Cola & Dark Sodas

Cola & Dark Sodas
Cola & Dark Sodas — illustrative image
Potassium: LowerPhosphorus: HigherSodium: Lower

The bottom line

The phosphorus is the problem: phosphoric acid is absorbed almost completely, and sugared versions add a diabetes burden on top.

A healthier swap

Lemon-lime soda, ginger ale, lemonade or sparkling water — the National Kidney Foundation lower-phosphorus list — with water as the everyday default.

Understand the nutrients

Frequently asked questions

Is diet cola OK?

It removes the sugar but not the phosphoric acid. If phosphorus control matters for you, diet cola carries the same mineral issue; clear sodas and water are the genuine swap.

These pages are general education about eating with kidney disease, dialysis or a kidney transplant. They are not medical advice and do not replace your own care plan. Kidney diets are individual: what is right for you depends on your stage, your blood tests, your medicines and your other conditions. Always talk to your care team or renal dietitian before changing what you eat, and never stop or change a medicine because of something you read here.

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