What Is A Low Potassium Diet And How To Tell If You Need One?

Potassium is an important mineral that is found in many foods that we eat on a daily basis. It serves many functions like regular functioning of the heart, optimal fluid balance, proper nerve functioning. Kidneys are responsible for filtering out substances. If someone whose kidneys are not functioning right or they are on certain medicines then they might have to restrict or limit the potassium intake. Like excess of anything is bad, potassium too should not be consumed in excess quantity as it might adversely damage your heart. If too less amount is consumed then the muscles might become weak.

Do you need to follow this diet?

person facing heart problems, Credits: pexels

If you are someone with weak kidneys or are on some medicines then you should definitely lower you potassium intake. If excess is build up in your body then it might even cause a heart attack.

How much potassium do you need?

It is recommended that your intake around 4000-5000 mg of potassium in your diet. But if you are advised to restrict it then follow the amount prescribed to you by your physician.

What you can do to avoid high potassium levels?

broccoli low potassium diet, Credits: pexels

A lot of foods have potassium in them. It is essential to limit your portion size as that is everything. Do not take processed or canned juices or fruits.

Foods that are high in potassium

dry fruits, Credits: pexels

Below listed are some foods that are high on potassium content. You should avoid them or limit their intake as advised to you.

Banana, dry fruits, dates, bamboo shoots, bran, milk, beans, orange, papaya, pomegranate etc.

What foods are low in potassium?

berries, Credits: pexels

Listed below are food that are low on potassium levels.  apples, all types of berries like cherries, blue and blackberries, apricots, noodles, pasta, cakes, cabbage, watermelons, pears, peaches

How to get some of the potassium out of your favorite high-potassium vegetables?

potato, Credits: pexels

Leaching is a process wherein you can reduce the content of potassium in your vegetables.

You may want to follow this procedure for potatoes, carrots, beetroots etc. Although this procedure does not completely eliminate the potassium levels, you should be wary of the amount of the vegetables you are taking in.

For leaching you can peel the vegetables and soak it in water. Then cut them up and rinse in warm water. Soak them in warm water for a few hours. You may change the water every few hours. Rinse them again and cook them in five times the amount of water.