This guide provides basic information to help you start regulating your
potassium level until your appointment with a registered dietitian, who is a
nutrition expert. These are general guidelines that may be tailored to meet your
needs. Please talk to your health care provider to make sure that these
guidelines apply to you.
Often, certain diuretics cause loss of potassium and so we encourage high
dietary potassium intake. On the other hand, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE)
inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), and aldosterone inhibitors
increase potassium levels and you may need to decrease this electrolyte in your diet.
Eating healthy often means making changes in your current eating habits. A
registered dietitian can provide in-depth personalized nutrition education to
help you develop a personal action plan.
Potassium and your diet
Potassium is a very important mineral that is necessary for normal body
growth and for building muscle. It helps the body balance acid and water in the
blood and body tissues, and it helps to break down amino acids and carbohydrates.
A normal potassium level is between 3.5 and 5.0 mEq/L (millequivalents per
liter of blood serum). An excess of potassium in your blood (hyperkalemia) can
have serious side effects and should be treated immediately. Side effects
include weakness, general discomfort, nausea, diarrhea, pain and muscle
weakness. These side effects can progress to paralysis, a decreased ability to
urinate and a slow or irregular heartbeat.
The kidneys usually excrete nearly all the potassium that is taken in.
Because you have heart failure, your kidneys are no longer working as well.
Therefore, you need to regulate potassium in your diet.
Tips to lower potassium
- Review the dietary guidelines and potassium source guide on the
following pages and limit high-potassium foods in your diet.
- Soak or boil vegetables and fruits in water to help reduce the
potassium content.
- Look on labels for symbols listed as KCl, K+ or potassium and
avoid these foods.
- Potassium may be used in some foods as a preservative or a salt substitute.
- These foods are high in potassium and should be avoided: salt
substitutes listed as KCl on labels, Ovaltine, light salts, coffee, sport
drinks, granola bars, molasses, chocolate and fig cookies.
- Keep a food journal to review with your dietitian.
Low sodium/low potassium dietary guidelines - Meat and meat alternatives
* Choose 6-7 servings per day. One serving contains 8 g of protein, 50 mg of
sodium, 120 mg of potassium and 0 g of carbohydrate