Top 4 Best Low Phosphorus Meats

If you eat meat and have kidney problems, you should pick very low phosphorus meats. Meat and other proteins are high in phosphorus in our diet. A phosphorus-rich diet can harm your heart and bones.

Importantly, elevated phosphorus levels are linked to quicker renal disease development and increased mortality.


How food phosphorus acts differently in our bodies:

Natural foods have less phosphorus, and they provide greater nutrition overall. For many years, people who needed to restrict phosphorus were instructed to limit beneficial foods like whole grains, beans, and other plant-based diets. Recent study indicates that this isn't essential.

Please keep in mind that phosphorus from various foods has extremely distinct effects on our bodies. Only around 30% of the phosphorus in plant foods (such as nuts, beans, seeds, and lentils) gets absorbed. 

Phosphorus from meat is absorbed at a considerably faster rate. Approximately 90% of the phosphorus in meat is absorbed by our bodies. Unfortunately, ALL meat contains some phosphorus. Because we absorb so much phosphorus, it is really important.

Phosphorus that is ADDED to our meals is approximately 100% absorbed. When it comes to a low phosphorus diet, phosphorus additions are by far the most concerning factor.


Do kidney disease patients need to eat protein food?

Your kidney function determines how much phosphorus you require. If you have early-stage kidney disease or are on dialysis, you may need to decrease your phosphorus intake. This can be difficult because nearly every diet includes some phosphorus.Protein is essential for dialysis patients. Therefore, eating meat may be an excellent strategy for dialysis patients to ensure that they receive adequate protein.

For those who ARE NOT receiving dialysis, limiting meat, poultry, fish, and shellfish may help prevent the progression of kidney disease. A person's kidney disease progresses more slowly and they are less likely to require dialysis if they consume fewer animal products, especially meat.


Pro tip: Carefully read food labels

When preparing foods, manufacturers may add phosphorus to thicken them, improve their taste, prevent discolouration, or preserve them. Examine food labels to discover whether any ingredients include the phrase "phos." When aiming to reduce your phosphorus intake, avoid items that include the word "phos" in the ingredient list.

Examples of phosphorus added to food may include:

  • Calcium phosphate
  • Disodium phosphate
  • Phosphoric acid
  • Monopotassium phosphate
  • Sodium acid pyrophosphate
  • Sodium tripolyphosphate


Top 4 Meats with Low Phosphorus

Consuming low-phosphorus meats requires that you:

  • Pick meats without added phosphorus.
  • Eat the proper amount. If you consume a lot of low-phosphorus meat, it might become high-phosphorus meat. Consult a dietician about what is best for you.


Chicken


kidney disease

Phosphorus levels are low in most raw chicken breast, legs, or thighs. Phosphorus is present in 196mg per 3oz serving of chicken breast.

The phosphorus level of meat can also be affected by cooking methods. Roasting retains the greatest phosphorus, whilst boiling decreases levels by around 25%. Check the contents for any hidden phosphorus additions!


Pork Loin


lean protein

Compared to pork chops and other pork cuts, Pork loin is typically leaner. It may be a suitable option for low phosphorous meat. A 3 ounce serving of pork loin has 190 mg of phosphorus without additions.


Shrimps


Kidney disease

Shrimp contains 200 mg of phosphorus in a 3 oz serving. However, watch out for phosphorus additions in shellfish like shrimp!


Tilapia

Tilapia Fish

Tilapia and other low-phosphorus white fish, like cod or whitefish, are good for your heart. Tilapia has 175mg of phosphorus per 3 oz serving.

Consult a qualified dietician for assistance in developing a food plan that matches your needs. A dietician helps ensure that you receive adequate nutrition while adhering to your doctor's medical advice.

Also read: Psychiatric Issues In Kidney Failure And Dialysis Patients