Kidney Failure: Avoid High Potassium Foods

Kidney failure is the inability of the kidneys to eliminate all of the waste from the blood. When failure occurs, people receive dialysis treatments. Dialysis removes the excess waste by filtering the blood through a machine. Following a renal diet can help decrease the amount of waste made by the body, thereby improving kidney function.
Potassium is a mineral that controls nerve and muscle function. Most important, it affects how steadily the heart beats. It is also responsible for maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance. Healthy kidneys promote a healthy potassium level within the blood. In renal failure, potassium can rise to a dangerous level because the kidneys are not able to regulate it. The best way to control potassium levels in the blood is to avoid high potassium foods.
Potassium is found in many foods, but it is most abundant in fruits and vegetables.
Fruits high in potassium include bananas, oranges, papayas, prunes and cantaloupe.
Vegetables such as tomatoes, sweet potatoes and avocados are also high in potassium.
Other high potassium foods include milk, yogurt, nuts, peanut butter, chocolate, dried peas and beans, turkey and salmon. While these foods do not have to be completely avoided, smaller portions and moderation are recommended.
A renal patient should consume a variety of foods, but in moderation. Several low potassium foods can be used in place of high potassium foods. For example, a patient may eat apples instead of cantaloupe or cucumbers in place of broccoli.
If you would like to know more about kidney failure management, please email to khkpcn@hotmail.com.