If your levels are too high, you may be worried.When your kidneys aren't working right, it's usually when this condition arises.High blood phosphorous levels can be a sign of serious damage to the kidneys.If your doctor wants you to lower your phosphate levels, you can do this by changing your diet and watching your intake.There arephosphate binders that can help.You won't be able to absorb as much phosphate from your diet if you take these medications.
Step 1: Your doctor will check your levels.
Before you make changes to your diet, you should know where you are.Your body needsphosphate to build strong bones.If you start removing it from your diet without knowing where your levels are, you could end up lowering your phosphate too much.Your doctor will perform a blood test to check your levels.The normal range is between 2.4 and 4.1 g/dL.
Step 2: A safe diet for you can be determined by talking to your doctor and a dietician.
Ask your doctor for a recommendation.A low-phosphate dietician can help you make better food choices.The amount ofphosphate you can take depends on your blood tests.
Step 3: If you read labels, you can check for phosphoric acid.
You should always check the ingredients list for added phosphate in processed foods.Foods like cake mixes, ham, sauce mixes and even sodas can have addedphosphate.Any ingredient that begins with "pho" should be looked for.You should avoid these foods in your diet.
Step 4: Fast food and processed food can be avoided completely.
Fast foods can have added phosphates.To keep the extra phosphates out of your diet, it's best to skip these foods altogether.The ingredient list for fast food can be found online.You can ask the company for the ingredients if it's not online.
Step 5: Don't eat 5 eggs a week.
Eggs do contain a small amount of phosphate.You can still eat them, but limit your intake.Don't eat more than 4 eggs a week.Don't eat more than one egg a day.
Step 6: Limit cheese to 28 grams per day.
It's best to limit your intake of cheese if it has less phosphate in it.Don't eat more than 1 ounce of cheese in a day.The cheese is about the size of two standard dice.
Step 7: The other dairy should be reduced to a single serving a day.
You can drink 1 cup of milk a day.You can replace the 2 cup (120 mL) with yogurt, ice cream, or a small bowl of rice pudding.Doctors and dieticians may recommend that you don't eat dairy at all.It's a good idea to consult with your doctor before making food choices.
Step 8: Unenriched rice milk is better than dairy milk and yogurt.
Milk, yogurt, and pudding are some of the most popular dairy products.Non-dairy creamers, soy milk, and even enriched rice milk have higher concentrations of phosphates.Try fruit-based popsicles instead of ice cream.
Step 9: Cream cheese, brie, and Swiss are better than other cheeses.
Ricotta, cottage cheese, hard cheeses, and processed cheeses have higher levels of phosphate.Instead, choose low-fat or regular cream cheese, or a small serving of brie or Swiss, which have lower levels of phosphates.You should not eat cheese spreads.
Step 10: Pick lemon-lime soda, root beer, or ginger ale over dark sodas.
Most dark sodas have something in them.Lighter sodas are more likely to have phosphates in them.It's a good idea to read the label to check for phosphates.Plain water or tea is a better drink.
Step 11: Pick fruit candy over chocolate or caramels.
It's a good idea to limit chocolate or completely cut it out because it is high in phosphates.If you're trying to limit your phosphate intake, chocolate or cocoa is generally off limits.If you feel like you need a little chocolate, choose dark varieties that are at least 70% cacao and have it in moderation.Ask your dietitian if you can have a chocolate bar with a thin coating of chocolate around other ingredients.
Step 12: Fresh or canned fish is better than fish with bones.
The bones in canned fish are higher than in fresh fish.A canned fish with no bones is lower in phosphates.Boneless fish is a good option.
Step 13: You can switch nuts, seeds, and nut butters for popcorn.
Popcorn or pretzels are a good option if you're looking for a snack.If you want a spread, choose jam, jelly, or honey.Corn snacks, rice cakes, and breadsticks are good options.
Step 14: White breads and rolls are better than quick breads.
White bread has more phosphate than whole wheat, so opt for it.Also, choose yeast breads like rolls, bagels, or English muffins over quick breads.Check the bread label.
Step 15: Green beans or green peas are better over peas or lentils.
The dried peas, beans, and lentil have more phosphate.It includes chickpeas, lentils, lima beans, black beans and pinto beans.If peas or green beans don't have added phosphates, they are fine.
Step 16: Hot dogs and lunch meats are not good for you.
Phosphors are often added to processed meats.Pick fresh or frozen meat such as pork chops, ground beef, chicken, or fish.Don't eat ham and bologna.You may be able to eat uncured bacon, but you need to check the label.
Step 17: You should chew calcium carbonate or calcium acetate before eating.
You can lower the amount ofphosphate you absorb from your diet by taking a 500-milligram tablet of calcium carbonate.Before you eat your meal, swallow the tablet thoroughly.Tums and Rolaids are some of the antacids that contain calcium carbonate.It is safe if your calcium is high, but it can happen if you have problems with the kidneys.Before starting a medication regimen, speak to your doctor.Side effects of this medication are upset stomach, dry mouth, and vomiting.A combination of calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate is possible.This combination has lower levels of calcium.
Step 18: Sevelamer is a non-calcium option.
This is your doctor's next recommendation if you can't take a calcium-based option.You'll take either 800 or 400 tablets before each meal.Take a few bites of your meal and then swallow the medication.The medication can cause problems in the stomach.Talk to your doctor about what to do if you have stomach pains after taking this medication.
Step 19: Lanthanum carbonate is a calcium-free option.
You can take this medication as a pill or a powder.You can eat it with your meal.The dosages for the tablets are 500, 700, and 1,000.The powder comes in either 700 or 1,000 grams.If you want to use the powder, sprinkle it on a little applesauce or another soft food and eat it all right away.It isn't dissolved in liquid.Take the medications and antacids at the same time.After taking this medication, take antibiotics 1 hour before or 4 hours after.This medication can cause other problems, such as nausea and vomiting.If you have these symptoms, talk to your doctor.
Step 20: In place of calcium carbonate, use sevelamer carbonate.
The medication is in a powder form.Your doctor may start you out at 1.6 grams (0.06 ounces) if you start on 800 milligrams per meal.If you want to drink water with your meal, stir the powder into 2 fluid ounces of water.The side effects of this medication include nausea and vomiting.Discuss these side effects with your doctor.