Potassium

A low potassium diet is important for people on dialysis. This can prevent the side effects of a high blood potassium level, like weak muscles and irregular heartbeat.

A good goal is to try and have a blood potassium level less than 6 mmol/L before dialysis. You can ask your doctor or nurse to check your blood potassium level.

The best way to follow a healthy potassium diet is...

It is impossible to have a potassium free diet because potassium is found in almost all foods.

The best way to follow a healthy potassium diet is to:

1. Eat 2 pieces of a low potassium fruit every day.

Eg. Small apple, pear, orange or mandarin, ½ cup canned fruit drained.

2. Eat 5 serves of low or moderate potassium vegetables every day.

Eg. Broccoli, carrot, zucchini, peas, corn, capsicum, cucumber, green beans, lettuce, onion, cabbage, mushrooms, beetroot.

3. Avoid foods that are high in potassium and have very little nutrients.

Eg. Fruit juices, potato chips, chocolate, strong coffee, condiments such as tomato paste, coconut cream, liquorice, lite salt or salt substitutes.

4. Cook and prepare foods in ways that will cut down the amount of potassium you eat.

Eg. Boiling vegetables and then throwing away the cooking water.