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Does anyone have a list of LOW POTASSIUM FOODS ? I have to lower my potassium, due to kidney disease.

By August 2, 2008 - 8:21pm
 
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I am a diabetic lady, just 70 years young! Very fit, but have now learned that I have (mild) kidney disease which manifests itself in too high a potassium content, which I must lower through diet, exercise and ?????
Any help will be gratefully received.

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EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous (reply to Anonymous)

Thank you - very much - for your lengthy and helpful list above, as well as to all of you who responded to my Potassium question. I guess I am improving my awareness of controling the Potassium - my last blood tests revealed "Normal Potassium" levels; now - to keep it up, along with all the other challenges of health, as one continues to try to stay a "Young 71!"

May 18, 2009 - 7:35am

Thanks for sharing. I am surprised that doctors don't offer more resources and direction on the "real life" information that we need, once diagnosed with a condition or disease. We are probably told about our symptoms and some (not all) treatment options, but not about how to actually LIVE with our diagnosis...day-to-day: eating, sleeping, physical activity, emotional well-being, etc.

Good for you for seeking more information, and being "armed" with it, before going to the doctor's office. We would love for you to write back and tell us how the doctor's office went. Plus, if you could tell us about "mild kidney disease": what is it, what are the symptoms, causes (if known), treatment options, how are you feeling about it, etc.

Thanks again for sharing!

August 10, 2008 - 6:54pm

Like Downshire, I just found out that I have mild kidney disease. My doctor only gave me a sheet with foods to avoid. Not telling me what I can or should eat. This site has given me a boost because I found the information I needed from www.kidney.org...I see my doctor tomorrow, so now I am armed with more information than he gave me. Believe me, I was not a happy camper with the news.

August 10, 2008 - 5:50pm
(reply to vikkipew8)

I, too, have had kidney issues, related to lupus. Your doctor is only giving you guidelines. You have to see what works best for you in your eating regimen.

Just remember that you need to maintain a healthy balance of all essential minerals. Ask your doctor for a referral to a dietician who can help you adjust your diet.

All the best!

August 5, 2009 - 5:58pm
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous (reply to vikkipew8)

I have lived with kidney disease for at least 25 years. I didn't have to start watching my potassium levels and phosphorus levels until my function decreased below 20%. Ask your physician what your level of function is first, before you drastically change your diet.

August 5, 2009 - 5:51pm

Go to Google and check Potassium Diets and you will get many plces to check.

August 9, 2008 - 7:45pm
Expert HERWriter

Dear Downshire,

I love the fact that you are 70 years young! I didn't even realize that if you have kidney disease, you should be eating low-potassium foods. I find that fascinating, since my husband has had to have a kidney removed. No one ever told him that he should watch the potassium intake in his diet. You've opened our eyes to something that we didn't know. I actually asked my husband when they removed his kidney if he remembers them telling him to eat low-potassium foods, and so now I'm on a quest, for you and for him! As Todd said, we need to get to the bottom of this. I'll try to get back with you as soon as I can, and as soon as I have some answers. Best in health, Michelle

August 3, 2008 - 10:40pm

Hello Downshire, Looks like the National Kidney Foundation has a pretty extensive list of low (and high) potassium foods. Low potassium foods include apples, carrots, corn, grapes and cucumbers. Portion size is important, however. Eating more than 1 portion can make a lower potassium food into a higher potassium food, they say. They also offer a list of high potassium foods so you know which to avoid. High potassium foods include apricots, bananas, cantelope and oranges. They even give you instructions for leaching high potassium foods so you can still enjoy them.

For a complete list, visit http://www.kidney.org/atoz/atozItem.cfm?id=103

August 3, 2008 - 5:41am

Hi Downshire,

I have forwarded your question to EmpowHer's community manager who will help you get the answers you need.

Together we'll get to the bottom of this.

Best of health,

-Todd

August 2, 2008 - 10:48pm
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