Phosphorus is essential for the functioning of the body. It can be obtained from different food items. The phosphorus that we consume is present in the form of phosphate. Phosphate consists of oxygen and phosphorus. The size of the molecule thus forms large. 85% of phosphorus is present in our bones and teeth, and our kidneys process it. Other minerals also take care of the cells and tissues, their growth, and repair. It is very rare to notice the phosphorus deficiency in our body. The lack of phosphorus can be seen inside our body when it begins to lose some vital minerals. Some medical conditions, like alcoholism and diabetes, also contribute to a deficiency of phosphorus. Eating disorders and poor dietary patterns also lead to deficiency. A severe decrease in the phosphorus (i.e., less than 1mg/dL) can lead to heart failure, seizures, respiratory failure, coma, etc.
As mentioned above, phosphorus is related to bones and kidneys. It keeps bones healthy, and the kidney helps in the processing of phosphorus. The kidney removes extra phosphorus from the blood. If left untreated extra phosphorus can make our bones weak by pulling calcium out of them. In chronic kidney disease, our kidneys become unable to remove this phosphorus.
Symptoms of phosphorus deficiency
When your body starts to lose the needed amount of phosphorus, you may experience specific bone-related symptoms. Phosphorus deficiency does not occur only when you have insufficient phosphorus in your body, but also, if your body is not utilizing it correctly. Bone diseases like rickets and osteomalacia may affect children and adults, respectively. Some symptoms of phosphorus deficiency include joint stiffness, anxiety, irritability, numbness, weakness, fatigue, irregular breathing, and change in body weight. Also, loss of phosphorus leads to abnormal growth in children and issues with tooth development and bones.
Causes of phosphorus deficiency
Our body obtains the required phosphorus from the food we eat in the form of phosphate. There can be certain situations when our body is unable to absorb phosphorus, and sometimes the body is just unable to use the mineral already present inside the body. Despite any reason, our body will develop a phosphorus deficiency called hypophosphatemia. Some causes lead to phosphorus deficiency in the human body. The objectives are as follows-
Inherited disorders- Some genetic disorders cause the problem to the body in phosphate regulation. These genetic disorders excrete excessive amounts of phosphorus in urine and do not absorb the minerals from food.
Alcoholism- The alcoholic needs to quit or put a limit on his drinking habit, as it may cause a long term disease to him. Intake of alcohol causes an imbalance in the electrolytes. It causes an acid-base disturbance in the person.
Starvation- It is unbelievable how phosphorus deficiency is rare, even if the person is unable to get enough of it from their diet. In this situation, the body uses up what is already present in the bloodstream. If you starve for too long, you may end up getting hypophosphatemia. Deficiency of other vitamins like vitamin D may cause problems to your body while absorbing phosphorus and other minerals.
Diabetes- There are chances for people who are recovering from diabetic ketoacidosis may experience phosphorus deficiency. In this situation, the body is unable to produce enough insulin and thus unable to break down fat in the form of fuel. It results in the accumulation of acid in the blood and eventually leads to phosphorus deficiency.
Anorexia- Anorexia is an eating disorder. There can be conditions when the patients receiving the treatment of anorexia may experience phosphorus deficiency. The treatments are high in calories but extremely low in phosphorus. It gives birth to the deficiency.
Recommended daily phosphorus intake-
Recommended value according to the age of a person
Age 0 to 12 months
275 mg
Age 1 to 3 years
460 mg
Age 4 or older than 4
1,250 mg
Lady who is pregnant or breastfeeding
1,250 mg
Phosphorus and kidneys
The primary role of the kidney is to regulate phosphorus concentration. The kidney ensures that the excretion of phosphorus content matches the amount of phosphorus absorbed. The deficiency of phosphorus is called hypophosphatemia, and an increased level of phosphorus is called hyperphosphatemia. People suffering from chronic kidney disorders use phosphate binders to reduce the absorption of phosphate from the food they eat. The reason behind taking phosphate binders is, phosphate is large molecules, and an abnormal kidney cannot process it properly. But sometimes the use of phosphate binders may lead to the deficiency of phosphorus in the body, which may lead to certain diseases. Also, in the situation of hyperphosphatemia, it is essential to control the phosphorus level. The imbalance of phosphorus can cause significant health problems, especially in the bones and other cardiovascular diseases.
Ayurveda and Kidneys disorders
Now, we have studied how the rise and fall in the phosphorus level result in some chronic kidney disease and other health problems. Timely treatment of such disorders is vital. Otherwise, it will cause end-stage renal disorder. In this world of thousands of artificial medications, it becomes quite hard to select the best as everyone claims to be the best. Even after numerous options available in the market, ayurvedic kidney disease treatment is a permanent solution to such problems, a permanent full stop to it. Kidney Expert Dr Puneet Dhawan suggests the limit of certain meat like turkey, pork, organ meat, seafood, etc. for the maintenance of phosphorus in the body. The phosphorus level of this meat is very high. Dairy products, seeds of sunflower and pumpkin, nuts, wholegrain, etc. are also rich sources of phosphorus. You should limit the intake of these food items if you are suffering from hyperphosphatemia. Also, you can consume the mentioned food if you are suffering from hypophosphatemia.
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