People with chronic kidney disease (CKD) must limit the amount of potassium they consume because their kidneys cannot process it properly, and this leads to a build-up of this trace element in the blood. High potassium levels can cause irregular heartbeat, muscle spasms, and more. Low potassium levels can lead to muscle weakness. A doctor or nutritionist should tell you the exact amount of potassium to consume. High-potassium foods that people with CKD should limit or avoid include: nuts, legumes, dairy products, bananas, fast food, spinach, tomatoes, and more, according to medicalnewstoday.com.
Low-potassium foods are a safer option for people with CKD. According to the American Kidney Foundation, a potassium-restricted diet allows for 2,000 milligrams of potassium per day. However, a doctor or nutritionist is best qualified to advise people on their individual needs. There are many foods that are low in potassium. Eating more than one serving can turn a low-potassium option into a high-potassium snack. It is essential to stay within the recommended dosages. Apples, most fruits, including blackberries, blueberries, strawberries and raspberries, grapes and grape juice, pineapple and pineapple juice; vegetables such as carrots, broccoli, cucumbers; carbohydrate foods such as white rice, noodles and bread (not whole grains), etc. are recommended.
What is chronic kidney disease?
According to the American Kidney Foundation, CKD affects over 30 million Americans and results from the gradual loss of kidney function over time. Causes of CKD include high blood pressure and diabetes. Kidney function may deteriorate over time. It is possible for the kidneys to stop working completely, but this is rare. With the right treatment and dietary changes, people with CKD can lead he althy lives and avoid complications. There is no cure for CKD, but diet can manage symptoms and keep the kidneys functioning.
Most people control their disease with a he althy lifestyle and proper treatment of their underlying conditions: diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. In the early stages of kidney disease, a person may not experience any symptoms. When CKD progresses, it can cause fatigue, swollen ankles and feet, shortness of breath, feeling sick, blood in urination.
Potassium restriction in CKD
When the kidneys fail to remove excess potassium from the body, it allows it to build up and cause problems. Having high levels of potassium in the blood is called hyperkalemia. High potassium levels usually build up gradually. Symptoms of high potassium levels include muscle weakness, stiffness, numbness, nausea. These symptoms are life-threatening and one should seek immediate medical attention. Therefore, people with chronic kidney disease should control the amount of potassium they take in with food. It is essential for them to see their doctor regularly to monitor their kidney function. A consultation with a nutritionist, who will create an individual diet for the patient, can also help.
