR CKD DIET

What is phosphorus?

Phosphorus is a mineral found in your bones. Along with calcium, phosphorus is needed for building healthy strong bones, as well as keeping other parts of your body healthy.

Why is phosphorus important to you?

Normal working kidneys can remove extra phosphorus in your blood. When you have Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) your kidneys cannot remove phosphorus very well. High phosphorus levels can cause damage to your body. Extra phosphorus causes body changes that pull calcium out of your bones, making them weak. High phosphorus and calcium levels also lead to dangerous calcium deposits in blood vessels, lungs, eyes, and heart. Phosphorus and calcium control is very important for your overall health.

What is a safe blood level of phosphorus?

A normal phosphorus level is 3.5 to 5.5 mg/dL. Ask your doctor or dietitian what your last phosphorus level was and write it
here ________________________ .

Will dialysis help with phosphorus control?

Yes. Dialysis can remove some phosphorus from your blood. It is important for you to understand how to limit build up of phosphorus between your dialysis treatments.

How can I control my phosphorus level?

You can keep you phosphorus level normal by understanding your diet and medications for phosphorus control. Your dietitian and doctor will help you with this. Below is a list of foods high in phosphorus.

HIGH PHOSPHORUS FOOD TO LIMIT OR AVOID

Beverages	ale	beer
	chocolate drinks	cocoa
	drinks made with milk canned iced teas	dark colas
Dairy Products	cheese	cottage cheese
	custard	ice cream
	milk	pudding
	cream soups	yogurt
Protein	carp	crayfish
	beef liver	chicken liver
	fish roe	organ meats
	oysters	sardines
Vegetables	dried beans and peas:
	baked beans	black beans
	chick peas	garbanzo beans
	kidney beans	lentils
	limas	northern beans
	pork ’ n beans	split peas
	soy beans
Other foods	bran cereals	brewer’s yeast
	caramels	nuts
	seeds	wheat germ
	whole grain products

What are medications for phosphorus control?

Your doctor may order a medicine called a phosphate binder for you to take with meals and snacks. This medicine will help control the amount of phosphorus your body absorbs from the foods you eat. There are many different kinds of phosphate binders. Pills, chewable tablets, and powders are available. Some types also contain calcium, while others do not. You should only take the phosphate binder that is ordered by your doctor or dietitian.

Write your phosphate binder here: ________________________ .

Directions: ________________________ .

What do I do if my phosphorus level is too high?

When your phosphorus level is too high, think about your diet and substitute lower phosphorus foods for a while. Talk to your dietitian and doctor about making changes in your diet and ask about your phosphate binder prescription.

HIGH PHOSPHORUS FOODS INSTEAD OF			LOW PHOSPHORUS FOODS TRY
	Phosphorus (mg)			Phosphorus (mg)
8 ounce milk	230		8 ounce nondairy creamer or 4 ounce milk	100 115
8 ounce cream soup made with milk	275		8 ounce cream soup made with water	90
1 ounce hard cheese	145		1 ounce cream cheese	30
½ cup ice cream	80		½ cup sherbet or 1 popsicle	0
12-ounce can cola	55		12 ounce can of Ginger Ale or lemon soda	3
½ cup lima or pinto beans	100		½ cup mixed vegetables or green beans	35
½ cup custard or pudding made with milk	150		½ cup pudding or custard made with nondairy creamer	50
2 ounce peanuts	200		1 ½ cup light salt/low fat popcorn	35
1 ½ ounce chocolate bar	125		1 ½ ounce hard candy, fruit flavors or jelly beans	3
2/3 cup oatmeal	130		2/3 cup cream of wheat or grits	40
½ cup bran cereal	140-260		½ cup nonbran cereal, shredded wheat, rice cereals, or corn flakes