Which two nutrients should you avoid if you have kidney disease?

October 13, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the National Kidney Foundation, people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) should limit or avoid foods high in certain minerals. Knowing which two nutrients should you avoid if you have kidney disease is critical to protecting your health and preventing further damage.

Quick Summary

People with kidney disease must limit their intake of potassium and phosphorus to protect their cardiovascular and skeletal systems, as compromised kidneys cannot properly filter these minerals. Learning to identify high-potassium and high-phosphorus foods and making suitable dietary swaps is essential for managing the condition.

Key Points

Potassium and Phosphorus: These are the two primary nutrients that should be limited or avoided with kidney disease, as compromised kidneys cannot filter them effectively.
Hyperkalemia Risk: High potassium (hyperkalemia) can cause serious, life-threatening heart problems, including heart attacks.
Skeletal and Vascular Damage: Excess phosphorus can weaken bones and lead to harmful calcium deposits in blood vessels, increasing heart attack and stroke risk.
Limit Processed Foods: Processed and packaged foods are often loaded with phosphorus additives, which are highly absorbed by the body.
Opt for Smart Swaps: Trade high-potassium foods like bananas and potatoes for lower-potassium alternatives such as apples, berries, and white rice.
Use Cooking Techniques: Leaching by boiling vegetables can help reduce their potassium content.
Consider Medications: For advanced cases, phosphate and potassium binders may be necessary alongside dietary changes to control mineral levels.
Consult a Professional: Always work with a healthcare provider and a registered renal dietitian to create a safe and effective meal plan.

The Importance of Dietary Restrictions in Kidney Disease

For individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD), proper nutrition is a cornerstone of managing the condition and slowing its progression. As kidney function declines, the kidneys lose their ability to filter waste products and excess minerals from the blood, leading to potentially dangerous imbalances. While several dietary considerations exist, including limiting sodium and managing protein intake, two specific nutrients—potassium and phosphorus—pose significant risks when not properly managed. A balanced, kidney-friendly diet helps maintain the proper balance of minerals in the body and reduces the strain on already damaged kidneys.

Why You Must Avoid High Potassium

Potassium is a mineral vital for proper nerve and muscle function, including the muscles that control the heartbeat. Healthy kidneys regulate potassium levels by removing any excess through urine. However, when kidney function is impaired, potassium can build up in the blood, a condition known as hyperkalemia. This can be life-threatening, as dangerously high potassium levels can lead to serious heart problems, heart attacks, or even death.

High-Potassium Foods to Avoid or Limit

Fruits: Bananas, oranges, cantaloupe, honeydew, mangoes, papayas, and most dried fruits.
Vegetables: Potatoes (both white and sweet), tomatoes and tomato products, avocados, and cooked spinach or Swiss chard.
Legumes: Lentils and beans, such as baked beans, black beans, and refried beans.
Dairy: Some dairy products, including milk, yogurt, and ice cream.
Other: Nuts, seeds, bran products, and salt substitutes containing potassium chloride.

The Dangers of Excess Phosphorus

Phosphorus is another mineral crucial for healthy bones and teeth. Just like potassium, healthy kidneys maintain the proper level of phosphorus in the blood. When CKD limits this ability, excess phosphorus accumulates in the bloodstream. This can have severe consequences, including weakening bones by pulling calcium from them, and causing harmful mineral deposits in blood vessels, eyes, and the heart, which increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. It can also cause itchy skin and bone or joint pain.

Foods High in Phosphorus to Avoid

Processed and Packaged Foods: Many processed foods, like fast food, packaged meats (bacon, sausage), and frozen dinners, contain phosphorus additives. Check ingredient lists for words containing "PHOS".
Dark-Colored Sodas: Many dark sodas contain phosphoric acid, a type of inorganic phosphorus that is highly absorbable by the body.
Dairy Products: Milk, cheese, pudding, and yogurt are natural sources of phosphorus.
Whole Grains and Legumes: Whole-grain bread, brown rice, and many beans contain higher levels of phosphorus compared to their white or refined counterparts.
Nuts and Seeds: Many nuts and seeds are high in phosphorus.

Smart Food Swaps for a Kidney-Friendly Diet

Managing your intake of potassium and phosphorus is about making conscious choices and finding suitable alternatives. Working with a renal dietitian is crucial for creating a personalized plan, but understanding simple swaps can make a big difference in daily meal planning. Cooking methods can also help, as boiling and draining can remove some potassium from vegetables like potatoes.


High-Potassium Food	Low-Potassium Alternative	High-Phosphorus Food	Low-Phosphorus Alternative
Bananas	Apples, berries, grapes, plums	Dark Colas	Root beer, lemon-lime soda
Potatoes	White rice, white pasta, couscous	Processed Meats	Fresh, unprocessed meat
Tomatoes	Bell peppers, onions, celery	Dairy Milk	Unenriched rice or almond milk
Oranges	Cranberries, grape juice	Whole-Grain Bread	White bread, sourdough bread
Dried Fruits	Fresh fruits like apples or pears	Processed Cheese	Small amounts of hard cheese like Swiss or brie

The Role of Phosphate and Potassium Binders

Beyond dietary changes, people with advanced CKD may need medication to manage mineral levels. Phosphate binders, which can be pills, chewable tablets, or powders, are taken with meals to prevent the absorption of phosphorus from food. The binder acts like a sponge, and the bound phosphorus is removed from the body through stool. In some cases, potassium binders may also be prescribed to help remove excess potassium from the body. These medical interventions, along with strict dietary adherence, are essential for controlling mineral imbalances that can lead to severe health complications.

Conclusion: A Proactive Approach is Key

Effectively managing kidney disease requires a proactive and informed approach to nutrition. By understanding and limiting the intake of potassium and phosphorus, individuals can significantly mitigate the risk of serious complications affecting the heart and bones. Consulting with a healthcare provider and a registered renal dietitian is the most effective way to develop a safe and tailored dietary plan that meets individual needs and health goals. Being mindful of food choices, both at home and when eating out, is a powerful step toward protecting your health and improving your quality of life with kidney disease.

Important Note

This article provides general information and should not replace advice from a qualified healthcare professional. For a personalized diet plan and medical guidance, always consult a doctor or a registered dietitian, especially one specializing in kidney health. A reliable source for finding a renal dietitian is the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics through their online directory.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have kidney disease, your kidneys cannot remove excess potassium from your blood effectively, leading to a condition called hyperkalemia. High levels of potassium can cause dangerous heart rhythm problems and even a heart attack.

Excess phosphorus pulls calcium from your bones to compensate, weakening them and increasing the risk of fractures. High phosphorus can also lead to painful and dangerous calcium deposits in your blood vessels, heart, and lungs.

Yes, many foods are high in both, including dairy products like milk and yogurt, as well as nuts and legumes. Processed meats can also contain additives rich in both minerals.

Yes. Leaching vegetables by dicing them and boiling them in a large amount of water can significantly reduce their potassium content.

Check the ingredient list for words that include "PHOS," such as phosphoric acid, disodium phosphate, or monosodium phosphate. These added forms of phosphorus are more easily absorbed by the body than naturally occurring phosphorus.

Instead of high-potassium fruits like bananas and oranges, opt for berries (strawberries, blueberries), apples, grapes, plums, and canned peaches (drained).

Avoid dark colas, as they contain phosphoric acid. Safe alternatives include water, root beer, lemon-lime soda, and unsweetened cranberry or apple juice.