Brenda Khan
A renal diet is a diet for people with kidney disease. It involves limiting the intake of certain minerals such as potassium, salt, and phosphorus, which can build up in the body and cause serious health issues when the kidneys are not functioning properly. While cheese is often limited on a renal diet due to its high phosphorus and sodium content, some cheeses are more kidney-friendly and can be incorporated into the diet. These include cream cheese, brie, ricotta, Swiss, and goat cheese.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Phosphorus | High in most cheeses |
| Sodium | High in some cheeses |
| Potassium | Typically low in cheese, but added to some low-sodium cheeses |
| Dialysis | Patients undergoing dialysis may be able to include more cheese in their diet |
| Probiotics | Some cheeses contain probiotics or "good" bacteria, including Swiss, Gouda, Gruyere, cheddar, and cottage cheese |
| Serving Size | 1 ounce (28 grams) |
| Recommended Low-Phosphorus Cheeses | Cream cheese, brie, ricotta, margarine, heavy cream, and sherbet |
| Recommended Low-Potassium Cheeses | Feta and goat cheese |
| Recommended Low-Sodium Cheeses | Ricotta, cottage cheese (no salt added), and Swiss cheese |
| Overall CKD-Friendly Cheeses | Cream cheese, goat cheese, ricotta, and parmesan |
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What You'll Learn
Low-phosphorus cheeses
Many cheeses are high in phosphorus and sodium, but some are lower in these substances and can be enjoyed by people with kidney disease. The amount and type of cheese that can be consumed depends on the stage of kidney disease and the type of dialysis being received.
If you need to limit phosphorus, look for added phosphorus in the ingredients list. These additives are usually found in processed cheese sauce, canned spray cheese, pasteurized cheese products, and processed American cheese. Phosphorus does not need to be limited unless laboratory results show high phosphorus levels; a kidney dietitian will advise on this.
Cheeses that are lower in sodium include Brie, cream cheese, goat cheese, natural sharp cheddar, natural Swiss cheese, and ricotta. In general, limiting hard and processed cheeses will help keep sodium intake down.
Some cheeses may contain probiotics or "good" bacteria to improve digestive health, including Swiss, Gouda, Gruyere, cheddar, and cottage cheese.
Daiya cheese is an acceptable substitute, with 120 mg of sodium, 11 mg of potassium, and 13 mg of phosphorus per ounce. Gouda has about 155 mg of phosphorus and 230 mg of sodium per ounce, so it can be included in the diet if other adjustments are made.
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Sodium intake
Many cheeses are high in phosphorus and sodium, but some are suitable for a renal diet. The recommended sodium intake for CKD is 2300 mg per day, so use caution and choose low-sodium cheese options.
Sodium is a mineral that makes up a significant part of table salt, but not all. It is also found naturally in many food sources. The body needs sodium to survive, as it helps nerves and muscles function correctly, and it also helps the body control fluid levels and blood pressure. Sodium has to be consumed because the body cannot make it on its own, which gives people the opportunity to eat too much. When the kidneys are not healthy, extra sodium and fluid buildup in the body, causing swollen ankles, puffiness, a rise in blood pressure, shortness of breath, and/or fluid around the heart and lungs.
To reduce sodium in your diet, use herbs and spices for flavour instead of salt. Read food labels and choose those foods low in sodium. If you need to limit potassium, avoid salt substitutes (such as potassium chloride) and specialty low-sodium foods made with salt substitutes, as they are high in potassium. When eating out, ask for foods prepared without salt and request gravy or sauce on the side, as these may contain large amounts of salt and should be used sparingly.
Some cheeses that are lower in sodium include Daiya cheese, with 120 mg of sodium per ounce, and Gouda, with 230 mg of sodium per ounce. Smoked gouda will likely have more sodium due to the smoking process.
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Potassium in cheese
While cheese is often limited on a kidney diet due to its high phosphorus and sodium content, it can be incorporated into a renal diet in moderation. The key is to do your research and choose low-phosphorus and low-sodium options.
Cheese and dairy products are sources of potassium, phosphorus, and sodium. If you have kidney disease, you may need to monitor your intake of these nutrients. Potassium in cheese is typically low, with an average of 35 milligrams of potassium per ounce of cheese. However, some low-sodium cheese options may have potassium chloride added, increasing the potassium content. For example, Daiya cheese, a cheese substitute, contains 11 mg of potassium per ounce.
