Andy Montoya
Cheese is a tasty treat for many, but it can be a tricky food for those with kidney disease or kidney stones. This is because cheese is typically high in phosphorus, sodium, and potassium, which can be difficult for damaged kidneys to process. However, not all cheese is off the menu for those with kidney issues. Lower-phosphorus cheeses such as goat cheese, cream cheese, mozzarella, and Swiss cheese can be enjoyed in moderation, and are often safe for those with kidney problems. Those with kidney issues should consult a doctor or dietitian to determine their personal limits for these nutrients.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese intake for people with kidney disease | People with kidney disease should limit their intake of cheese to 1 ounce per day due to its high phosphorus, potassium, and sodium content. |
| Recommended cheese options for people with kidney disease | Cream cheese, goat cheese, ricotta, parmesan, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, Swiss cheese, and brie are low-phosphorus options. Feta and goat cheese are low in potassium. Cottage cheese with no salt added, and Swiss cheese are low-sodium options. |
| General dietary recommendations for people with kidney disease | A renal diet typically involves limiting fluids, potassium, phosphorus, and sodium. People with kidney disease should also limit their intake of nuts, tomatoes, chocolate, and canned goods, which are high in sodium. |
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What You'll Learn
Low-phosphorus cheeses
While cheese is a favourite food for many, it is often high in phosphorus, sodium, and potassium. This means that people with kidney disease are usually told to limit their cheese intake. However, not all cheese is off the menu if you have kidney problems. There are some cheeses that are more kidney-friendly and can be incorporated into a renal diet.
If you have kidney disease, it's important to work closely with a doctor or dietitian to determine your personal limits for these nutrients, which are usually based on lab results. Your kidney dietitian will let you know if you need to limit phosphorus. When shopping for cheese, look for ingredients on the label that contain "phos", which indicates additional phosphorus has been added. Processed cheese sauce, canned spray cheese, pasteurized cheese products, and processed American cheese often contain these additives.
Some cheeses that are lower in phosphorus include cream cheese, brie, parmesan, goat cheese, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, Swiss cheese, and ricotta. If you are looking for overall CKD-friendly cheeses, your best options are cream cheese, goat cheese, ricotta, and parmesan.
In addition to phosphorus, it's important to consider sodium and potassium intake when choosing a kidney-friendly cheese. For blood pressure control, choose low-sodium options such as ricotta, cottage cheese with no salt added, and Swiss cheese. The lowest potassium options are feta and goat cheese.
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Kidney-friendly cheese alternatives
Many cheeses are high in phosphorus and sodium, which can be harmful to people with kidney disease. However, some cheeses are lower in phosphorus and sodium and can be safely enjoyed by people with kidney disease. The key is to do your research and choose the right types of cheese in the appropriate portion sizes.
- Goat cheese: This cheese is known for being low in phosphorus and potassium. It is a good source of protein and can be a tasty addition to meals or snacks.
- Grated Parmesan: Parmesan cheese is another low-phosphorus option. It has a strong flavour, so a little goes a long way.
- Mozzarella: This popular cheese is also lower in phosphorus. It can be enjoyed on pizzas, in salads, or as a snack.
- Monterey Jack: This cheese is not only delicious but also lower in phosphorus. It melts well and can be a great choice for sandwiches or grilled cheese.
- Swiss cheese: In addition to being low in phosphorus, Swiss cheese is also a good source of probiotics, which can improve digestive health.
- Brie: This creamy and indulgent cheese is lower in phosphorus. Enjoy it on a cracker or a slice of bread.
- Cream cheese: Cream cheese is not only low in phosphorus but also versatile. It can be used in both sweet and savoury dishes.
- Ricotta: This soft and mild-tasting cheese is a low-sodium option. It is perfect for lasagnas, stuffed shells, or even spread on toast.
- Cottage cheese: Cottage cheese is not only low in sodium but also packed with protein. Choose the "no salt added" variety for an even lower sodium option.
When incorporating cheese into a kidney-friendly diet, it is important to consider the overall diet and portion sizes. It is recommended to choose lower-fat versions of cheese and to limit protein intake if necessary. For those with kidney transplants, it is crucial to avoid unpasteurized dairy products. Additionally, those on dialysis may have different requirements, so it is always best to consult with a doctor or dietitian for personalized advice.
