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How can you care for yourself when you have hyperphosphatemia?
- Take your medicines exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor if you have any problems with your medicine. You may need to take a phosphorus binder with all your meals. This medicine keeps your body from taking in phosphorus. You also may take an active form of vitamin D that helps balance the calcium and phosphorus in your blood.
- Tell your doctor if you take any other medicines or supplements. These may have phosphorus.
- Work with your doctor and a dietitian to find out how much phosphorus you can have in your diet. A dietitian can help you plan meals.
- Avoid or limit foods that have phosphorus:
- Avoid or limit milk and dairy products, like cheese, yogurt, pudding, and ice cream. Try flavored ice pops or sorbet instead of ice cream. Use nondairy creamers, soy milk, or rice milk to replace milk. But make sure the brands are low in phosphorus.
- Avoid or limit beans, peas, and lentils. Try green beans, cabbage, carrots, lettuce, and bell peppers instead.
- Avoid or limit bran or whole wheat cereals and whole-grain breads. Have corn and rice cereals and French, Italian, and white breads.
- Avoid or limit brown rice or wild rice. Eat white rice, pasta, grits, or couscous instead.
- Avoid or limit nuts, seeds, and nut butters. Use jam, jelly, honey, cream cheese, margarine, or butter.
- Avoid or limit drinks such as cola drinks, cocoa, and beer. Try homemade lemonade or iced tea, cranberry juice, or root beer.
- Ask your doctor if you can take an antihistamine to help reduce itching. Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
Hyperphosphatemia: When to call
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if you are having any problems.
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The content above contains general health information provided by Healthwise, Incorporated, and reviewed by its medical experts. This content should not replace the advice of your healthcare provider. Not all treatments or services described are offered as services by us. For recommended treatments, please consult your healthcare provider.