The Low Potassium Diet

Recently my 74 year-old father was told that his potassium levels were too high. A bit frightened by this development, especially since my father is generally very healthy for his age, I went straight to the Internet to find out the best way to treat this disorder.

Potassium is what is known as an electrolyte. It is an essential dietary mineral macronutrient that helps the body to be able to conduct electricity. It is also important in allowing muscle contraction and sending nerve impulses.

When blood potassium levels become too high, a condition called hyperkalemia occurs. This is an indication that the potassium intake of an individual exceeds their kidney's ability to eliminate it. Symptoms of hyperkalemia are tingling in the hands and feet, muscular weakness, and even paralysis. The most serious complication of hyperkalemia is the development of a cardiac arrhythmia that could possibly lead to cardiac arrest.

An excess of potassium in the body means that a low potassium diet needs to be followed. The standard recommended allowance for potassium is 4,000 milligrams per day (4 grams). The recommended allowance in a low potassium diet is 2,000 to 3,000 milligrams of potassium per day (2-3 grams).

Most foods contain potassium. Reducing the intake of milk, nuts, meat, fruits, and vegetables is essential in following a low potassium diet. There are other things that are important to consider when following a potassium-restricted diet. Avoid using salt substitutes, which often replace sodium with potassium. Also to be avoided are spices, and seasoning mixes which contain potassium. Fruits and vegetables should be limited to four ½ cup servings per day. Milk intake must be limited to ½ cup per day, which includes buttermilk, ice cream, and other milk products.

Foods that should be completely avoided include chocolate candy or beverages, nuts, and molasses. Fruits that have high potassium levels and which should be avoided are apricots, avocado, cantaloupe, honeydew, nectarines, plantain, and tangelos. High potassium vegetables that should not be eaten include artichokes, baked potatoes, French fries, potato chips, sweet potatoes, Swiss chard, tomato paste, winter squash, yams, and dried beans, peas, or lentils.

Other ways to help reduce potassium in foods is to cook frozen fruits and vegetables in water and then rinse and drain well before eating. All canned fruits and vegetables should be rinsed thoroughly before eating.

Checking food labels is essential. Ingredient labels should be carefully checked for ingredients that contain the word potassium since there may be hidden sources of potassium in foods, including artificial sweeteners. It is important to remember that most foods contain potassium so serving size is crucial.

The potassium levels in your body must remain balanced to ensure your good health, so remember to see your doctor annually and have routine blood tests performed as recommended.