People on dialysis must limit their dairy products because it contains high levels of phosphorus, potassium, and calcium. Bones are mostly made of calcium and phosphorus. When kidneys function well, they can keep these two minerals balanced. However, kidney disease causes this process to become dysfunctional:
- Excess phosphorus builds up in the blood.
- Kidneys no longer activate vitamin D, which affects the ability to absorb calcium from food eaten.
- Low blood calcium levels release cause calcium and phosphorus from the bones, weakening them over time.
Increased phosphorus in the blood combines with calcium, causing calcifications elsewhere in the body and decreases the amount of blood calcium.
Cheese:
Hard cheeses such as Cheddar, Swiss, and Pepper Jack are high in phosphorus. Cheese varieties with less than 100 mg of phosphorus per serving include:
- Brie (1 oz)
- Camembert (1 oz)
- Cream cheese (2 Tbsp)
- Feta (1 oz)
- Fontina (1 oz)
- Goat (soft, 1 oz)
- Neufchatel (1 oz)
- Stilton (1 oz)
- Sharp cheddar (2/3 oz)
- Shredded parmesan (2 Tbsp)
What should I consider in choosing a milk alternative?
Consider calcium, phosphorus, potassium, and protein content when choosing a milk alternative. Be aware that product formulas can change. One brand of soy milk that is low in phosphorus may be fortified with phosphorus the following year. Even within the same brands, different flavors can have varied amounts of phosphorus, calcium, and potassium. It often helps to contact the company directly to get the most current nutritional information. Here are some milk alternatives that people with kidney disease may consider using in their diets:
Soy Milk:
- Edensoy Light Vanilla Soy Milk
- Edensoy Light Original Soy Milk
- Pacific Select Soy Low-Fat Plain
- Pacific Select Soy Low-Fat Vanilla
- Soy Dream Classic Vanilla
Almond Milk:
- Almond Breeze, Unsweetened Original
- Almond Breeze, Unsweetened Vanilla
- Almond Breeze, Unsweetened Almond-Coconut
- Pacific Organic Almond Unsweetened Low-Fat Original
- Pacific Organic Almond Unsweetened Low-Fat Vanilla
- Pacific Organic Almond Original
- Pacific Organic Almond Vanilla
- Silk, Unsweetened Orginal
- Silk, Unsweetened Vanilla
Coconut Milk:
- 365 Everyday Value Unsweetened Coconut Milk
- 365 Everyday Value Vanilla Coconut Milk
- 365 Organic Original Coconut Milk
- Thai Kitchen Lite Unsweetened Coconut Milk
Rice Milk:
- Rice Dream Rice Drink Original Classic
- Rice Dream Rice Drink Vanilla Classic