Americans and many people across the world literally love cheese. It’s an all-time favorite food and consumption data published by USDA unfolded many surprises. From 1977 to 2017, Americans increased the amount of cheese every person ate each year from 16 lbs to 37 lbs. At a 21 lbs increase per person, cheese is undoubtedly one of the favorite foods in America.
It’s the endorphins released by the cheese which brings out the fattiness mimicking an umami effect. Cheese also triggers dopamine production so don’t ask yourself why you always want more cheese.
Now, for someone living with kidney disease, cheese must be avoided or limited. It’s the high sodium content and phosphorus content that you want to stay away from. Some cheeses even have high amounts of protein in them. For those following a vegan diet, you should avoid cheese at all times.
However, for those who just simply can’t resist not having cheese in their diet, even if it’s a renal diet, Robert has put together a list of safe cheeses one can eat with kidney disease. This list is usually lower in phosphorus and tends to be lower in sodium. Even if you include cheese in your renal diet, you must enjoy it in small portions.
Robert encourages those on a renal diet to think of cheese as a condiment. Something that you’d use in very small amounts for flavor. He even shares some tips on how to include cheese in your veggie burgers in order to reduce phosphorus and sodium intake. Commonly, a serving of under an ounce is suggested for those with kidney disease.
Here are the cheeses you can include in a renal diet:
- Brie cheese
- Cream cheese
- Feta cheese
- Fontina cheese
- Goat cheese
- Sharp cheddar
- Shredded parmesan
The list above is of cheeses you can incorporate in small amounts into a renal diet. Recommended serving is up to one ounce or two tablespoons for most of them. This will allow you to enjoy a little cheese in your diet without stressing the kidneys too much.
For those who just simply can’t resist cheese even with kidney disease, stick to the cheeses mentioned above if you’re going to include them in your renal diet. You will see positive results and it’s a phenomenal way to add some flavor to your dishes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What cheese can kidney patients eat?
Kidney patients may enjoy small portions of lower-phosphorus cheeses such as brie, cream cheese, goat cheese, feta, fontina, sharp cheddar, or shredded parmesan when approved by their healthcare provider.
- Which cheese is best for a renal diet?
Brie, cream cheese, and goat cheese are commonly chosen for renal diets because they generally contain less phosphorus than many other cheeses. Portion size and sodium content should always be considered.
- Which cheese contains less phosphorus naturally?
Brie, cream cheese, goat cheese, and feta are often lower in phosphorus than many aged or processed cheeses. Healthy Kidney Inc. recommends choosing plain varieties and keeping portions small.
- Is cheese safe for people with kidney disease?
Cheese can fit into some kidney-friendly diets when eaten in moderation. Choosing lower-phosphorus, lower-sodium options and limiting serving sizes helps reduce stress on the kidneys while enjoying flavor.
- What cheese should kidney patients avoid?
Kidney patients should limit highly processed, heavily salted, and high-phosphorus cheeses. Large servings of processed cheese products can increase sodium and phosphorus intake, making them less kidney-friendly.
- How much cheese can kidney patients eat?
Many renal diets recommend limiting cheese to about one ounce or two tablespoons per serving. The right amount depends on kidney function, lab results, and guidance from a healthcare professional.
- Is cream cheese good for kidney disease?
Cream cheese is often included among lower-phosphorus cheese options for kidney disease. Although it may fit a renal diet, it should still be eaten in moderation as part of a balanced meal plan.
- Can kidney patients eat cheddar cheese?
Yes, sharp cheddar may be included in small portions on some renal diets. Healthy Kidney Inc. suggests treating cheese as a flavor enhancer rather than a main protein source to help manage phosphorus intake.
- Why should kidney patients limit cheese?
Many cheeses contain high amounts of sodium, phosphorus, and protein, which may be difficult for damaged kidneys to manage. Choosing kidney-friendly varieties and controlling portions can support better kidney health.
- How do I choose kidney-friendly cheese?
Choose cheeses that are naturally lower in phosphorus and sodium, avoid heavily processed products, read nutrition labels, and enjoy small servings. Your healthcare provider or renal dietitian can help you choose safely.
