High phosphate diet impacts nervous system, induces hypertension

Medical Xpress / UT Southwestern Medical Center / Circulation ^ | June 30, 2025 | Han-Kyul Kim et al

[ConservativeMind]

Diets rich in phosphate additives, commonly found in processed foods, can increase blood pressure by triggering a brain signaling pathway and overactivating the sympathetic nervous system that regulates cardiovascular function, researchers discovered. Their findings could lead to treatment strategies for patients with hypertension caused by overconsumption of foods containing high levels of phosphates.

"This research uncovers a previously unrecognized brain-mediated mechanism by which high dietary phosphate intake promotes hypertension and sympathetic overactivation, highlighting central fibroblast growth factor receptor signaling as a novel therapeutic target," said Han Kyul Kim, Ph.D.

Inorganic phosphate is often used as a preservative or flavor enhancer in packaged foods, processed meats, and other dietary staples. As a result, the study reports, the average adult in developed countries consumes phosphate far above the recommended daily allowance.

Following excessive phosphate intake, circulating fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF23) can enter the brain and induce hypertension, Dr. Kim and his colleagues report in their study. The research outlines a new paradigm for this previously unclear mechanism and identifies a potential target for developing treatment strategies.

Hypertension occurs when the pressure that pushes against a patient's arterial walls is too high.

Researchers ran a series of tests that measured and compared FGF23 protein levels, mean arterial pressure, and renal sympathetic nerve activity in rats receiving a high (1.2%) phosphate diet and another group on a normal (0.6%) phosphate diet. The measurement was repeated during stress response to exercise by stimulation of the spinal cord.

Researchers found that those on the high phosphate diet showed increased levels of FGF23 protein in their serum, cerebrospinal fluid, and brain stem, and that FGF23 proteins were able to cross the blood-brain barrier, causing high blood pressure both at rest and during physical stress.

[ConservativeMind]

Phosphates higher than normal appear to increase blood pressure through now identified pathways.

Don’t eat processed meats.

[ConservativeMind]

The “Take Charge Of Your Health” Ping List
This high volume ping list is for health articles and studies which describe something you or your doctor, when informed, may be able to immediately implement for your benefit.

Email me to get on either the “Common/Top Issues” (20 - 25% fewer pings) or “Everything” list.

[Jonty30]

Also damages the kidneys, my sister found out to her dismay.

[LittleBillyInfidel]

Anything PHOS-— should be avoided.

[waterhill]

I just got a hankering for a rotisserie chicken from walmart...

[Blue Highway]

Is canned tuna safe?

[Flaming Conservative]

Is it something RFKjr is trying to get rid of?

[ProtectOurFreedom]

Category	Examples	Notes/Why High in Inorganic Phosphate
Processed Meats	Bacon, bologna, chicken nuggets, deli meats (e.g., ham, sausages), hot dogs, processed beef, lamb, pork, and chicken products	Often injected or marinated with phosphate additives to retain moisture and prevent discoloration.
Dairy Products	Processed cheeses (e.g., American cheese, cheese spreads, block cheese products), macaroni & cheese, alfredo sauce, pudding, non-dairy creamers, milkshakes, ice cream bars	Contain added phosphates like disodium phosphate for thickening and preservation.
Beverages	Cola and pepper-type sodas, bottled iced teas, fruit punch, energy or sports drinks, flavored waters, powdered drink mixes, beer, wine	Phosphoric acid and other phosphate salts are added for flavor and acidity.
Baked Goods and Mixes	Packaged breads, cakes, cookies, pastries, donuts, pancake and waffle mixes, quick bread mixes, bran muffins	Leavening agents like sodium acid pyrophosphate are commonly added.
Fast and Convenience Foods	Pizza, frozen meals, canned fish, cheesy snacks, cereals, chocolate and caramels, bran cereals	Processed for longer shelf life with additives like monopotassium phosphate.
Seafood	Some frozen or processed seafood (e.g., scallops, shrimp with additives)	Phosphate salts added to prevent drying out and improve appearance.

[irishjuggler]

That reads like my weekly menu.

[Pocketdoor]

Didn’t see MSG on there. Asians use it quite a bit. Ive started using it also. Makes things tasty.

[wardaddy]

My 17-year-old son has been harping on this several years

[Bullish]

Does that mean beef jerky and slim Jims are off the menu?

[jmacusa]

Oh yeah. Kiss that stuff good bye.

“The truly fun things in life are either illegal, immoral or fattening’’.- W,C, Fields.

[jmacusa]

And biscuits for the gravy.

[jonrick46]

Something as American as hot dogs?

[Larry Lucido]

[sten]

my common foods seem to be the problem:
- deli meat (turkey)
- canned fish (tuna)
- hotdog
- cheese
- bread
- grits (oatmeal?)
- diet soda
- fruit punch... cranberry juice?
- pizza

it doesn’t leave much to eat:
- potato
- rice
- beans
- fresh vegetables
- steak
- chicken
- water

‘chicken products’... i’m guessing that doesn’t include fresh chicken breast.

turns out the standard New England ‘meat & potatoes’ is the way to go

[Bethaneidh]

Eating for content ant not taste is the key. Yet a lot of healthy things are very delicious; eggs, bacon, grass fed meats...

[Freee-dame]

I don’t see an end of Sarcasm symbol on your comment.

If you’re actually serious, please do some research on MSG. It has many different names to try to fool us.

[Chickensoup]

You know i have a cook book from my local county extention office that shows how to make homemade quick mixes.

No additives.

Used it when I had a house full.

Also would make good gifts