Potassium and Phosphorus

Foods that are High in Both and Alternative Choices

Phosphorus and Potassium Resources

When your kidneys stop working properly, too much phosphorus can build up in your blood. This can pull calcium from your bones which, over time, weakens the bones and harms the heart.

Limit Foods High in Phosphorus, including:

Fast food, convenience food
Colas and bottled iced tea
Chicken nuggets, processed meats and chicken
Frozen baked goods, baking mixes
Bran cereals/muffins, granola
Instant puddings and sauces
Milk, dairy products, cheese (especially processed cheese)
Chocolate candy/drinks
Beans, nuts, and seeds

Healthy kidneys remove extra potassium in the urine to help keep potassium levels normal. When kidneys fail, they can no longer remove excess potassium. This causes a buildup of potassium in the body which can lead to hyperkalemia. Symptoms of hyperkalemia are nausea, weakness, numbness and slow pulse.

For information on potassium - hypokalemia and hyperkalemia, visit the following links.