From the Guidelines
To manage low potassium levels, it is essential to focus on a diet that restricts potassium intake to 2,000 mg per day or less, depending on specific medical needs, while ensuring adequate nutrition. When considering dietary adjustments for low potassium levels, it's crucial to prioritize foods that are naturally low in potassium. These include:
- White rice
- White bread
- Pasta
- Noodles
- Apple juice
- Cranberry juice
- Grapes
- Strawberries
- Blueberries
- Apples
- Pears
- Green beans
- Carrots
- White potatoes that have been peeled, cut, and soaked before cooking
It is also important to avoid or limit high-potassium foods, such as:
- Bananas
- Oranges
- Tomatoes
- Potatoes
- Avocados
- Spinach
- Beans
- Lentils
- Nuts
- Dairy products
- Whole grains
- Salt substitutes containing potassium chloride
According to the 2017 ACC/AHA/AAPA/ABC/ACPM/AGS/APhA/ASH/ASPC/NMA/PCNA guideline for the prevention, detection, evaluation, and management of high blood pressure in adults 1, and further supported by the 2017 ACC/AHA/AAPA/ABC/ACPM/AGS/APhA/ASH/ASPC/NMA/PCNA guideline published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology 1, dietary potassium is inversely related to blood pressure and hypertension. However, for individuals with low potassium levels, the focus should be on managing potassium intake rather than increasing it.
Leaching vegetables by soaking them in water for at least two hours and then cooking in fresh water can reduce their potassium content by up to 50%. Additionally, being cautious with processed foods is advisable as they often contain potassium-based additives, and looking for ingredients with "potassium" in the name can help identify these products. Drinking adequate water is also recommended unless fluid restrictions apply to the individual's condition. This dietary approach is typically recommended for people with kidney disease, those taking certain medications, or individuals with hyperkalemia (high blood potassium). Always working with a healthcare provider or dietitian to create a personalized plan is crucial, as the specific potassium restriction may vary based on the medical condition, medications, and lab results.
From the Research
Dietary Recommendations for Low Potassium
To manage low potassium levels, it is essential to understand the recommended dietary intake and restrictions.
- The World Health Organization recommends a potassium intake of at least 3,510 mg per day for optimal cardiovascular health 2.
- However, for patients with decreased kidney function, a dietary potassium restriction of usually less than 3 g per day is recommended to manage recurrent or chronic hyperkalemia 3.
- Important dietary sources of potassium include fruit and vegetables, dairy products, and animal proteins 4.
Reducing Potassium Intake
For individuals who need to reduce their potassium intake, the following strategies can be employed:
- Identifying hidden sources of potassium, such as processed food and preservatives 5, 3.
- Soaking or boiling food to remove potassium 5, 3.
- Classifying foods based on their potassium content normalized per unit of dietary fiber 3.
- Educating patients about the type of foods with excess potassium and the use of cooking procedures to achieve effective potassium reduction 3.
Managing Potassium Disorders
It is crucial to address the underlying cause of potassium disorders, such as hypokalemia or hyperkalemia, and replenish potassium levels accordingly.
- Hypokalemia can be caused by decreased intake, renal losses, gastrointestinal losses, or transcellular shifts, and treatment involves addressing the underlying cause and replenishing potassium levels 2, 6.
- Hyperkalemia can be caused by impaired renal excretion, transcellular shifts, or increased potassium intake, and treatment may include intravenous calcium, insulin, sodium bicarbonate, diuretics, and beta agonists 2.