Phosphorus is another mineral found in many foods. The body must maintain a proper balance of phosphorus and calcium in order to build and preserve healthy bones.
Normally, the kidneys help to maintain this balance by removing excess phosphorus from the bloodstream.
However, patients with kidney disease may need to take steps to maintain this balance by watching what they eat, because their kidneys are no longer able to do this important job.
If too much phosphorus builds up in the body it can pull calcium out of the bones, making them weak and easily breakable.
People following a kidney diet may be told to avoid foods that are high in phosphorus, such as beer, soda, cheese, milk, yogurt, oysters, beans, peas, nuts, and many whole grain products.
A renal dietician may also prescribe a phosphate binder, which can help control the amount of phosphate that the body absorbs.
