Can I Make My Own Vegan Cheese With Kidney Disease
Who doesn't love cheese!? Whether it is cheese on a sandwich, a cheesy sauce, string cheese or a fancy French cheese plate, cheese is truly one of my favorite foods. But, does low phosphorus cheese exist? Is cheese a kidney friendly food?
Let me help clear this up for you.
Cheese On a Renal Diet
So, can you eat cheese on a kidney-friendly or low phosphorus diet? I have great news for you – yes! Cheese can fit into a healthy diet for kidney disease. But, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Absorption of Phosphorus in Cheese
Our bodies absorb phosphorus differently from different foods. Our bodies absorb very little phosphorus from plant foods such as whole grains, beans and nuts. On the other end of the spectrum, we absorb about 90% of phosphorus from meat, poultry and fish.
In terms of phosphorus absorption, dairy and cheese are closer to meat. We absorb about 80% of the phosphorus in cheese.(1) Because of this, cheese can contribute a large phosphorus load if you are not careful.
Portion Size of Cheese
To help control how much phosphorus you eat, portion size is key! Even a low phosphorus cheese can become a high phosphorus cheese if you eat a lot of it. Most of the phosphorus amounts in the table below are for a 3/4 ounce serving size. This is about 1 slice of cheese, or a chunk the size of 3 dice.
Phosphorus Additives in Cheese
While 80% of the phosphorus in cheese is absorbed, nearly 100% of phosphorus is absorbed from phosphorus food additives. Some cheeses have phosphorus food additives in addition to the phosphorus that naturally occurs in cheese. Cheeses with phosphorus additives should be avoided.
In general, highly processed cheeses are more likely to have phosphorus food additives. These cheeses also tend to be higher in sodium. Some common highly processed cheeses are:
- American Cheese (white & yellow)
- Nacho Cheese Sauce
- Velveeta Cheese
- Canned Cheese
- Macaroni & Cheese made from a box or powder
Understand more about how to find phosphorus food additives.
Sodium in Cheese
Remember that a low phosphorus cheese isn't necessarily a healthy choice for a renal diet. Cheese can be very high in sodium too.
Make sure to account for the sodium in cheese in your daily total. People who have kidney disease should limit sodium to 2,300mg per day.(2) Staying below 2,300mg of sodium might be difficult if you eat large amounts of very salty cheeses like feta, Asiago or Parmesan.
Potassium in Cheese
Potassium is a mineral that some people with kidney disease need to limit. Because cheese is made from milk, and milk is high in potassium, many wonder about potassium in cheese.
Most of the potassium in milk is lost during the processing of cheese. And, a portion of cheese in much smaller than a glass of milk. Because of this, most cheeses are relatively low in potassium. However, be careful of portion size here too. Large amounts of cheese can add up!
Different Phosphorus Needs For Different People
The most important thing to remember about a kidney friendly diet, is that it must be individualized. What is healthy for one person with kidney disease, might not be for someone else. How much phosphorus you should eat is based on your lab values.
For people with kidney disease, eating too much phosphorus can increase the risk of heart disease and weak bones. High phosphorus levels are even associated with faster progression of kidney disease and death.(3)
Always as you doctor or dietitian what is best for you based on your lab results and medical history.
Low Phosphorus Cheese
The amount of phosphorus in cheese varies quite a bit. Phosphorus ranges from 15mg up to 160mg per standard portion size of cheese. So, what cheeses are considered a "low phosphorus cheese"?
Check out this table to find your favorite cheese! Remember, the nutrition values provided are just a guide. The specific amounts of a nutrient can vary widely based on the brand of cheese you buy. Always make sure to check the nutrition facts label – especially for sodium! And, don't forget to check for those phosphorus additive ingredients.
| Serving Size | Sodium | Potassium | Phosphorus | Calcium | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| American | 3/4 oz | 269 | 62 | 161 | 289 |
| Blue or Roquefort | 3/4 oz | 241 | 54 | 81 | 111 |
| Brie | 3/4 oz | 132 | 32 | 40 | 39 |
| Cheddar | 3/4 oz | 137 | 16 | 96 | 148 |
| Chihuahua | 3/4 oz | 131 | 11 | 97 | 138 |
| Colby | 3/4 oz | 128 | 27 | 98 | 146 |
| Cotija | 3/4 oz | 330 | 16 | 97 | 150 |
| Cottage Cheese | 1/2 cup | 337 | 126 | 156 | 108 |
| Cream Cheese | 1 oz | 89 | 37 | 30 | 28 |
| Edam | 3/4 oz | 207 | 40 | 114 | 155 |
| Farmer's Cheese | 1/2 cup | 312 | 103 | 158 | 82 |
| Feta | 3/4 oz | 242 | 14 | 72 | 105 |
| Fontina | 3/4 oz | 168 | 13 | 73 | 116 |
| Fresco | 3/4 oz | 160 | 27 | 82 | 120 |
| Havarti | 3/4 oz | 160 | 9 | 86 | 122 |
| Goat (chevre) | 3/4 oz | 87 | 33 | 79 | 63 |
| Gouda | 3/4 oz | 174 | 26 | 116 | 149 |
| Gruyere | 3/4 oz | 150 | 17 | 127 | 212 |
| Mascarpone | 1/4 cup | 25 | 77 | 48 | 54 |
| Monterey (or Pepperjack) | 3/4 oz | 126 | 17 | 93 | 157 |
| Mozzarella | 3/4 oz | 147 | 24 | 112 | 146 |
| Muenster | 3/4 oz | 132 | 28 | 98 | 151 |
| Nacho Cheese Sauce | 1/4 cup | 522 | 19 | 99 | 116 |
| Parmesan | 3/4 oz | 372 | 39 | 135 | 188 |
| Provolone | 3/4 oz | 153 | 29 | 104 | 159 |
| Ricotta | 1/4 cup | 63 | 110 | 106 | 153 |
| Romano | 3/4 oz | 305 | 18 | 161 | 227 |
| Substitute, almond based | 3/4 oz | 141 | 15 | 13 | 185 |
| Substitute, cream cheese | 1 oz | 160 | 41 | 13 | 29 |
| Substitute, mozzarella | 3/4 oz | 144 | 96 | 122 | 128 |
| Substitute, rice based | 3/4 oz | 141 | 5 | 2 | 185 |
| Substitute, soy based | 3/4 oz | 185 | 25 | 12 | 6 |
| Substitute, tapioca based | 3/4 oz | 188 | 2 | 8 | 2 |
| Swiss | 3/4 oz | 40 | 16 | 126 | 195 |
Happy Eating!
Melanie
Can I Make My Own Vegan Cheese With Kidney Disease
Source: https://www.thekidneydietitian.org/low-phosphorus-cheese/