Some cheeses that are relatively low in potassium include feta cheese, with 18 milligrams of potassium per ounce, and fontina cheese, a hard cheese with the same amount of potassium per ounce. The lowest-potassium cheese is goat cheese, which provides only 7 milligrams of potassium per ounce. However, goat cheese also contains 130 milligrams of sodium per ounce, so it should be consumed in moderation if sodium is a concern.
It is important to note that the amount and type of cheese that can be included in a renal diet will depend on the individual's specific health condition and requirements. Those with kidney disease should consult with a kidney dietitian or healthcare professional to determine the appropriate amount and type of cheese that can be included in their diet.
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Dialysis and cheese
For people on dialysis, cheese can be incorporated into a renal diet, but it requires research and moderation. Many cheeses are high in phosphorus and sodium, which can cause health issues for dialysis patients, including high blood pressure and swelling in the body. However, some cheeses are lower in these minerals and can be enjoyed in moderation.
The recommended daily intake of sodium for chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients is 2300 mg. Patients can control their fluid and blood pressure by choosing low-sodium cheese options. However, some low-sodium cheeses have added potassium chloride, so it is important to check the labels.
Phosphorus does not always need to be limited, but it is recommended that patients with high phosphorus levels consult a kidney dietitian to determine if they need to restrict their intake. Phosphorus is often added to processed cheese products, so it is important to check the ingredients for terms like "phos".
Some cheeses that are lower in phosphorus include cream cheese, brie, parmesan, margarine, heavy cream, ricotta, and goat cheese. Overall CKD-friendly options include cream cheese, goat cheese, ricotta, and parmesan.
For patients on peritoneal dialysis, phosphorus must still be limited. However, daily and nocturnal hemodialysis patients can remove more phosphorus and fluid from their bodies, allowing for potentially more cheese in the diet. People on hemodialysis also have higher protein needs, so they may incorporate more high-protein foods into their diets.
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Kidney-friendly options
Many cheeses are high in phosphorus and sodium, but some can be incorporated into a renal diet. The recommended daily intake of sodium for CKD is 2300 mg, so it is important to choose low-sodium cheese options. Phosphorus does not need to be limited unless laboratory results show high phosphorus levels.
The amount and type of cheese that can be included in a renal diet will depend on the stage of kidney disease and the type of dialysis. Patients receiving peritoneal dialysis, for example, need to limit phosphorus. Daily and nocturnal hemodialysis, on the other hand, remove more phosphorus and fluid from the body, so more cheese may be allowed in the diet.
Some kidney-friendly cheese options that are lower in phosphorus include cream cheese, brie, parmesan, and goat cheese. Feta and goat cheese are the lowest in potassium. Ricotta, cottage cheese with no salt added, and Swiss cheese are the lowest in sodium.
It is important to check ingredient labels, as potassium chloride is sometimes added to low-sodium cheese options, and phosphorus additives are often included in processed cheese sauce, canned spray cheese, pasteurized cheese products, and processed American cheese. Tools like the DaVita Food Analyzer and the USDA’s nutrient database can also help identify kidney-friendly cheese options.
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Frequently asked questions
The lowest in phosphorus are cream cheese, brie, parmesan, and goat cheese. The lowest in potassium are feta and goat cheese. The lowest in sodium are ricotta, cottage cheese with no salt added, and Swiss cheese. Overall, the best options for a renal diet are cream cheese, goat cheese, ricotta, and parmesan.
Cheeses that are high in phosphorus and sodium should be avoided. These include processed cheese sauce, canned spray cheese, pasteurized cheese products, and processed American cheese.
The general serving size for cheese is one ounce, which is approximately 30 grams or the size of your thumb. However, it is important to note that the amount of cheese that can be consumed may vary depending on the stage of kidney disease and the type of dialysis.
Yes, there are several dairy and non-dairy alternatives that can be included. Dairy alternatives include margarine, heavy cream, Greek yogurt, and non-dairy alternatives include low-sodium crackers, pita chips, tortilla chips, and popcorn.
