Nutrition

Kidney Disease: Balancing Calcium and Phosphorus

Choose a preferred language

Calcium and phosphorus are minerals found in many foods. Your body works best when these minerals are in balance. If you have kidney disease, phosphorus may build up in your blood and calcium is pulled out of your bones. This can make your bones weak over time. To help keep your bones strong, control the amount of phosphorus in your body. This sheet tells you how.


Take phosphate binders

Man putting pill in his mouth while holding glass of water.

Phosphate binders are medicines that stick to the phosphorus in the food you eat. This keeps the phosphorus from being absorbed into your body. Instead, the phosphorus passes from your body with stool (solid waste). For best results, keep these tips in mind:

☐ Use only the type of phosphate binder that your healthcare provider recommends. The type of binder that you should be taking is ___________________________.

☐ Always take phosphate binders as directed.

☐ Take phosphate binders with meals.

☐ Other: _________________________.

☐ Phosphate binders can cause constipation. You may need to eat more fiber or take stool softeners.

Limit these foods

Don't eat these foods

To keep calcium and phosphorus in balance, limit the amount of phosphorus you eat. To do so, eat less of the following foods:

  • Milk

  • Chocolate

  • Cheese

  • Beer

  • Yogurt

  • Soybeans

  • Ice cream

Some foods are so high in phosphorus that you may need to stop eating them. Talk with a registered dietitian before eating these foods:

  • Cola drinks

  • Dried or baked beans

  • Nuts and seeds of all kinds

  • Peanut butter

  • Split peas

  • Whole-grain cereals

Online Medical Reviewer: Raymond Kent Turley BSN MSN RN

Online Medical Reviewer: Rita Sather RN

Online Medical Reviewer: Walead Latif MD

Date Last Reviewed: 12/04/2014

© 2000-2026 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
Related Articles
Read article
Wellness
Healthy Tips for Eating Out

You don't have to give up eating out to cut down on fat, cholesterol, and salt. You just need to think about what you order. Many menus highlight low-fat and low-sodium dishes. But if you can't find what you want, ask.

Read article
Wellness
Eating a High-Protein Diet for Wound Care

If you have a hard-to-heal wound, your healthcare provider may advise you to eat more protein.

Read article
Wellness
Understanding Good Food Choices

Follow these tips to help you understand how to read food labels and make a healthy eating plan.

Read article
Wellness
More Tips for Healthy Eating Out

Be creative when eating out. Most restaurants don't demand that you stick exactly to the menu. Read on for some helpful tips.