Went to the Renal Insufficiency Clinic yesterday...

This time Hubby went went with me (at my request). We got some great ideas in how to deal with my diet. Cannot believe what I have to avoid as far as food to avoid that is high in phosphorous.

Here is a good explanation from the Mayo Clinic...

The kidneys help regulate the level of phosphorus in your blood. If your kidney function is impaired, eventually you'll likely have elevated phosphorus levels (hyperphosphatemia). In turn, the elevated phosphorus decreases the level of calcium in your blood, which can lead to bone disease.

Often, 800 to 1,000 milligrams (mg) of phosphorus a day is the limit for someone who has kidney disease. Most healthy adults may eat double this amount.

Nearly every food contains some phosphorus, so you can't eliminate all phosphorus from your diet. Generally foods high in protein (some meats, dairy products, beans, legumes, nuts and seeds) are higher in phosphorus. Therefore, unless you're receiving kidney dialysis, you'll be asked to eat smaller quantities of them. Whole grains also are higher in phosphorus, so choose refined ones.

Example of Vegetables I am allowed to eat or have to avoid..

Avoid                                                             Permitted

Peas (fresh green, split, black-eyed), beans (black, garbanzo, lima, kidney, navy, pinto) or lentils	Green peas (canned, frozen), green beans or wax beans
Starchy vegetables: corn, parsnips, pumpkin or sweet potato	Starchy vegetables: potato, rutabaga or winter squash
Other vegetables: artichokes, asparagus, broccoli, mushrooms, peapods (cooked) or spinach	Other vegetables: cabbage, beets, carrots, celery, cucumbers, eggplant, lettuce, peppers, onions, tomatoes or summer squash

So it is noted that potato is permitted but it is also high in potassium which the kidney has a hard time processing as well. Interesting though that I cannot have cooked broccoli but I can have raw broccoli in small amounts.

Potassium guidelines for choosing foods

Fruit I can eat and fruit to avoid (list is from the Kidney Foundation of Canada)

Meat, Milk, Grains and Other Items I am allowed to eat and which to avoid.

 

Vegetables I can eat and which I need to avoid.

So I will be starting dialysis within the next month. I need to do training first and then I will be doing it on my own. My diet won't be as restrictive as it is now.

Cora