Kamil Perry
If you have chronic kidney disease and love cheese, you don't have to give it up entirely. However, it is essential to choose the right types of cheese and consume them in moderation. This is because cheese can be high in phosphorus, sodium, and saturated fat, which can be harmful to people with kidney disease. Feta cheese, for example, is typically high in sodium, but it does not usually contain phosphorus additives. So, is feta cheese good for kidney disease? Let's delve into the details and explore whether it can be included in a kidney-friendly diet.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Feta cheese good for kidney disease? | Feta cheese is not the best option for kidney disease due to its high sodium content. However, it can be included in a kidney-friendly diet if the portion size is limited and lower sodium foods are consumed throughout the day. |
| Phosphorus content | Feta cheese does not usually contain phosphorus additives. One ounce of feta contains approximately 96 mg of phosphorus, of which only 60-70% is absorbed from animal-based foods. |
| Sodium content | Feta cheese is typically high in sodium. |
| Potassium content | Feta cheese is one of the cheeses with the lowest potassium content. |
| Protein content | Feta cheese has a high protein content of over 21.4%. |
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What You'll Learn
Feta cheese is high in sodium, which is not good for kidney disease
While cheese can be included in a kidney-friendly diet, it is important to choose cheeses that are lower in both salt and phosphate. Salt is sometimes listed as 'sodium' on nutrition labels, and comparing these values can help identify lower-salt options. Feta cheese is typically very high in sodium, which is not ideal for those with kidney disease. However, it can still be enjoyed in moderation by limiting portion sizes and choosing lower-sodium options for the rest of the day or within the same meal.
For individuals with kidney disease, it is crucial to monitor phosphorus intake. While feta cheese does not typically contain phosphorus additives, it still contains a significant amount of phosphorus. A half-cup of whole milk crumbled feta cheese contains 328 mg of phosphorus, of which you'll absorb 262 to 328 mg. Excess phosphorus in the blood can lead to dangerous calcium deposits in the blood vessels, lungs, and heart, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
When selecting cheese for a kidney-friendly diet, it is recommended to opt for varieties with lower sodium and phosphorus content. Examples of suitable cheeses include ricotta, cottage cheese without added salt, Swiss cheese, cream cheese, goat cheese, and parmesan. These options tend to have lower sodium and phosphorus levels while still providing essential nutrients.
It is worth noting that the amount and type of cheese that can be included in a kidney-friendly diet may vary depending on the stage of kidney disease and the specific dietary requirements of the individual. It is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian specializing in renal nutrition to determine the appropriate dietary guidelines for your specific needs.
In summary, while feta cheese is high in sodium, it can still be enjoyed as part of a kidney-friendly diet in moderation. Combining it with lower-sodium foods and controlling portion sizes can help make it a part of a balanced and enjoyable diet for individuals with kidney disease.
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Feta cheese is a good source of protein
Feta cheese is often considered a healthy option due to its relatively high protein content and nutritional value. It is a good source of calcium and phosphorus, which are essential for maintaining bone health and preventing osteoporosis. The probiotics in feta may also aid in improving digestive health.
However, feta cheese also has some drawbacks. It is high in sodium, with a 1-ounce (28-gram) serving containing 312 mg of sodium, contributing to up to 13% of the recommended daily intake. The high sodium content can be detrimental to those with kidney disease, as it can lead to high blood pressure and increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Additionally, feta cheese contains saturated fats, which should be limited to less than 10% of the daily calorie intake.
For individuals with kidney disease, it is important to monitor the intake of phosphorus and sodium. While feta cheese contains phosphorus, which can be beneficial for bone health, excessive phosphorus in the blood can lead to dangerous calcium deposits in the blood vessels, lungs, and heart. Therefore, it is recommended to consult with a kidney dietitian to determine the appropriate amount and type of cheese that can be included in the diet.
In conclusion, feta cheese is a good source of protein and offers various nutritional benefits. However, due to its high sodium and saturated fat content, it should be consumed in moderation, especially for individuals with kidney disease. Consulting with a healthcare professional or a kidney dietitian is advisable to ensure that feta cheese is incorporated into the diet in a safe and suitable manner.
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Feta cheese is low in potassium
People with kidney disease are often advised to follow a low-potassium diet. Potassium is an essential mineral that helps the nerves, muscles, and heart function properly. While cheese and dairy products are sources of potassium, feta cheese is known to be low in potassium, making it a kidney-friendly option.
Feta cheese has a strong flavour, so a little goes a long way. One ounce (28 grams) of feta cheese provides only 18 milligrams of potassium, which is significantly lower than the recommended daily intake of 3500-4700 milligrams. For reference, an ounce of Swiss cheese provides 22 milligrams of potassium, while goat cheese has the least amount of potassium among cheeses, with just 7 milligrams per ounce.
