Randy Chandler
Cheese is a delicious snack and a great addition to many meals, but it's not always the best option for kidney health. While cheese is a good source of calcium, protein, vitamin B12, and vitamin A, it's also typically high in phosphorus, sodium, and saturated fat. For people with kidney disease, managing these nutrients is crucial, so cheese is often limited on renal diets. However, not all cheese is off the menu for kidney patients, and some varieties are more kidney-friendly than others. The key is moderation and being mindful of portion sizes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| High in | Phosphorus, Sodium, Potassium, Protein, Calcium |
| Low in | Probiotics, Vitamin B12, Vitamin A |
| Recommended daily intake for kidney disease patients | 1/2 cup milk, or 1/2 cup yogurt or 1-ounce cheese |
| Recommended low-phosphorus cheeses | Goat cheese, grated parmesan, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, Swiss cheese, Brie, Cream Cheese, Ricotta |
| Recommended low-potassium cheeses | Feta, Goat cheese |
| Recommended low-sodium cheeses | Ricotta, Cottage cheese with no salt added, Swiss cheese |
| Overall CKD-friendly cheeses | Cream cheese, Goat cheese, Ricotta, Parmesan |
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What You'll Learn
Phosphorus content in cheese
Phosphorus is a mineral that is good for building strong bones and teeth and maintaining the body's natural balance (pH level). However, when the kidneys cannot eliminate excess phosphorus, it can lead to low calcium levels and bone fractures.
Many cheeses are high in phosphorus and sodium, but some are suitable for people with kidney disease or those on dialysis. People with kidney issues should look for ingredients on food labels that contain "phos", as this indicates the addition of phosphorus, usually found in processed cheese products.
Some cheeses that are lower in phosphorus include goat cheese, grated parmesan, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, Swiss cheese, and Brie. Cream cheese, heavy cream, ricotta, and margarine are also lower-phosphorus options.
It is important to note that the amount and type of cheese that can be included in a kidney-friendly diet depend on the specific condition and stage of kidney disease, as well as the type of dialysis being received. Consulting with a doctor or kidney dietitian is essential to determine the appropriate phosphorus intake and to develop a personalized diet plan.
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Sodium content in cheese
While cheese is a good source of calcium, protein, vitamin B12, and vitamin A, many varieties are high in phosphorus and sodium. For this reason, people with kidney disease are often advised to limit their intake of cheese or opt for lower-sodium options.
The recommended daily sodium intake for people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is 2300 mg. However, the sodium content in cheese can vary significantly depending on the type and brand. For example, a study analyzing the sodium levels in commonly purchased cheeses in the United States found that process cheese had the highest mean level of sodium, at 1242 mg/100 g, while the mean analytical sodium in LMPS Mozzarella was 666 mg/100 g, and Cheddar averaged at 615 mg/100 g.
The variability in sodium content across different cheeses and brands highlights the importance of checking labels when selecting cheese products, especially for those with kidney disease. It is worth noting that manufacturers tend to be conservative in their reporting of sodium levels on labels, and there can be a significant discrepancy between the labelled sodium content and the actual analytical sodium content.
When choosing cheese, it is advisable to opt for lower-sodium varieties and monitor serving sizes to maintain sodium intake within the recommended limits. Additionally, individuals with kidney disease should work closely with a doctor or dietitian to determine their personalized dietary guidelines, as these can vary depending on the stage and specifics of their condition.
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Potassium content in cheese
While cheese is not often the first food that comes to mind when considering a low-potassium diet, it is important to consider its potassium content when managing kidney health. This is because unhealthy kidneys cannot remove excess potassium from the body, which can lead to an irregular heartbeat or even a heart attack.
The potassium content of cheese varies depending on the type and serving size. On average, one ounce of cheese provides about 35 milligrams of potassium. However, some cheeses have significantly higher potassium content. For example, one cup of low-fat cottage cheese contains 217 mg of potassium, while 2/3 cup of ricotta cheese has 205 mg. These cheeses are considered high-potassium foods, with more than 200 mg of potassium in a single serving.
