For many with chronic kidney disease (CKD), following a kidney-friendly diet can be the most challenging part. You may be told by your doctor to restrict your consumption of foods with high phosphorus, protein, and/or potassium, but do you understand why? 

The American Kidney Fund (AKF) presented a live webinar by Dr. Kam Kalantar-Zadeh on potassium, which is key to proper heart function. Learn more about what was discussed, including why potassium is a concern, the consequences of high potassium, and how to improve your levels.* 

Why Is Potassium a Concern with CKD?

As a mineral and electrolyte, potassium plays a role in helping your muscles expand and contract. This function becomes vital with your heart as it is a muscle. Potassium helps to ensure your heart beats properly. 

With kidney disease, your body may be unable to filter excess potassium out of your body and it may build up. The high build-up of potassium in the blood is called hyperkalemia.  

What Are the Consequences of Hyperkalemia?

Some patients will have no symptoms from high potassium, but others may experience:

• Tired or Weak Feeling
• Irritability  or Anxiety
• Nausea, Diarrhea, or Stomach Discomfort
• Muscle Pain and Cramps
• Trouble Breathing
• Unusual Heartbeat
• Chest Pain

How Do I Know If I Need to Restrict Potassium Intake?

Your doctor will decide if you need to limit your potassium consumption based on: 

• Your Stage of CKD
• Your Medicines (as Some May Contain Added Potassium)
• Your Potassium Blood Levels

How Do I Improve My Potassium Levels?

If you have hyperkalemia, you can improve your levels by:

• Following a low potassium diet, which is around 2500 mg potassium daily
• Take a potassium-lowering prescription medicine, also known as a potassium binder

How Do I Know If a Food Is High in Potassium?

Potassium is found in many foods, especially in fruits and vegetables. A food with over 250 mg of potassium per serving is considered high potassium. Tomatoes, avocados, potatoes, and oranges are examples of high potassium foods. Getting a counseling session from a registered dietitian can be helpful as they can explain to you how to:

• Check for potassium amounts on a nutrition label
• Incorporate high potassium foods into a low potassium diet
• Substitute high potassium ingredients in recipes

Where Can I Get More Information on Diet?

If you are feeling overwhelmed by a low-potassium diet or a kidney-conscious diet in general, you are not alone. Continue to seek guidance from your medical team and write down questions as they come up, so you can remember to discuss them during your appointment. In addition, the American Kidney Fund (AKF) has these created resources to help:

• AKF Potassium Food Guide
• AKF Potassium Tracker
• AKF Eating Healthy with Kidney Disease

*Potassium and kidney disease: What you need to know. (2020, January 9). American Kidney Fund (AKF). https://www.kidneyfund.org/training/webinars/potassium-and-kidney-disease.html