Phosphorus is one of the most abundant mineral elements in the human body; it is essential for energy and metabolism and bone formation. It makes up 1% of our body’s weight. In short, we cannot live without it. However, in the age of industrial food processing, phosphorus is becoming more of a poison than a nutrient. Many food additives are phosphate compounds, and premade baked goods are almost always leavened with phosphate-containing baking powder. It is estimated that the average person consumes about 2-4 times the recommended amount of phosphorus (for adults) of 700 mg/day. I’ve listed 4 of the major disease conditions that can be caused or mediated by phosphorus overload.
- Osteoporosis: Bone is made up of calcium phosphate, and in the body, a delicate balance between the two minerals, Ca(calcium) and P(phosphorus, as phosphate, PO43-), maintains the integrity of these bones. However, if there is too much phosphate in the bloodstream, this balance is upset and the body responds by leaching calcium from the bones to even it up. Conversely, if you take calcium supplements without also taking phosphate, too much Ca can cause phosphate to leach from the bones, producing the same problem, which leads to brittle bones and osteoporosis. Most people consume too much phosphate, but certain conditions , such as Crohn’s disease, diabetes, alcoholism or celiac disease can cause phosphate deficiency. It is a delicate balance, and most doctors recommend taking calcium supplements as calcium phosphate in order to maintain that balance.
- Heart disease and stroke: Too many sodas can narrow your arteries. A recent study has directly linked a dietary excess of phosphorus to the buildup of cholesterol plaque in the aortic sinus, which leads to the coronary arteries. Arteriosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, proceeds from this buildup over a period of years and is the cause of most heart attacks and strokes. Sodas are not the only source of phosphates, but for many, they are a major overindulgence that can have many unexpected and undesired side effects.
- Cancer: High dietary consumption of phosphates is linked to skin cancer and bone cancer; scientists at Emory University School of Medicine noted that mice fed high levels of dietary phosphate formed 50% more skin papillomas (precursors of skin cancer) than mice fed a lower level of phosphate. They have also noted an increase in bone cell division and presence of cancer related proteins in studies looking at high phosphate intake. Other studies have linked low phosphate intake to a lower risk of prostate cancer and high phosphate diets to certain types of lung cancer. It certainly looks like a low phosphate diet can lower your risk of getting many types of cancer.
- Soft-tissue (ectopic) calcification: Ectopic calcification is simply the unwanted deposition of calcium salts in soft tissues and other inappropriate parts of the body. Buildup of these salts can cause vessel blockage, tissue necrosis and other degenerative changes often associated with aging. This nasty effect occurs when there is a high serum phosphate concentration. This state can be caused by chronic kidney disease among other things, or it can be induced by a high-phosphate diet. Calcification in soft tissues appears to be related to the loss of bone mass, so this and osteoporosis seem to go hand-in-hand to deal a double whammy of ill health to those who overindulge in phosphate-rich food and drink.
An obvious solution to the problem of phosphorus over-consumption is to eat more natural foods and avoid the overly processed ones, which can contain phosphate additives. Although certain foods, like legumes, grains and meats, are naturally high in phosphorus, these foods can be successfully integrated into a healthy meal plan if the excess from convenience foods is trimmed. So, lay off the soft drinks, leavened baked goods like cakes, pastries and certain breads, and choose natural alternatives instead. Not only will you lower your phosphorus intake, you might just avoid the scourges of the major diseases of civilization as well!
Reference:
- www.associatedcontent.com/article/8200567/phosphates_in_soda_may_be_culprit_in.html?c
- www.mayoclinic.com/health/food-and-nutrition/HQ01212
- www.livestrong.com/article/28689-list-low-phosphorus-foods/