Processed cheeses, such as cheese-in-a-can products, tend to have the highest potassium content. On the other hand, cheeses that are typically consumed in smaller quantities, such as feta cheese, are considered low-potassium options. Feta cheese, for example, contains only 4 grams of protein per ounce. Parmesan cheese, while higher in protein with 11 grams per ounce, is also used sparingly due to its strong flavor.
For individuals with kidney disease, it is generally recommended to choose foods lower in potassium or consult a dietitian about methods to reduce the potassium content of favorite foods, such as through the soaking and boiling of vegetables. It is important to note that the amount and type of cheese that can be included in a kidney-friendly diet will depend on the stage of kidney disease and the type of dialysis received.
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Protein content in cheese
Cheese is a nutrient-dense food, providing protein, fats, and minerals. It is created by draining the liquid portion (whey) from milk and collecting the solid curds, which are rich in protein. One ounce of hard cheese, or a wedge about the size of a thumb, contains about 8 grams of protein. A half-cup of soft cheese like cottage cheese has about 14 grams of protein.
While cheese is a good source of protein, it is also high in saturated fat and sodium. Therefore, it should be consumed in moderation as part of a healthy diet. For individuals with kidney disease, it is important to limit the intake of certain nutrients, including potassium, phosphorus, and sodium. Many types of cheese are high in phosphorus and sodium, so it is recommended to choose low-phosphorus and low-sodium cheese options.
Some examples of high-protein cheeses include Romano, with 9 grams of protein per ounce, and Gruyere, with 8.5 grams of protein per ounce. Other high-protein options include Swiss cheese (7.7 grams of protein per ounce), Provolone (7.3 grams per ounce), Edam (7.1 grams per ounce), Gouda (7 grams per ounce), and Mozzarella (6.9 grams per ounce).
It is important to note that the protein content of cheese can vary depending on the type of milk used and the production process. Additionally, individuals with kidney disease should consult with a doctor or dietitian to determine their personal limits for nutrients like phosphorus and protein, as damaged kidneys may have trouble filtering the waste products of protein metabolism.
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Calcium content in cheese
Cheese is a good source of calcium, protein, vitamin B12, vitamin A, and phosphorus. However, the calcium content in cheese can vary depending on factors such as moisture content and the cheese-making process. For example, Queso Fresco has a high moisture content, which dilutes its calcium content. On the other hand, Parmesan cheese, which is low in moisture, has a higher calcium content.
The calcium content in cheese is also affected by the presence of acid. Cream cheese and cottage cheese, for instance, are acid-set/lactic curd cheeses that are acidified over long periods, resulting in a lower calcium content. Similarly, blue cheese and bloomy cheeses initially have a low pH, causing the dissolution of calcium. As the cheese matures, the mould metabolism raises the pH, reducing the acidity and thus the ability to retain calcium.
Some cheeses, such as Swiss, Gouda, Gruyere, Cheddar, and cottage cheese, may also contain probiotics or "good" bacteria that promote digestive health.
While cheese is a good source of calcium, it is important to consider the overall nutritional profile when incorporating it into a kidney-friendly diet. Many cheeses are high in phosphorus, sodium, and saturated fat. Excessive phosphorus intake can lead to low calcium levels and bone fractures in individuals with kidney disease. Therefore, it is recommended to opt for low-phosphorus cheeses, such as goat cheese, grated Parmesan, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, Swiss cheese, and Brie.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheese is often limited on the renal diet due to its high phosphorus, sodium, and in some cases, potassium content. However, cheese can be incorporated into a kidney-friendly diet in moderation.
Some cheeses that are lower in phosphorus include cream cheese, brie, parmesan and goat cheese, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, Swiss cheese, and feta. Lower sodium options include ricotta, cottage cheese, and Swiss cheese.
It is important to be mindful of frequency and portion sizes when incorporating cheese into a kidney-friendly diet. The recommended intake for those with kidney disease is 1/2 cup of milk, 1/2 cup of yogurt, or 1 ounce of cheese per day.
In addition to cheese, those with kidney disease should limit their intake of foods high in potassium, phosphorus, and sodium. This includes nuts, tomatoes, chocolate, avocados, and processed meats like bacon, salami, sausages, and hot dogs.
Yes, some alternatives to cheese that are more kidney-friendly include Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, and plant-based options like almond or soy milk.
