Lowering Phosphate In Your Diet: A Guide For Kidney Patients.pdf

## Phosphate Reduction Guide for Kidney Patients

This guide aims to help you lower phosphate levels in your diet to support kidney health.

What is Phosphate?

Phosphate is a mineral crucial for strong bones. It's naturally present in many foods and also added to processed products for flavor and preservation.

Phosphate & Kidneys:

Your kidneys normally regulate phosphate levels in your body. When kidney function is impaired, phosphate can build up to harmful levels. High blood phosphate can weaken bones, cause joint pain, increase fracture risk, and contribute to hardening of blood vessels, raising heart disease risk.

Managing Phosphate Levels:

Controlling your blood phosphate is key. Aim for these strategies:

1. Dietary Changes:
- Limit Phosphate Additives: Avoid processed foods containing additives like phosphoric acid (E338), sodium phosphates (E339), and polyphosphates (E452). Check food labels for these E numbers or chemical names.

- Reduce High-Phosphate Foods: While all protein-rich foods contain phosphate, some are higher than others. The renal dietitian will guide you on appropriate portions of:
- Dairy products
- Meat, poultry, fish, eggs
- Pulses (beans, lentils)
- Nuts and seeds

2. Supplements:

- "Phosphate binders" can be prescribed to help your body absorb less phosphate from food. Take them as directed by your healthcare team.

3. Dialysis:

- Completing all scheduled dialysis sessions helps remove excess phosphate from your blood.

Additional Tips:

- Opt for fresh, unprocessed foods whenever possible.
- Choose high-quality meat within your budget.
- Regularly scan food labels and choose brands without phosphate additives.
- Accompany processed meats with fresh sides like potatoes, rice, or vegetables.
- Make homemade sauces instead of relying on packaged ones.
- Limit fast food to occasional treats.