Although feta cheese is low in potassium, it is important to note that it is high in sodium, with 477 milligrams of sodium per ounce. People with kidney disease need to monitor their sodium intake, as high sodium intake can lead to fluid retention and blood pressure issues. Therefore, while feta cheese can be a good source of potassium for those with kidney disease, it should be consumed in moderation due to its high sodium content.
Additionally, feta cheese contains phosphorus, another nutrient that individuals with kidney disease need to monitor. Excess phosphorus in the blood can lead to dangerous calcium deposits in the blood vessels, lungs, and heart, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. A half-cup of whole milk crumbled feta cheese contains 328 milligrams of phosphorus, of which you'll absorb 262 to 328 milligrams.
In conclusion, while feta cheese is low in potassium, its high sodium and phosphorus content should be considered by individuals with kidney disease. It is always best to consult with a doctor or dietitian to determine the appropriate amount and type of cheese that can be included in a kidney-friendly diet.
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Feta cheese does not contain phosphorus additives
People with kidney disease need to be mindful of their phosphorus intake. Phosphorus is a mineral that builds strong bones and teeth and keeps the body's natural balance. However, if the kidneys cannot remove excess phosphorus from the blood, it can pull calcium from the bones or lead to dangerous calcium deposits in the blood vessels, lungs, and heart.
Feta cheese is one of the cheeses with the lowest potassium content. However, it still contains phosphorus. A half cup of whole milk crumbled feta cheese contains 328 mg of phosphorus, of which you’ll absorb 262 to 328 mg. While feta cheese does contain phosphorus, it does not contain phosphorus additives. Phosphorus additives are usually found in processed cheese sauce, canned spray cheese, pasteurized cheese products, and processed American cheese.
If you need to limit phosphorus, it is important to look for ingredients on the label that contain "phos", indicating the presence of additional phosphorus ingredients. It is also recommended to consult with a kidney dietitian to determine the appropriate amount and type of cheese that can be included in the diet.
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Limit portion sizes to include feta cheese in a kidney-friendly diet
Feta cheese can be included in a kidney-friendly diet, but it is important to limit portion sizes due to its high sodium and phosphorus content. While feta cheese does not typically contain phosphorus additives, it is still a significant source of phosphorus, with one ounce containing approximately 96 mg. Regarding sodium, feta cheese is generally considered very high in this mineral.
To include feta cheese in a kidney-friendly diet, it is recommended to limit portion sizes and choose lower-sodium foods for the rest of the day or meal to offset the high sodium content of feta. This approach can help balance your overall sodium intake while still enjoying feta cheese in moderation. It is also important to note that the amount and type of cheese you can include in your diet may depend on the stage of your kidney disease and the specific recommendations from your healthcare team.
When incorporating feta cheese into your diet, consider having a small amount as a topping or ingredient in salads, sandwiches, or pasta dishes. For example, you could crumble feta over a Greek salad or use it as a flavourful addition to wholegrain crackers or homemade bread. Remember to read labels and compare different brands to find the lowest sodium options available. Additionally, pairing feta with low-sodium foods can help balance your overall sodium intake.
It is worth noting that while feta cheese can be a tasty addition to a kidney-friendly diet, there are other cheeses that may be more suitable depending on your specific needs. For instance, goat cheese is recommended for those with kidney disease as it is lower in sodium and potassium. Other cheeses that are generally considered kidney-friendly include cream cheese, ricotta, and Swiss cheese. Remember to always consult with a registered dietitian or your healthcare provider to determine the best dietary choices for your individual needs.
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Frequently asked questions
Feta cheese is typically very high in sodium, which is not suitable for a kidney-friendly diet. However, feta cheese can be included in a kidney-friendly diet if you limit the portion size and choose some lower-sodium foods in other parts of the day or meal to offset the higher sodium content. Feta cheese is also one of the lowest in potassium and does not contain phosphorus additives, which is a good thing.
Goat cheese, ricotta, cottage cheese, and Swiss cheese are some options that are lower in sodium. Cream cheese, mascarpone, paneer, and quark are good options as they are low in salt and phosphate.
It is important to choose low-phosphorus cheeses. Many cheese products contain phosphorus additives to help them melt better and have a creamier texture. It is also recommended to choose low-salt options most of the time and eat moderate to high-salt cheeses occasionally and in smaller quantities.
People with kidney disease may need to monitor their potassium levels. While potassium is a necessary mineral, people with kidney disease can be at risk of having too much or too little potassium. It is also important to consider the source of protein. Protein from animal sources, including cheese, can contribute to metabolic acidosis, so it may be beneficial to choose plant-based protein options. Additionally, people with kidney disease may need to monitor their phosphorus intake and work with a dietitian to create a diet plan.
