Controlling your Potassium Level

What is potassium?

Potassium is a mineral that is used by the body to help muscles function properly and your heart to beat regularly. Potassium can be found in almost all foods. Eating the right foods, in the right amounts, will help control the potassium level in your body.

What if my potassium level is too high or too low?

If there is too much or too little potassium in the blood, the heart can beat irregularly, or even stop beating.

What about my diet?

Your dietitian will help you plan the food choices that will best fit your potassium needs. There are two (2) levels of potassium in foods: low and high.

*Please note: Not all foods are included in this list. Please ask your dietitian for the potassium content of foods that are not listed to know the right amount of the food to eat before continuing to include it in your diet.

* If the food label has potassium content listed, do rely on the food label for the amount of potassium. Pay attention to the serving size for the amount of potassium listed.

* Please check with your dietitian or doctor before using any salt substitutes or low-sodium or reduced-sodium foods. They can be high in potassium from added potassium salts. Some common examples are reduced-sodium canned soups and lunchmeats.

*Lastly: The focus of this handout is potassium in the diet only. You may have additional diet restrictions; Please follow other diet restrictions you may have. Ask your dietitian if you need help incorporating the proper foods into your diet.

What is a safe level of potassium in my blood?

• Low: less than 3.4
• Normal: 3.5 to 5.0
• Caution: 5.1 to 6.0
• Danger: greater than 6.0

A normal amount of potassium in a typical diet of a healthy American is about 3500 to 4500 milligrams per day. A potassium restricted diet is typically about 2000 milligrams per day. Your physician or dietitian will advise you as to the specific level of potassium you need based on your individual health.

Your recommended potassium level is ____________ mg per day

For more information on the potassium content of food items, visit the government website www.ars.usda.gov/ba/bhnrc/ndl . Additional websites can be found at www.renalweb.com and www.kidney.com .

High potassium (more than 200mg)

Moderate potassium (50-200mg)

Lower potassium (less than 50mg)

Special recipe to reduce potassium for vegetables

• Peel and cut the vegetable into small slices, strips, or cubes (the smaller, the better)
• Soak in a large amount of water for at least 2 hours
• Drain, rinse and drain again
• Cook vegetable in a large amount of water
• Drain after cooking
• Prepare for eating