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Sodium intake and kidneys
For people with kidney disease, it is recommended to limit sodium intake to control blood pressure and fluid retention. This is because unhealthy kidneys struggle to filter out excess sodium, which can lead to further damage and reduced kidney function.
Sodium restriction is especially important for those with chronic kidney disease (CKD), as it can help delay disease progression and improve symptoms. The recommended sodium intake for CKD patients is around 2300 mg per day, but this may vary depending on individual needs. For instance, those with kidney disease and high blood pressure should aim for 1500 mg, while some sources suggest a limit of 2000 mg for CKD patients.
People with CKD should be cautious of hidden sodium sources, as it is naturally found in many food sources beyond the salt shaker. Canned goods, processed meats, and poultry products treated with saltwater or brine are high in sodium. Choosing low-sodium varieties, draining and rinsing canned foods, and avoiding salt when cooking can help reduce sodium intake.
When it comes to cheese, many varieties are high in sodium and should be consumed in moderation or avoided. However, some cheeses are lower in sodium, including ricotta, cottage cheese (without added salt), and Swiss cheese. These options may be suitable for those with kidney disease who wish to include cheese in their diet.
It is important to work closely with a doctor or dietitian to determine the right sodium intake and identify hidden sources. They can provide guidance on how to season food with lower-sodium ingredients and recommend kidney-friendly alternatives to help manage kidney health.
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Potassium-rich foods
Potassium is a mineral that is essential for normal cell function and is found in a wide variety of foods. Most healthy people should aim for 4,700 milligrams of potassium per day, but few people reach this amount. While supplements are available, it is best to get potassium from foods such as fruits and vegetables.
Fruits that are rich in potassium include bananas, apricots, oranges, cantaloupes, honeydew, grapefruit, and prunes. Drying fruit concentrates its mineral content, so dried apricots are also a good source of potassium. Vegetables that are rich in potassium include spinach, potatoes, soybeans, and peas. Beans and lentils can be counted as either vegetables or protein foods and are also good sources of potassium.
Some seafood varieties are also good sources of potassium, including salmon, tilapia, shrimp, catfish, crab, trout, haddock, oysters, sardines, squid, pollock, anchovies, crawfish, mullet, scallops, whiting, clams, shad, and Atlantic mackerel.
It is important to note that while potassium is essential for health, having too much or too little can affect your health. Most people get enough potassium from a balanced diet, but if you are concerned about your potassium levels, speak to your doctor about getting a blood test.
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Cheese and kidney stones
Cheese is a good source of calcium, protein, vitamin B12, vitamin A, and phosphorus. However, many cheeses are also high in saturated fat, sodium, and potassium. For this reason, individuals with chronic kidney disease are often told to limit their cheese intake.
The recommended sodium intake for CKD is 2300 mg per day. Phosphorus does not need to be limited unless lab results show high phosphorus levels. If you have kidney disease, reducing your potassium, phosphorus, and sodium intake can help manage it.
For calcium oxalate stones, eating calcium with meals can help prevent stone formation. With cysteine stones or uric acid stones, limited protein from animal sources is recommended. Talk to your doctor and kidney dietitian about the type of kidney stones you have and how you can include cheese in your diet.
Some cheeses that are more kidney-friendly include cream cheese, goat cheese, ricotta, and parmesan. These cheeses are lower in phosphorus, potassium, and sodium. However, it's important to remember that the amount and type of cheese that can be included in a kidney-friendly diet will depend on the individual's specific needs and the stage of their kidney disease.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheese is often limited on the renal diet due to its high phosphorus, potassium, and sodium content. However, some cheeses are more kidney-friendly and can be incorporated into the diet regularly.
Kidney-friendly cheeses include cream cheese, goat cheese, ricotta, and parmesan. These cheeses are lower in phosphorus, potassium, and sodium.
People with kidney disease should limit their daily intake of cheese to 1 ounce. However, this may vary depending on the individual and their kidney function, so it is best to consult with a doctor or dietitian.
Yes, recommended dairy foods that are lower in phosphorus include margarine, heavy cream, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, and sherbet.
In addition to cheese, people with kidney disease should limit their intake of high-potassium foods such as nuts, tomatoes, chocolate, and tropical fruits. It is also important to limit processed and pre-packaged foods, which tend to be high in sodium.
