Randy Chandler
Many cheeses are high in phosphorus, sodium, and saturated fat, which can be harmful to people with kidney disease. However, not all cheese is off the menu for those with kidney disease. Lower-fat, low-phosphorus, and low-sodium cheeses can be suitable for people with kidney disease, depending on the stage of the disease and the type of dialysis they are receiving. In addition, nondairy and plant-based cheeses are often lower in sodium and saturated fat, making them a good alternative for those with kidney disease.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of cheese | Natural, less processed cheeses such as mozzarella, cheddar, Swiss, Gouda, Gruyere, cottage cheese, cream cheese, brie, parmesan, goat cheese, feta, and ricotta. |
| Frequency | Cheese can be enjoyed safely in moderation. |
| Portion size | 1 ounce or 30 grams is the usual serving size. |
| Dietary restrictions | Limit sodium, phosphorus, and potassium. |
| Transplant patients | Avoid all unpasteurized dairy products. |
| Kidney stones | Eating calcium with meals can help prevent stone formation. Limit animal protein for cysteine or uric acid stones. |
| Non-dairy options | Daiya cheese, vegan cheese, and nondairy cheese are suitable substitutes. |
| Dialysis | Daily and nocturnal hemodialysis can allow for more cheese in the diet. |
| Other considerations | Check with a healthcare provider or dietitian for personalized recommendations. |
| General guidelines | Creating a kidney-friendly food list and grocery list can help in maintaining a kidney-friendly diet. |
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What You'll Learn
What are the best cheeses for calcium oxalate stones?
While many cheeses are high in phosphorus and sodium, there are lower-phosphorus and sodium cheeses that are more suitable for people with kidney disease. For those with calcium oxalate stones, eating calcium with meals can help prevent stone formation.
Cheese is a good source of calcium, protein, vitamin B12, vitamin A, and phosphorus. Some cheeses may also contain probiotics or "good" bacteria that improve digestive health, including Swiss, Gouda, Gruyere, cheddar, and cottage cheese. The amount and type of cheese that can be consumed will depend on the stage of kidney disease and the type of dialysis being received. For example, those receiving peritoneal dialysis must limit phosphorus.
Some of the lowest-phosphorus cheeses include cream cheese, brie, parmesan, and goat cheese. Feta and goat cheese are the lowest in potassium, while ricotta, cottage cheese with no salt added, and Swiss cheese are the lowest in sodium. Overall, the best cheeses for a kidney-friendly diet include cream cheese, goat cheese, ricotta, and parmesan.
It is important to note that nondairy cheese is generally suitable for those with kidney disease, as it is essential to check the label for sodium content and any phosphorus additives. Additionally, natural cheeses (like mozzarella, cheddar, and Swiss) are better options than processed cheeses (like American cheese or cheese dip).
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Which cheeses are low in phosphorus?
While cheese is a tasty treat, it is often limited on the kidney diet due to its high phosphorus, sodium, and potassium content. However, some cheeses are lower in phosphorus and can be enjoyed by people with kidney disease.
Phosphorus is not typically listed on cheese labels, but dairy products are usually high in phosphorus. However, some cheeses have less than 100 mg of phosphorus per serving. These include brie, cream cheese, goat cheese, natural sharp cheddar, natural Swiss cheese, and ricotta.
When choosing cheese, it is important to avoid those with added phosphorus, which can be identified by looking for "phos" on the ingredients list. Processed cheese, such as canned spray cheese, pasteurized cheese products, and processed American cheese, often contain added phosphorus.
In addition to phosphorus, it is also important to consider the sodium content of cheese, especially for those with kidney disease. Lower-sodium cheeses include brie, cream cheese, goat cheese, natural sharp cheddar, natural Swiss cheese, and ricotta.
It is recommended to consult with a renal dietitian to determine if and how much cheese can be incorporated into a kidney-friendly diet, as the type and amount of cheese may vary depending on the stage of kidney disease and the type of dialysis received.
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What are some good cheese options for people on dialysis?
