Research shows that plant-based diets may prevent and slow the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD), type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. Unfortunately, many CKD patients are discouraged from following them due to the risk of potassium buildup that their kidneys can’t process.  

In the National Kidney Foundation’s Hot Topics in Kidney Health podcast, Jessianna Saville, a kidney dietitian, discusses potassium and gives the scoop on plant-based diets in patients with CKD.* 

https://hottopicsinkidneyhealth.podbean.com/e/how-potassium-affects-kidney-patients/

What is potassium?

Potassium is a mineral found in a variety of different types of food that help to manage your heartbeat and keep your muscles working correctly. Potassium can be a concern with CKD patients as the kidneys may not be able to filter potassium properly and ensure a safe balance. Too much or too little potassium in the body can lead to severe problems. 

“Potassium is actually a really helpful nutrient because it helps with blood pressure,” Saville said. “You have to be mindful because too much could stop your heart and too little can cause cramps on dialysis and other problems. It’s a nutrient you need some of.”

For kidney patients, particularly those in the late stages of CKD, regular blood work will help monitor potassium levels and determine if changes to diet or medications are needed. 

How much potassium is okay to eat?

Individuals on potassium restrictions are often encouraged to consume less than 2000 milligrams per day. According to Saville, however, potassium recommendations should be individualized. The amount you need will vary depending on your lab work, stage of kidney disease, and other health conditions.  

“You don’t have to cut potassium out just because you’re on dialysis or your kidneys don’t work,” Saville said. “That is amazing because that has allowed a lot of people to increase the variety in their diet and add back in things that they thought were bad.”

What are the symptoms of high potassium?

For some CKD patients, the risk of high potassium is a real concern. High potassium levels can negatively impact your nerves and muscles. Some symptoms you may experience include:

• Muscle weakness
• Numbness
• Tingling
• Nausea
• Other unusual feelings

If high potassium levels come on suddenly, you may feel:

• Heart palpitations
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting

How can a CKD patient follow a plant-based diet safely?

Despite individual dangers, plant-based diets can offer numerous benefits to your health over animal-based diets, including treating and preventing heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. If you struggle with high potassium levels as a CKD patient, working with a kidney dietitian is key. 

Typically, a dietitian will order blood work a few weeks after you start a plant-based diet, to check your potassium levels. If levels are high, you’ll work together to update your diet plan to one that works for your lifestyle and healthcare needs. 

Dawn Edwards, a hemodialysis patient, describes her experience after starting a plant-based diet. “I noticed some really excellent results. Initially, my potassium went up a little bit, but I talked to my dietitian about the types of potassium foods I should be eating. We’ve made some adjustments and now I feel great as a result.”

Don’t have a kidney dietitian yet? Find one near you.

*Potassium and Plant-Based Diets for People with Kidney Disease. (2022, September 20). National Kidney Foundation. Retrieved September 30, 2022, from https://www.kidney.org/newsletter/potassium-and-plant-based-diets-people-kidney-disease