What foods are high in phosphates?

Fruits and vegetables tend to be the high potassium sources. High-protein foods, such as meats, along with dried beans and peas, tend to be high in phosphorus. Double jeopardy foods that are high in both potassium and phosphorus include dairy products, nuts, seeds, chocolate and some whole-grain foods.

Milk and milk products are high in calcium and phosphorus. A half cup of milk (4 ounces) contains 111-138 mg of phosphorus. Some liquid dairy substitutes can be used in cooking to replace milk. Eggs are a great protein source but also contain 95 mg phosphorus in a large egg.

The following are a few foods and beverages that now contain hidden phosphorus:

Flavored waters.

Iced teas.

Sodas and other bottled beverages.

Enhanced meat and chicken products.

Breakfast (cereal) bars.

Nondairy creamers.

Bottled coffee beverages.

In fact, it’s more common to have too much phosphorus in your body than too little. Kidney disease or eating too much phosphorus and not enough calcium can lead to an excess of phosphorous. Phosphorus levels that are too high or too low can cause medical complications, such as heart disease, joint pain, or fatigue.

Here’s what the latest research says about the four best drinks for kidney health:

Wine. Yes, you read that correctly.

Cranberry Juice. This tart red drink is good for both your urinary tract and kidney health.

Lemon- and Lime-based Citrus Juices.

Water.

Avoid processed meats like ham, bacon, sausage and lunch meats. Munch on fresh fruits and vegetables rather than crackers or other salty snacks. Avoid canned soups and frozen dinners that are high in sodium. Avoid pickled foods, like olives and pickles.

Signs and symptoms. Although most patients with hyperphosphatemia are asymptomatic, they occasionally report hypocalcemic symptoms, such as muscle cramps, tetany, and perioral numbness or tingling. Other symptoms include bone and joint pain, pruritus, and rash.

Phosphorus is found naturally in dairy, meat, and plants. It’s needed to help cells work properly. Phosphates enhance flavor and moistness in deli meats, frozen food, cereals, cheese, and baked goods, as well as in sodas and prepared iced tea mixes.

Phosphorus Content of Some Common Foods. Phosphorus is found in high amounts in protein foods such as milk and milk products and meat and alternatives, such as beans, lentils and nuts. Grains, especially whole grains provide phosphorus. Phosporus is found in smaller amounts in vegetables and fruit.

The EWG says that the additive can be considered safe. It’s not considered to be an environmental toxin or potentially harmful to humans. Disodium phosphate is not bioaccumulative (where it accumulates within your body over time).

One cup of instant cooked oatmeal has 176mg of phosphorus while one cup of Cream of Wheat cereal has only 95mg of phosphorus. However, oatmeal could be beneficial because of its high fiber which can make you feel fuller (increase weight loss) and reduce cholesterol in your blood.

Vegetables to limit or avoid include pumpkin, peas, parsnips, corn, sweet potato, mushrooms, artichokes, broccoli, asparagus and spinach. Although tomatoes are not high in phosphorus, they are high in potassium so limit these to one serving per day.

A phosphate test measures the amount of phosphate in your blood. When it meets up with oxygen, it becomes phosphate. Most phosphates team up with calcium to build and repair your bones and teeth. Some support your muscles and nerves.

About 85 percent of the phosphorus in the body is in bones. Phosphorus is the body’s next most abundant mineral after calcium. The body uses phosphorus to: form strong bones and teeth.

The main function of phosphorus is in the formation of bones and teeth. It plays an important role in how the body uses carbohydrates and fats. It is also needed for the body to make protein for the growth, maintenance, and repair of cells and tissues.

If you have kidney disease, your doctor may prescribe a diet low in phosphorus, sodium, protein and potassium. As sweet potatoes contain high levels of both potassium and phosphorus, avoid eating them if your doctor puts you on a diet for chronic kidney disease.

Here are seven methods to help control high levels of phosphorus:

Reduce the amount of phosphorus you eat.

Take phosphorus binders.

Take vitamin D.

Take a calcimimetic medicine.

Stay on dialysis the entire time.

Start an exercise program approved by a doctor.

Get an operation to remove some of the parathyroid glands.

Some may even contain phosphate additives for flavor enhancement, which is not recommended for people with CKD or ESRD. An eight-ounce cup of brewed black tea contains 88 mg potassium and a cup of green tea contains 21 mg potassium. Sodium and phosphorus content is less than 3 mg.

Where Is Phosphate Mined? Large natural deposits of phosphate rocks are found in South Africa, Canada and Russia. The biggest producers of phosphate rock are China, Morocco, United States and Russia.

Beverages. Most beverages don’t have any phosphorus. Brew yourself a cup of hot herbal tea, which is phosphorus free. If you must have your coffee, you’ll only get 5 milligrams of phosphorus from 6 ounces of black coffee.