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Is cottage cheese hard on kidneys?

Cottage Cheese and a Kidney-Friendly Diet Since cottage cheese is a dairy product, it is often limited in the kidney diet. This is because it is considered moderately high in potassium and high in phosphorus.

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Food Facts Friday: Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese is thought to be the first cheese to be made in America. It has become more popular recently as a lower calorie and high protein snack. This food has been promoted as an aid in weight loss and muscle building. It can be eaten in a variety of ways to help boost protein intake.

Serving Size and Nutrition Facts

A serving of cottage cheese is a 1/2 cup. Depending on the fat content of cottage cheese (whole milk, 2%, or skim), one serving provides:

90 to 120 calories

6 grams carbohydrates

12 to 15 grams protein

1.5 to 5 grams fat

90 mg calcium

110 mg potassium

170 mg phosphorus

It is high in sodium, up to 400 mg per serving.

Cottage Cheese and a Kidney-Friendly Diet

Since cottage cheese is a dairy product, it is often limited in the kidney diet. This is because it is considered moderately high in potassium and high in phosphorus. However, it is also high in protein. A half cup provides about the same amount of protein as 2 ounces of chicken breast (14 grams protein and 133 mg phosphorus). It can be a great option for a high protein snack or part of breakfast. The high sodium content is a concern. However there are low sodium or no salt added versions. If your blood pressure or fluid gains are an issue, it would be best to get the lower sodium options. When including regular-sodium cottage cheese combine it with lower sodium foods like fruit or fresh vegetables.

Ways to Eat

Cottage cheese can be served as a sweet dish or a savory dish. Try it with a variety of berries for breakfast or a snack. Eat it with vegetables, such as celery or carrots like a dip. You can use it in lasagna recipes and other Italian dishes with cheese. Mix it with your salad or put some on toast with berries or cucumbers on top. There are lots of ways to eat cottage cheese. Experiment until you find ways you enjoy it!

DaVita.com Recipes

References:

USDA Food Composition Databases: Cottage Cheese. https://ndb.nal.usda.gov/ndb/foods/show/45209909?fgcd=&manu=&format=Full&count=&max=25&offset=&sort=default&order=asc&qlookup=cottage+cheese&ds=&qt=&qp=&qa=&qn=&q=&ing Cottage Cheese. California Dairy Press Room. Accessed May 15, 2019. http://www.californiadairypressroom.com/Products/Cottage_Cheese Arlene Semeco. Why Cottage Cheese is Super Healthy and Nutritious. Healthline. Accessed May 15, 2019. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/cottage-cheese-is-super-healthy

Visit DaVita.com and explore these diet and nutrition resources:

DaVita Food Analyzer

DaVita Dining Out Guides

Today’s Kidney Diet Cookbooks

DaVita Kidney-Friendly Recipes

Diet and Nutrition Articles

Diet and Nutrition Videos

Kidney Smart® Virtual Classes

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment. Consult your physician and dietitian regarding your specific diagnosis, treatment, diet and health questions.

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What happens if you eat cottage cheese everyday?

Research suggests that people who eat protein-rich bedtime snacks like cottage cheese enjoy better muscle quality and higher metabolism. The high protein content in cottage cheese comes mostly from casein, which — because it's slowly absorbed — can build muscle just as well as whey protein.

Rich, full of texture, and packed with protein, cottage cheese makes for a wonderful snack. Sometimes referred to as curds and whey, this dairy product differs from cheese in that it’s not aged, but rather, sold and served fresh. It's also low in calories when compared with other cheeses. Cottage cheese has a long history as a power food. While various forms likely existed thousands of years ago, the product as we know it today first became popular during World War I, when the U.S. Department of Agriculture promoted it as a top option for consuming protein. The USDA’s goal was to save as much of the meat supply as possible for soldiers stationed abroad. After the war, cottage cheese remained popular as a diet food. It's popularity peaked during the 1970s. While cottage cheese has lost ground to yogurt, it remains a great alternative for diet-conscious dairy lovers.

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