Many cheeses are high in phosphorus and sodium, which can be problematic for people with kidney disease. However, some cheeses are lower in these nutrients and can be suitable for those on dialysis. The amount and type of cheese that can be consumed will depend on the stage of kidney disease and the specific dialysis treatment. It is always recommended to consult a kidney dietitian or healthcare professional for personalized advice.
Some general guidelines for choosing cheese when on dialysis include opting for low-phosphorus and low-sodium varieties. Phosphorus additives in cheese should be avoided. Checking the ingredient list and looking for words related to "phos" can help identify the presence of phosphorus additives. In addition, choosing low-fat versions of cheese can be beneficial, as many cheeses are also high in saturated fat.
There are several cheese options that are considered more kidney-friendly and can be incorporated into the diet of those on dialysis:
- Cream cheese
- Goat cheese
- Ricotta
- Parmesan
- Brie
- Swiss cheese
- Cottage cheese (no salt added)
For those who need to limit protein from animal sources, nondairy cheese or vegan cheese can be suitable alternatives. Daiya cheese, for example, has lower phosphorus, sodium, and potassium content compared to some other cheeses.
It is important to remember that portion size and frequency of consumption are also key factors when incorporating cheese into a renal diet. While cheese can be a tasty treat or snack, mindful consumption can help those on dialysis safely enjoy cheese as part of their diet.
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What are the best natural cheeses for kidney disease?
Many cheeses are high in phosphorus, sodium, and saturated fat, which can be harmful to people with kidney disease. However, some natural cheeses are lower in these substances and can be enjoyed by people with kidney disease in moderation. The frequency and portion sizes should be kept in mind while consuming cheese.
Cream cheese, for example, is low in sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and protein, making it a good choice for those on a traditional kidney diet. Similarly, goat cheese is low in phosphorus and potassium, while ricotta and cottage cheese are low in sodium. Other natural cheeses that are better options than processed cheeses include mozzarella, Swiss, and cheddar.
It is important to note that the type and amount of cheese that can be consumed depend on the stage of kidney disease and the type of dialysis. For instance, those with calcium oxalate stones are advised to eat calcium with meals, while those with cysteine or uric acid stones should limit protein from animal sources. People who have received kidney transplants should avoid all unpasteurized dairy products and choose low-sodium options.
In conclusion, while some natural cheeses are more kidney-friendly than others, it is always best to consult with a healthcare professional or a kidney dietitian to determine the appropriate type and amount of cheese to include in the diet.
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Which cheeses are lowest in sodium?
Many cheeses are high in phosphorus and sodium, but some are more suitable for people with kidney disease. According to the FDA, anything under 140mg of sodium per serving is considered low sodium. Here are some cheeses that are lower in sodium:
- Mountain-style cheeses such as Gruyère, fresh chèvre, and Swiss have between 50 and 95 milligrams of sodium per ounce.
- Daiya cheese, a cheese substitute, has 120 mg of sodium per ounce.
- Gouda has about 230mg of sodium per ounce, but it can still fit into a kidney-friendly diet if you adjust the rest of your daily intake.
It is important to note that the amount and type of cheese you can consume will depend on your specific condition and treatment. For example, those who have received kidney transplants should avoid all unpasteurized dairy products and choose low-sodium options for fluid and blood pressure control. Additionally, those with cysteine or uric acid stones should limit protein from animal sources.
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Frequently asked questions
Generally, natural cheeses with lower phosphorus and sodium content are more suitable for people with kidney disease. Some examples include cream cheese, goat cheese, ricotta, and parmesan.
Yes, it is recommended to avoid highly processed cheeses, such as American cheese and cheese dips, as they tend to have high levels of sodium and phosphorus. Blue cheese is also very high in sodium and should be avoided.
For those on dialysis, it is important to monitor portion sizes and frequency of cheese consumption. During dialysis, the body removes more phosphorus and fluid, so the amount of cheese allowed in the diet may vary. It is always best to consult with a kidney dietitian for personalized recommendations.
Yes, nondairy cheese alternatives, such as vegan or plant-based cheeses, can be suitable for those with kidney disease. These alternatives often have lower sodium and phosphorus content, but it is important to check the labels to ensure they meet your specific dietary needs.
