Parsnip Diet for Kidney Disease

A common misconception about the "parsnip diet" is that people have to eat large amounts of parsnips. However, parsnips are a component of a low-phosphorous diet (which means you won't be eating a ton of parsnips). The kidneys are responsible for regulating phosphorus levels in the blood, according to the Mayo Clinic. When the kidneys aren't working correctly, phosphorus levels start to increase. This can contribute to bone disease, which is a serious complication of kidney disease. Limiting high-phosphorus foods from the diet helps reduce the risk of these complications.

High-Phosphorus Foods

Eliminating phosphorus in the diet is almost impossible, because it's present in so many foods. Avoiding foods that are high in this nutrient, however, is possible. Avoid eating milk or yogurt; choose rice milk or non-dairy creamers instead. Choose cream cheese over hard cheeses, and avoid dried beans or lentils (try parsnip, green beans or broccoli as an alternative).

Organ meats, which are high in phosphorus, should also be avoided. Select lean cuts of beef, fish or poultry. Pass on soft drinks and chocolate and choose ginger ale and hard candies as alternatives.

Phosphorus Limit

If it's impossible to eliminate phosphorus from the diet, how much is too much? According to the Mayo Clinic, 800 to 1,000mg phosphorous daily is the threshold for patients with kidney disease. Use a small notepad to track your consumption of this nutrient and avoid eating too much.

Dietary Supplements

Reducing dairy consumption may leave a calcium deficiency in your diet, according to the Mayo Clinic. Talk with your doctor about taking a calcium supplement to fill this gap. Also, make sure your multi-vitamin or other dietary supplements don't contain phosphorus.

Other Dietary Changes

In addition to limiting phosphorous consumption, the U.S. Library of Medicine recommends that most of your daily calories come from complex carbohydrates. Calories from protein should be limited, and when eating fat, choose unsaturated sources.