When you’re diagnosed with chronic kidney disease, diet becomes a balancing act and trying to maintain equal (acceptably healthy) levels of phosphorous (along with protein and potassium, among others) is a full-time task. One of the main reasons for this is that phosphorous isn’t readily excreted by impaired kidneys.

This can lead to lots of problems, but specifically involves the  Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) hormone, which starts in the bone to relate to the kidney whose job it is to get rid of excess phosphorus but when a person has renal failure and kidneys don’t work, the bone keeps producing this hormone because it does not know that the kidney stopped working which results in a build-up of FGF23 in the blood.

This build-up can have bad effects on other organs, for example, the cardiovascular system. The heart gets larger which is known as hypertrophy and this increases the chance of death.

Researchers have tried to figure out how to lower levels of FGF23 and after a clinical trial of 21 patients in dialysis treatment they found that by having a diet low in phosphorus and taking medication with
phosphate binders which prevent the body from absorbing it, the patients showed corrected high levels of phosphorus and a decrease of the FGF23 hormone.

In short, lowering phosphorus levels can also help to decrease FGF23 and reduce the risks of heart problems and circulation.

With medication and a diet low in phosphorus, people who suffer from kidney failure are able to lower the levels of FGF23 in their bodies, future research aims to study how this reduction increases life
expectancy in the long term.

For a complete guide about protein, phosphorous and potassium content in some of the most common food items, look no further than our All-Natural Kidney Health and Kidney Function Restoration Program which includes a special guide specifically geared toward keeping track of these levels.