7 Tips to Manage Potassium

Potassium is an essential nutrient that plays an important role in regulating the function of our muscles and nerves. It is a mineral that is found in many different foods, and is especially high in certain fruits and vegetables, dairy products and meat. People with kidney disease may need to manage potassium in their diet. High potassium, or hyperkalemia, is a dangerous and potentially life-threatening condition that can result in arrhythmias or irregular heart rhythms, and possibly even a heart attack. On the other hand, low potassium, or hypokalemia, can also have harmful effects such as irregular heart rhythms, muscle weakness, cramping, twitching and respiratory failure.

The most common causes of hyperkalemia include acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) (1). Therefore, people with CKD and people who are on dialysis must pay close attention to their dietary intake. Other causes of hyperkalemia may include dehydration, certain medications, uncontrolled diabetes and severe bleeding (2).

Hypokalemia is often related to loss of electrolytes from vomiting or diarrhea. Some diuretics are also associated with hypokalemia.

If you have kidney disease or any other conditions that affect your potassium level, these seven tips can help you maintain a safe potassium level.

1. Watch for Dietary Potassium

One of the main culprits of hyperkalemia stems from eating a diet rich in potassium. Foods such as bananas, oranges, tomatoes and potatoes have high amounts of potassium. Meat, nuts and some dairy products such as milk and yogurt also contain a lot of potassium.

Fortunately, there are methods to lower the potassium content of certain foods to manage potassium. For example, potatoes can be leached by using the double boil method to reduce its potassium content. For more information on the double boiling method, read “Lowering Potassium in Potatoes” (3). And for a step-by-step demonstration of how to double boil potatoes to lower their potassium, watch this “How to Lower Potassium in Potatoes” video.

2. Practice Portion Control

Another way to limit potassium intake is through portion control. By paying attention to serving sizes, you may be able to still enjoy some of the foods you like to eat while also being mindful of potassium control.

3. Try Plant-Based Alternatives

Beverages such as cow’s milk, and orange and vegetable juices contain significant amounts of potassium. Replace them with lower potassium alternatives including plant-based milks like rice, almond and coconut, and juices like apple, cranberry and grape.

4. Be Mindful of Potassium in Supplements, Salt Substitutes and Packaged Foods

Certain salt substitutes and supplements may contain potassium. Make sure to check the nutrition panel and ingredient list, and discuss with your doctor or dietitian prior to starting any type of supplementation. Salt substitutes that replace sodium with potassium are very high in potassium and should be avoided.

For packaged foods, check the nutrition panel and ingredient list to determine if and how much potassium is present. A high potassium food typically contains 250 mg or more potassium per serving. Knowing potassium content can help you manage potassium.

5. Attend All Dialysis Treatments

Dialysis helps to remove excess potassium from the blood and, with regular treatments, you are helping to keep your potassium level normal and your heart safe. If you are on hemodialysis, it is vital to attend all of your treatments. You can work with your dialysis center to reschedule any missed treatments. Home dialysis treatments such as peritoneal dialysis and home hemodialysis may allow a more liberal potassium intake. This is because these modalities are performed more frequently, so potassium does not build up as highly as it does with thrice weekly in-center hemodialysis.

6. See if Medication Can Help

There are medications that help to get rid of excess potassium from your blood called potassium binders, which aid in preventing the buildup of potassium in your blood (2). Talk to your doctor about these medications to determine if they may be an option for you.

7. Cook with Low-Potassium Recipes

Keep your potassium level under control by following the tips listed above. For delicious low-potassium recipes, try these!

• Low Potassium Style Fried Potatoes
• Slow Cooker Pot Roast with Low Potassium Potatoes
• Egg Muffins

There are even more low-potassium, kidney-friendly recipes on DaVita.com. Use the Recipe Search feature to find new favorites and sort recipes by nutrient level, including potassium, sodium and phosphorus.

References

1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/hyperkalemia/basics/causes/sym-20050776
2. https://www.kidneyfund.org/kidney-disease/chronic-kidney-disease-ckd/complications/high-potassium-hyperkalemia.html
3. https://blogs.davita.com/kidney-diet-tips/potassium-control-tips-for-a-healthy-life/

Additional Kidney Diet Resources

Visit DaVita.com and explore these diet and nutrition resources:

• DaVita Food Analyzer
• DaVita Dining Out Guides
• Today’s Kidney Diet Cookbooks
• DaVita Kidney-Friendly Recipes
• Diet and Nutrition Articles 
• Diet and Nutrition Videos
• Kidney Smart® Virtual Classes

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment. Consult your physician and dietitian regarding your specific diagnosis, treatment, diet and health questions.