Low Phosphorus, Potassium & Sodium Menus

Chronic kidney disease patients have dietary restrictions for phosphorus, potassium and sodium 1. Kidney disease is when your kidneys are unable to excrete wastes efficiently and regulate water and other chemicals in your body. High levels of phosphorous, potassium and sodium can cause high blood pressure, weak bones and nerve damage, according to the National Kidney Foundation 124. Dietary changes can keep kidney disease from getting worse.

Foods Low in Phosphorus

Phosphorous and calcium are needed to build strong healthy bones. With kidney disease, your kidneys cannot remove the excess phosphorous very well. The National Kidney Foundation notes that too much phosphorous lowers levels of calcium in your bones, causing your bones to weaken 124. If your phosphorous levels are too high, substitute lower phosphorous foods.

Foods Low in Potassium

Foods to Lower Potassium Levels

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Potassium helps with muscle contraction and regulates the heartbeat. Unhealthy kidneys can not balance the amount of potassium in your body 4. To reduce potassium in high potassium foods, cut fresh vegetables such as potatoes into 1/8 inch thick slices and soak them in warm water for two hours. Low potassium foods include:

• breads
  
• graham crackers
  
• rice
  
• popcorn
  
• cereal
  
• green beans
  
• canned beets
  
• cabbage
  
• coleslaw
  
• cucumber
  
• apples
  
• fruit cocktail
  
• canned pears
  
• pineapple
  
• raspberries
  
• cheese
  
• eggs

Low Sodium Cooking

Puffiness, swollen ankles and shortness of breath can result from extra sodium and fluid buildup in your body. The best way to reduce sodium is to use herbs and spices, such as rosemary or curry, instead of sodium when cooking foods. Choose foods that have 35 mg or less for very low sodium, or 140 mg or less for low sodium.

Eating Out Smartly

How to Lower Sodium Levels in the Blood Naturally

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Find a restaurant that has a variety of menu items. Skip appetizers and order foods that are either broiled or grilled. Request that your meal be prepared with no or lower salt seasonings and with sauce and gravy on the side. Drink mostly water, but you can also have non-cola drinks such as ginger ale, sprite, lemonade and tea.

Warning

Other foods to be cautious of are foods high in oxalates and purines. These foods contribute to kidney stone growth and increased blood and urinary uric acid levels, according to the Neprhology Physicians, LLC clinic 3. Foods high in oxalates are plant based and include boiled broccoli, boiled brussels sprouts, boiled cabbage, raw cucumber and boiled cauliflower. Purines are found in animal-based foods such as:

• anchovies
  
• sardines
  
• haddock
  
• herring
  
• mackerel
  
• ocean perch
  
• shrimp