POTASSIUM DIET

WHAT IS POTASSIUM?

Potassium is a mineral found in many of the foods you eat. It plays a role in keeping your heartbeat regular and your muscles working right. It is the job of healthy kidneys to keep the right amount of potassium in your body.

WHY IS POTASSIUM IMPORTANT FOR PEOPLE WITH CKD?

In some people with CKD, the kidneys may not remove extra potassium from the blood. Some medicines also can raise your potassium level. Your food choices can help you lower your potassium level.

HOW DO I KNOW MY POTASSIUM IS HIGH?

People often do not feel any different when their potassium is high. Your health care provider will check the level of potassium in your blood and the medicines you take. The level of potassium in your blood should be between 3.5 to 5.0.*

HOW DO I LOWER POTASSIUM IN MY DIET?

Use spices and herbs in cooking and at the table. Salt substitutes often contain potassium and should not be used.

Drain canned fruits and vegetables before eating.

Potassium Chloride can be used in place of salt in some packaged foods, like canned soups and tomato products. Limit foods with potassium chloride on the ingredient list.

If you have diabetes, choose apple, grape, or cranberry juice when your blood sugar goes down.

Choose fruits and vegetables that are lower in potassium. Having very small portions of foods that are higher in potassium, like one slice of tomato on a sandwich, a few slices of banana on cereal, or half of an orange is okay.

HIGHER POTASSIUM FOODS