What are Potassium and Phosphorus
Potassium is a mineral that can be found in almost all of our foods and is essential to our health since it aids muscular activity and keeps the neurological system healthy. It also aids in the regulation of water in the body. The kidneys regulate the amount of potassium in the blood. Potassium levels in the blood can rise to dangerously high levels in persons with renal disease. Hyperkalemia is a condition that can be harmful to the heart.
Phosphorus is a mineral that we obtain from specific meals. Phosphorus helps in the forming of strong bones including teeth bones. It also aids in the conversion of meals into energy and metabolism. Extra phosphorus is generally excreted by the kidneys in the urine; however, kidney illness can hinder the body from eliminating this buildup, which can create problems with the bones and heart.
If you have kidney disease, limiting phosphorous and potassium is very necessary to avoid worsening the kidney disease. Ayurveda diet plans insist on avoiding heavy consumption of potassium and phosphorous, and apart from this, it also suggests having daily exercise and walking.
In the hemodialysis diet, potassium and phosphorus should be limited
Potassium builds up between dialysis treatments and can cause problems like weakness, muscle cramps, weariness, irregular pulse, and even heart attack in patients on hemodialysis. Potassium can be found in a variety of foods, including fruits, vegetables, and dairy products. Potassium levels are high in some fruits and vegetables and low in others.
Consuming a substantial amount of a low-potassium diet, on the other hand, can cause potassium levels to rise to dangerous levels. Potassium is found in almost all foods, including meat, chicken, bread, and pasta. The only foods that are potassium-free are butter, margarine, and oils.
Because hemodialysis only eliminates a small quantity of phosphorus from the blood, foods high in phosphorus are restricted for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Phosphorus levels can become excessively high unless the amount of phosphorus in the diet is restricted and phosphorus binders are taken on a regular basis.
Complications such as itching, weak and brittle bones, and calcium deposits in blood vessels and organs such as the heart and lungs might result as a result of this. Phosphorus is found in practically all foods, with the largest concentrations in high-protein foods, dairy products, nuts, seeds, dried beans and peas, chocolate, colas, and whole-grain foods.
The peritoneal dialysis diet’s potassium and phosphorus
The diet is a little more liberal because peritoneal dialysis (PD) is done every day. Because potassium is normally eliminated from the body by PD, most peritoneal dialysis patients can maintain a normal or even low potassium level. Those on PD who have low potassium levels will usually be told to eat potassium-rich foods like tomatoes, orange juice, and bananas to bring their potassium levels back up to normal. Phosphorous, on the other hand, is not well eliminated during peritoneal dialysis; therefore, PD patients must still limit phosphorus in their diets.
Foods heavy in potassium and phosphorus are at double risk
Patients who are new to dialysis, as well as those who have been on it for a long time, frequently have trouble remembering which meals include potassium and which have phosphorus. Some foods are high in both potassium and phosphorus, which contributes to the problem. These “double jeopardy” foods can be perplexing, but they are the items that should be avoided or used in very limited amounts.
Plants provide the majority of high-potassium diets. Potassium is abundant in fruits and vegetables. Phosphorus is abundant in high-protein foods like meats, as well as dried beans and peas.
Dairy products, nuts, seeds, chocolate, whole-grain foods have double benefit foods because they contain high potassium and phosphorus. Whole wheat cereals such as wheat flakes and raisin bran, as well as whole-grain hot cereals such as oatmeal, are higher in phosphorus and potassium than refined alternatives.
Depending on your kidney function and blood test results, these may or may not be restricted. Consult your nutritionist for specific recommendations. Check the list below to check whether you’re eating any of the foods on the left that are in double jeopardy. Using some of the alternatives suggested on the right will help you keep potassium and phosphorus levels under control.
Foods with double jeopardy (High Potassium and High Phosphorus)
Cheese, chocolate, cream soup, dried beans and peas, ice cream, milk, nuts, and peanut butter are just a few of the foods that are high in phosphorous and potassium.
Other options
- Vegan Rella cheese, low-fat cottage cheese, parmesan cheese sprinkling (use very small amounts of extra sharp cheeses for the maximum flavor)
- Lemon or apple desserts, white cake, rice-crispy sweets
- Soups made with pureed vegetables on a broth basis, or soups made with safe milk alternatives
- Wax beans, green beans
- Sorbets, sherbets, and popsicles
- Unenriched rice beverage made with almond milk
- Snack items with low salt content, such as pretzels, tortilla chips, popcorn, crackers, and Sun Chips
- Fruit spread, jam, or low-fat cream cheese
Dialysis diets that are low in potassium and phosphorus
Consult your doctor about your diet and ask for his or her recommendations on foods high in potassium and phosphorus. Your doctor and renal dietitian can help you understand which foods include potassium and phosphorus, as well as go through your test results with you so you know how much you may eat safely. If you have kidney disease, you must limit your intake of phosphorus and potassium to prevent the disease from deteriorating. Ayurvedic diet plans emphasize the importance of daily exercise and walking, as well as avoiding excessive potassium and phosphorus intake.