Potassium Restricted Diet

Although, potassium is crucial for proper coordination between nerves and muscles, some are advised to follow a potassium restricted diet. It is observed that the kidneys do the job of filtering surplus potassium from the blood. This is possible only in the case of healthy kidney function. However, people with kidney diseases have a high chance of suffering from high potassium symptoms. Hence, these patients are recommended to minimize intake of potassium. Knowing a low potassium diet handout will also be helpful in preparing a low potassium diet plan.

Potassium Restricted Diet

Foods to Avoid

Vegetables
Quite a few vegetables are found to be a good source of potassium. These have to be avoided, intake of which may lead to elevated potassium levels in people with kidney disorders. They are mentioned below:

• Beans
• Winter squash
• Lentils
• Artichokes
• Asparagus
• Brussels sprouts
• Tomatoes
• Spinach
• Mushrooms
• Yams
• Pumpkin
• Swiss chard
• Parsnips

Fruits

• Cantaloupe
• Banana
• Apricots
• Avocado
• Plantain
• Apricots
• Mangoes
• Honeydew
• Nectarine
• Kiwi
• Raisins
• Papaya
• Figs
• Dried fruits
• Oranges

Foods to Include
Foods that contain relatively low amounts of potassium can certainly be included in the diet recommended for patients with kidney impairments. It is mentioned below:

Vegetables
Hunting for low potassium vegetables? Well, there are innumerable choices that can be helpful to maintain a low potassium diet. There is no need to really worry about hyperkalemia (high potassium) if the following medium to low potassium vegetables are given priority in the diet.

• Cauliflower
• Cucumbers
• Cabbage
• Radish
• Turnips
• Turnip greens
• Zucchini
• Onion
• Kale
• Iceberg lettuce

Fruits

• Apples
• Peaches
• Berries that include blueberries and strawberries
• Watermelon
• Plums
• Pineapple
• Applesauce

Other Food Items
Those diagnosed with kidney diseases are often advised to stay away from chocolates. The reason is simple; Chocolates contain a great deal of potassium and eating them can increase the burden of kidneys that are already working inefficiently. Nuts that include walnuts, almonds and cashew nuts also are excluded from the diet as they contain potassium in significant amounts. Salty chips as well as salt substitutes have high potassium content and therefore need to be discarded from the diet. However, certain herbal recipes act as natural salt substitutes and so can be included in the diet. Meats that includes lean beef, roasted turkey as well as dark meat should also not be consumed.

Foods to be Eaten in Moderation
Apart from vegetables and fruits, there are foodstuffs and beverages that are rich in potassium. Whether it is cow's milk or soy milk, potassium content is always high in any type of milk. However, avoiding milk can deprive patients of other essential nutrients and so it is recommended to minimize intake of milk and other dairy products. So, having just half a cup of milk and yogurt is recommended to maintain healthy potassium levels in these patients. A point to note that although the aforementioned vegetables and fruits are low in potassium, indulgence must be avoided. Eating them in moderate amounts, which means restricting intake to just half a cup is essential to keep health in good condition.

Keep in mind following a potassium restricted diet is imperative for patients with serious kidney problems. This will ensure that blood potassium levels remain healthy and the kidney function does not deteriorate further.