People who suffer from kidney-related ailments are advised to follow a low potassium diet. In this article, we take a look at the various foods that are included in this diet as well as those which are supposed to be avoided.
Potassium is essential for the proper functioning of the human body. It is primarily a positive ion, which means that it carries an electric charge, just like sodium, magnesium, calcium and chloride. Our body needs potassium to:
- Regulate blood pressure.
- Help the heart to function properly.
- Maintain the efficiency of digestive enzymes.
- Aid the conduction of nerve impulses.
- Maintain electrolyte levels.
- Help in the synthesis of protein from amino acids.
- Maintain blood pH levels.
- Help in building muscle.
- Throw out toxins from blood cells.
Potassium is absorbed by the body from the food we eat. The normal range of potassium in our body is 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/l (milliequivalents per liter of blood). However, in some cases, the potassium levels increase beyond these limits, leading to a condition called hyperkalemia. This condition is characterized by symptoms such as slow heartbeats and nausea. Hyperkalemia can be caused due to various reasons like kidney dysfunction, adrenal failure, acidosis caused due to diabetes, massive tissue destruction and excessive usage of potassium supplements. In that case, a low potassium diet is suggested. Given below is the recommended potassium intake for infants, adults, pregnant and lactating women.
| Age | Potassium Intake (mg/day) |
| 6 months | 400 |
| 7 -12 months | 700 |
| 1 – 3 years | 3000 |
| 4 – 8 years | 3800 |
| 9 – 13 years | 4500 |
| 14 – 18 years | 4700 |
| Above 19 years | 4700 |
| Pregnant Women | 4700 |
| Breastfeeding Women | 5100 |
Breakfast
- ½ cup milk
- 2 toasts spread with 1 tbsp jam
Lunch
- A sandwich made with 2 slices of bread, 2 – 3 ounces of chicken, lettuce, tomatoes onions and mayonnaise
- 1 ounce unsalted pretzels
- ½ cup grapes
Afternoon Snack
- 5 vanilla wafers
Dinner
- 3 – 4 ounces of lean steak
- 1 cup white rice
- Tossed salad with tomatoes, onions and lettuce
Bedtime Snack
- ½ cup cranberry juice
Breakfast
- 1 cup watermelon juice
- 2 slices of French toast with 2 medium eggs
Lunch
- 1 whole sandwich made with 2 slices of bread, 2 – 3 ounces low-salt roast beef, lettuce and onion slices and 1 tsp mustard
- ½ cup coleslaw
- ½ cup canned peaches
Afternoon Snack
- 6 to 8 unsalted crackers
Dinner
- 3 ounces baked salmon
- ½ cup rice
- ½ cup frozen bell papers
- 1 dinner roll with margarine
Bedtime Snack
- 1 small bagel
Breakfast
- 3 medium-sized pancakes with margarine
- ½ cup pineapple juice
Lunch
- 2 cups pasta salad with mayonnaise
- ½ cup low-salt tuna
- ½ cup cooked broccoli or cauliflower
- ½ cup sugar-free vanilla pudding
Afternoon Snack
- 3 cups unsalted popcorn
Dinner
- 3- 4 ounces lean pork
- 1 cup rice
- ½ cup grapefruit juice
- 1 dinner roll with margarine
Bedtime Snack
- 1 small baked apple
Here is a list of foods low in potassium and foods high in potassium.
| Foods to Eat | Foods to Avoid |
Vegetables
|
Vegetables
|
Fruits
|
Fruits
|
Grains, Breads and Cereals
|
Grains, Breads and Cereals
|
Meat and Meat Substitutes
*Limited to 3 ounces per day. |
Meat and Meat Substitutes
None |
Dairy
*Limited to ½ cup per day. |
Dairy
None |
Beverages
*Limited to 1 cup per day. |
Beverages
|
Fats
|
Fats
|
Other Food Items
|
Other Food Items
|
- Boil the vegetables instead of stir-frying or microwaving.
- Cook the vegetables in a large amount of unsalted water.
- Peel the vegetables before slicing them.
- Limit the intake of milk to ½ cup per day.
- Avoid salt substitutes and artificial sweeteners.
- Avoid spices and seasonings that contain high potassium.
- Check labels before buying food items.
When it comes to making any changes to your diet, it is best to consult a dietitian beforehand. Besides following a low potassium diet, you should make sure that you check the potassium levels regularly to prevent further complications.
Disclaimer: This article is for informative purposes only and does not in any way attempt to replace the advice offered by an expert on the subject.