Eating on a low Potassium Diet (2024)

Recommendations for patients needing to follow a low potassium diet

Introduction

What is potassium and why is it important?
Potassium is a mineral which is found naturally in many foods. It is important to ensure healthy functioning of muscles, including your heart muscle.

Why is my potassium level high?
Normally, any excess potassium is removed by the kidneys in the urine. Unfortunately as your kidneys are not working well, the potassium level in your blood has risen.

Why is a high potassium level a problem?

A high potassium level or a sudden large increase in your potassium level can be dangerous, as it can stop the heart from beating.

How can I reduce the level of potassium in my blood?

• Low potassium diet - The dietary advice given depends on your blood results and medical condition
• Dialysis (if necessary)
• Avoid constipation

How long will I have to follow this diet?
It will depend upon your treatment. Some people will need to follow this diet long term, others will only need to follow it for a short while. Therefore it is important to see your dietitian regularly to review your diet.

What can I eat?

This is a guide to help you identify foods which are high in potassium. You are not aiming to avoid all foods containing potassium. A few simple changes to your diet can help to reduce potassium levels in your blood.

Cooking methods

The way in which food is cooked can affect its potassium content. When potatoes, yams, sweet potatoes and vegetables are boiled in water they lose some potassium.

Tips

• Boil all potatoes, yams, sweet potatoes and vegetables in large amounts of water until cooked and discard the water;
• Avoid using vegetable water for gravy, sauces, curries or casseroles;
• When making curry or stew, firstly par-boil the potatoes and vegetables. Then discard the water and add the vegetables/potatoes to the stew/curry;
• When making a stir fry, try to make sure that all vegetables are par-boiled;
• Ensure all vegetables are cut into small pieces before boiling;
• Do not microwave, pressure cook or steam vegetables or potatoes.

You can re-heat vegetables that have already been boiled.

Potatoes

The daily allowance is 3 egg sized, (150g/6oz).

All potatoes should be peeled and boiled before they are chipped, roasted or sauteed.

Alternatively you may choose a portion of boiled yam or sweet potato, instead of potato, or 100g/4oz boiled plantain.

Carbohydrate (Starchy food)

Most breads and cereals are good choices as they are low in potassium.

Vegetables and Salads

All vegetables contain potassium but some can be eaten in moderation.
The daily allowance for vegetables/salads is............ portions. A portion of vegetables is
approximately 2 tablespoons (85g/3oz)

Note

• Half a tin of plum tomatoes can be used per portion to flavour dishes, the juice should be thrown away.
• All vegetables when used in composite dishes should be par-boiled, and the water thrown away.

Fruit

All fruits contain potassium but some can be eaten in moderation.

Your daily allowance is .............. portions,

NB Starfruit can be toxic for kidney patients therefore it should be avoided at all times

Meat, fish and alternatives

Meat and fish contain a moderate amount of potassium. However because they are an important source of protein, they are not restricted on a low potassium diet.
Avoid adding fruit or nuts to main dishes.

Beans and Pulses

A portion of cooked beans or pulses can replace a portion of meat or fish for example, baked beans, dahl, chickpeas.

lf you are a vegetarian continue having beans and lentils as usual.

Dairy Products

Dairy products are an important source of calcium but contain potassium. They should be taken in moderate amounts.

An equivalent of 1/2 pint (300m1) milk may be taken daily. Milky puddings and yoghurts must be counted within this allowance. Soya milk and products made from soya should also be included in your milk allowance.

Eggs and cheese can be eaten as usual on a low potassiumdiet, but may need to be restricted if on a low phosphate diet, lf you are unsure please consult your dietitian.

Salt Substitutes

Most renal patients need to follow a no added salt diet. lf you need more information on this please ask your dietitian.
* Salt substitutes for example Selora, Lo Salt and pan salt are all made from potassium salts and must not be used.

Choose pepper, herbs and spices to flavour dishes.

* Foods that are processed are high in salt as are soya sauce, MSG (Mono Sodium Glutamate) and stock cubes e.g. Maggi and Knorr. Keep these foods and seasoning to a minimum.

Sweet Snacks

Savoury Snacks

Avoid foods marked with * if you are on a low phosphate diet.

Drinks

Alcohol

lf you drink white wine and/or lager, please discuss with your dietitian.

NOTE: All alcohol should be taken in moderation. It is advised that men should not drink more than 3-4 units of alcohol per day, and women should drink no more than 2-3 units of alcohol per day.

Eating out ideas

* These foods may need to be avoided or limited if you are on a low phosphate diet.

lf you need further information on eating out, please ask your dietitian.