Patient Blog

What Is Phosphorus? Phosphorus is a mineral found in bones and teeth. It is also involved in cell maintenance and helps in the production and storage of energy in the body. When kidneys are working, they filter excess phosphorus from the blood through the urine to keep the right amount in the blood. Normal Phosphorus levels in the blood are … Read More

When you have kidney disease, Mineral and Bone Disorder (offer referred to as MBD) Is one of the many complications that can occur.  MBD happens when there is an imbalance in your blood levels of minerals such as calcium and phosphorus. Minerals are nutrients that your body needs to help keep your bones healthy and when this imbalance occurs, bones … Read More

Mineral and bone disorder can cause you to have: Itchy skin Bone pain Weak bones that break easily Blocked blood vessels Heart problems Anemia Nerve problems Difficulty fighting off germs  How do I know if I have mineral and bone disorder? You will have blood tests to check your blood levels of calcium, phosphorus, PTH, and vitamin D. These levels … Read More

Once you have been diagnosed with mineral and bone disorder, diet and certain medications may help slow down the loss of bone and the buildup of minerals in blood vessels and the heart. Treatment will be based on the results of your tests and how quickly those results are changing.  Both your doctor and your dietician will review your lab results … Read More

Phosphate binders help to keep phosphorus in your blood at the right level.  Phosphorus is in many foods and especially foods with preservatives.  What phosphate binders do is help stop phosphorus in foods you eat from getting into your blood. They “bind” to the phosphorus while it is in your digestive system and then that bonded product is eliminated when you go to … Read More

There are many foods that are high in phosphorus and it is very important that you do your best to reduce your intake of phosphorus. The list below is only an example of some foods that you will want to eliminate or reduce in your daily intake. Drinks: Ale, beer, Canned or bottled iced teas, Cocoa, chocolate drinks, Dark colas, … Read More

People with mineral and bone disorder need to limit high-phosphorus foods. They need to get the right amount of calcium and protein, too. Foods with phosphate additives tend to raise blood phosphorus levels because this type of phosphorus is easier for your body to absorb than the phosphorus found naturally in foods. Phosphorus additives are in most processed and fast … Read More