Potassium Fact Sheet

What is potassium and why is it important to you?

Potassium is a mineral found in many of the foods you eat. It plays a role in keeping your heartbeat regular and your muscles working right. It is the job of healthy kidneys to keep the right amount of potassium in your body. However, when your kidneys are not healthy, you often need to limit certain foods that can increase the potassium in your blood to a dangerous level. You may feel some weakness, numbness and tingling if your potassium is at a high level. If your potassium becomes too high, it can cause an irregular heartbeat or a heart attack.

What is a safe level of potassium in my blood?

If it is 3.5-5.0……………………You are in the SAFE zone

If it is 5.1-6.0……………………You are in the CAUTION zone

If it is higher than 6.0……………..You are in the DANGER zone

How can I keep my potassium level from getting too high?

• You should limit foods that are high in potassium. Your renal dietitian will help you plan your diet so you are getting the right amount of potassium.
• Eat a variety of foods but in moderation.
• If you want to include some high potassium vegetable in your diet, leach them before using. Leaching is a process by which some potassium can be pulled out of the vegetable. Your dietitian can tell you how this is done and how much leached high potassium vegetables can be safely included in your diet.
• Do not drink or use the liquid from canned fruits and vegetables, or the juices from cooked meat.
• Remember that almost all foods have some potassium. The size of the serving is very important. A large amount of a low potassium food can turn into a high- potassium food.