Low Potassium Diet
March 17, 2011 by admin2
Filed under Healthy Diet Naturally
I. What is it?
Potassium is one essential nutrient that the body needs for proper functioning. This element is said to keep the regular beatings of the heart, maintains fluid balance and then allows muscles and nerves to work properly. Potassium levels in the body are maintained by the kidney. This is why this low potassium diet is recommended for people who suffer from chronic kidney or renal diseases to keep potassium in the acceptable levels.
II. Why this diet?
Potassium levels in the body are maintained by eating foods rich in it. But, when these levels exceed from the normal, the body gets rid of it through urine. But, this may not be the case for all people. People with kidney diseases may find it hard to flush out urine properly because the kidneys don’t work properly as well.
With this, potassium levels in the body can go beyond normal which may lead to unwanted conditions like hyperkalemia or a condition where the levels of electrolyte in the form of potassium in the blood becomes high. This condition do not usually show symptoms until potassium levels become extremely high. To avoid further complications to develop like irregularities in the heartbeat or severe muscle pain or paralysis, one should consider having a low potassium diet.
III. Foods to consider
According to a low potassium diet handout, foods can be categorized depending on their potassium content. These categories are low, average and high. Dairy products like sour cream are considered to have low potassium levels while milk, soy and yogurt are said to belong in a high potassium food category. Other foods that are considered to be low potassium diet foods include blueberries, grapes, lettuce, cucumber, cauliflower, plain bagel, white bread, white rice, plain pasta and oatmeal.
For average foods, whole wheat, granola, crackers, apple, cherries, peaches, corn, carrot, pepper, eggplant, peanut butter and eggs are included in the list. Finally, foods that are considered to have contained high potassium levels include bananas, orange, kiwi, dried fruits, papaya, avocado, prunes, spinach, potato, broccoli, tomatoes, soy products, nuts, dried beans and peas. These foods are said to be avoided while taking this low potassium diet.
IV. What Now?
Low potassium diet may be very effective to people with kidney problems. This will help them recover from a malfunctioning kidney. But, some essential foods may be omitted in taking this diet. Consult a doctor for more advice on this type of diet.
