Potassium is a necessary nutrient that helps the heart and muscles function properly. However, too much potassium can be harmful to the body. For those with chronic kidney disease (CKD), potassium control is especially important. It tends to become harder to control in later stages of kidney disease and for those on dialysis. The body has a more difficult time filtering out potassium adequately. As a result, potassium can become too high in the blood. High potassium can also occur from eating too many high potassium foods, taking medications or supplements high in potassium, inadequate dialysis or missed dialysis treatments.
Check with your doctor if you have questions about your medications or supplements. High potassium or hyperkalemia can cause muscle fatigue, tingling, numbness, nausea, weakness, abnormal heart rhythms and paralysis. Low potassium, or hypokalemia, can also be an issue. This can occur as a result from vomiting or diarrhea. Keeping potassium levels within the normal range can help keep the body healthier.
Normal Potassium Levels
Normal potassium levels are between 3.5-5.5 mEq/L. Potassium levels are checked according to your doctor or dietitian. Check with your renal dietitian or doctor if you have further questions about your potassium level.
Tips for Controlling Potassium:
Potassium is found in many foods, from dairy products and chocolate to nuts and beans. Following a low-potassium diet can be beneficial for those with CKD who have been prescribed a low-potassium diet.
- Avoid salt substitutes – Regular table salt contains sodium and for those with CKD, too much sodium can be harmful to the body. Many salt substitutes contain potassium chloride, which can increase potassium levels rise in the body. Try low-sodium or salt-free seasonings, fresh herbs, or other spices to add flavor to your food.
- Follow a low-potassium diet – Many foods contain potassium, but can still be part of a kidney friendly diet. Portion control and moderation are key. Consult your dietitian to see what works best for you. If you have a higher potassium fruit or vegetable, limit the serving to 1/2 cup or 4 ounces.
- Read labels – Check the nutrition facts label for the potassium content of packaged foods. Labels are required to list the amount of potassium in milligrams. The typical recommendation for a low-potassium diet is 2,000-3,000 milligrams per day. Be mindful of serving sizes and portions that you eat.
- Don’t miss a dialysis treatment – If you receive dialysis, it is important to attend all of your treatments so that potassium does not build up in your blood.
Natural vs Additives
We have found that foods that naturally contain potassium are a better choice, than those that have potassium additives. We only absorb about 50-60% of the potassium from food. With additives we may be absorbing nearly 100%. Something to keep in mind.
Lowering Potassium in Potatoes
Potatoes are both delicious and easy to cook. However, they have a high potassium content. One average sized whole baked potato contains about 900 milligrams, which is almost half of the daily recommended amount of potassium on a kidney-friendly diet. This article can show you how to cook potatoes to lower the potassium.
Lower Potassium Recipes
Use these tips and tricks for keeping your potassium within the normal range. Opt for low-potassium foods when planning your meals and try to avoid high potassium foods. Try these low-potassium recipes as flavorful alternatives.
- Almost Mashed Potatoes
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes
- Slow Cooker Pot Roast with Low Potassium Potatoes
- Sweet Potato Pie
- Picnic Potato Salad
References
- https://www.kidney.org/content/six-steps-control-high-potassium
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/hyperkalemia/basics/definition/sym-20050776
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/low-potassium/basics/definition/sym-20050632
- Picard K. Potassium Additives and Bioavailability: Are We Missing Something in Hyperkalemia Management? J Ren Nutr. 2019 Jul;29(4):350-353. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30579674/. Accessed September 4, 2026.
